Rachel Yohannan

It’s that time of the year again where our Little Red Dot starts getting into a festive buzz. That’s right folks, Christmas is around the corner and our island is packed with lots of merry fun.  From dazzling Christmas light displays and frosty winter-themed attractions to lively holiday markets, there’s no shortage of seasonal cheer. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas events in Singapore in 2024 for a jolly ol’ time. RECOMMENDED: Orchard Road's Christmas light-up returns with immersive AR shows and Christmas Wonderland 2024 has four times as many light displays as before      

We’ll be the first to say it: 2025 could not come any sooner. End off 2024 with a resounding bang with our compilation of the best New Year’s Eve parties and events across Singapore on December 31. Whether you’re dancing the year away at all-night raves, sipping on free-flow bubbly, or enjoying the breathtaking fireworks display with your loved ones, these places pull out all the stops for an unforgettable end to yet another thrilling year. Keep scrolling for all the deets. RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in Singapore and Light To Night returns in January 2025 with dazzling light installations

Ho ho ho, the merriest time of the year is here. Like the rest of the world, Asian countries are all geared up to turn up the festive fun, with bustling Christmas markets, carnival-like festivals, and dazzling illuminations everywhere from Seoul to Singapore – yes, even the tropical countries are joining the jolly celebrations. No matter where you are and what your budget is, these are the biggest and best Christmas celebrations in Asia that you'll want to travel for.  READ MORE: The best rooftop bars in Asia and The best restaurants in Asia

It’s the season of giving and if you haven’t already started your gift hunt, the best time is now lest you end up stuck in a last-minute scramble. Some say that women are easier to shop for than men, but with the sheer plethora of choices out there, this can still prove to be a daunting task. If you’re still looking for presents for the lovely women in your life – be it your significant other, mum, or sister – check out our list of Christmas 2024 gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their faces. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas gifts in Singapore for men and The best Christmas dinners in Singapore

If you’re a repeat visitor to Japan – as many other Singaporeans are by now – then you probably have some favourites on your must-eat list for each trip. But instead of queueing for ages at Ichiran Ramen, batting the hordes at Dotonbori’s street stalls, or going back to the same old fast food chains for the umpteenth time, it’s high time to venture out of the usual big cities and try something new for a change; We’re talking about exploring Japan’s less-frequented regions in search of the best gastronomical treasures that are unique to each area. Doing that doesn’t have to be a daunting task either, because things just got a lot more convenient with the newly extended Hokuriku Shinkansen route that takes you along the Hokuriku region – covering prefectures like Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama. The best part? Hokuriku is easily accessible from Tokyo, so you can book a flight from Singapore to the capital and traverse up to these hidden gems. Excited to escape from the tourist crowds, we hopped onto the high-speed Hokuriku bullet train and had a satisfying foodie adventure in Ishikawa prefecture, where we uncovered the local delights of Kanazawa, Noto, and Kaga. From the freshest and widest variety of seafood, to a highly rare breed of wagyu, and traditional sweets made using age-old recipes, here are the best things to eat in Ishikawa, Japan. P.S.: Food in Ishikawa aside, stay till the end to check out our recommendations for other things to do in the Hokuriku region for an all-ro

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali (or Diwali) is an annual religious celebration for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Singapore. For those who are still unfamiliar, here's an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about the occasion, from its origins, to how it's celebrated in the Little Red Dot, and where you can get in on the celebrations regardless of your background.We've also compiled some tips on house guest etiquette if you've been invited to a friend's Deepavali open house party for the first time and aren't sure of what to wear or bring. RECOMMENDED: The best Indian restaurants in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Little India

Our white Christmas dreams have come early because Snow City, the first indoor snow attraction in Singapore, has just gotten a fresh revamp and it’s looking dreamier than ever. We’re sure many of you have fond childhood memories of this snowy wonderland at Jurong, but what you’re about to experience is a whole step up from that through four themed adventure zones. RECOMMENDED: Trifecta, a surf-skate-ski adventure complex at Orchard and Top 10 trending travel destinations for Singaporeans in 2025, revealed

As one of Asia's most dynamic cities, Hong Kong is surrounded by a wealth of vibrant neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored. According to Time Out's annual ranking, curated by a global team of on-the-ground experts, these destinations promise a taste of local life with unique cultural experiences, exciting local flavours, and everything in between. While Kowloon City was named the coolest neighbourhood in Hong Kong, there are many more gems around Asia just a few hours away from the city. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. RECOMMENDED: ✨ Kowloon City: your ultimate neighbourhood guide😋 The best Thai restaurants in Kowloon City    

In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool. From formerly overlooked sub

Get your engines revving – the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2024 is just around the bend, and we’re all geared up to watch skilled speed demons tear up the track. Here’s a handy compilation of the most important points of info related to this exhilarating event, from who’s performing, to extended public transport timings, and how to watch the whole shebang. Plan your ultimate race weekend with this handy digital guide to Grand Prix Season Singapore 2024.  RECOMMENDED: Where to watch the F1 Singapore Grand Prix for free and The best things to do in Singapore this Formula 1 season When is the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024? The F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be held in Singapore over three days, from September 20 to 22, 2024 – Friday to Sunday.  Where will the F1 race be held? The F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024 will be held right in the heart of the city, covering a wide plot stretching all the way from City Hall to Marina Bay. View the full Circuit Park map here. F1 Singapore race schedule and practice sessions The first two days of F1 are for the practice sessions and qualifying races, which are more or less scheduled back-to-back from around 2pm till evening. The official big race will be happening on the third and last day. Wave hello to your favourite F1 speedsters at the Drivers' Parade from 6pm to 6.30pm, before watching them go head to head with each other from 8pm to 10pm. Who is performing at F1 Singapore 2024? There will be three days of live music concerts to entertai

Didn't manage to snag tickets for the highly-anticipated F1 race in Singapore? Grab your binoculars and a water bottle anyway – there are plenty of public places in the city where you can watch your favourite Formula One motorists zoom down the stretches and bends of the circuit, all without having to fork out a dime. This includes air-conditioned spaces too, so you won't necessarily have to sweat it out in the humidity. Plan your ultimate race weekend with this handy digital guide to Grand Prix Season Singapore 2024 RECOMMENDED Your ultimate guide to Grand Prix Season Singapore 2024: find the best experience for you

The highly anticipated POP TOY SHOW is back for its second run in Singapore after last year’s successful debut, at an even larger scale than before. And if you’re wondering what’s so special about a bunch of toys, we’ll have you know that this isn’t mere child’s play – the figurines under POP MART are considered designer collectibles, with some of the rarer pieces fetching up to hundreds of dollars on the resale market. In fact, premium tickets with priority entry to the event are already long sold out, which just goes to show how hot the craze is in Singapore right now. (That said, you can still purchase regular tickets for $32 here.) We braved the crowds and checked out day one of POP TOY SHOW 2024, and here’s the scoop on seven of the best highlights in store for figurine fanatics – from event exclusives to Mofusand items and adorable photo opportunities with your favourite characters. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg) RECOMMENDED: Highlights of POP MART’s newest and largest store in Singapore and The first POP MART Molly ‘Anniversary Statues’ pop-up is coming to Singapore this August

There's no shortage of ryokans lining the vast Lake Kawaguchi area, but if you're seeking one with Mount Fuji views, onsens, delectable meals and a convenient location, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou ticks all your boxes and more. It's located some ways off from attractions like the Music Forest Museum and Maple Corridor – which means less tourist bustle, more tranquility – but should you wish to explore those spots, a quick 10 to 15-minute bus ride will get you there in a jiffy. Meanwhile, it's a stone’s throw from the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for sky-high views of the area. It’s also not too far from Kawaguchiko station, but don’t you worry about walking over with luggage in tow, because the hotel offers a convenient free shuttle service to and from the station for all guests. View of Lake Kawaguchi from our room | Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out We made our booking via Rakuten Travel, opting for a traditional Japanese-style room (Type B – Kohaku) with futons, but there's also a handful of Western-style rooms with beds. Waking up to the view of the lake right before our eyes was unreal – and the private open-air onsen facing the waters was a real treat in the chilly weather. But don’t just stick to the bath in your room, for it’s fully worth experiencing Konansou’s public onsen, where you’ll be graced by the majestic sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Unwind in the onsen’s outdoor rock bath, sauna, cold tub and hot jacuzzi, and grab a complimentary pop

Here's the purr-fect free date idea for cat lovers. Cats in a Floating World is a whimsical feline-focused art exhibition featuring adorable illustrations by 14 Japanese artists. But before you walk through admiring the rows of contemporary framed pieces, you'll come face to face with a giant statue of a kitty dressed in a futuristic outfit, inspired by the significance of cats in ancient voyages. There's also be gachapon minatures of this endearing explorer cat at just $5 per randomised spin. This meow-nificent showcase will be running at the new I.F. Gallery along Tras Street until December 29, 2024. Find out more here.    

Teddy bear-themed restaurant Kumachan Onsen isn’t the only place to enjoy a cutesy hot pot experience in Singapore. Hot on the heels of that comes Singapore’s very first Miffy hot pot pop-up restaurant with adorable Miffy-shaped chicken collagen blocks that melt into a comforting broth. Pick from a whopping six soup bases and a variety of proteins, and top it up with some addictive finger food like tater tots with Taiwan mochi balls. You can even opt for free-flow bubble tea at an additional $3.90. This dining experience opens on October 15, 2024, and will be running at Taiwanese restaurant Wong Fu Fu for an limited period of time. When is the Miffy hotpot pop-up happening in Singapore? This Miffy hotpot restaurant will be around for a temporary period of time starting from October 15, 2024. According to a representative from Wong Fu Fu, this pop-up will run for around three months, so you can expect it to last till mid-January 2025. That said, there might be an extension of the collaboration if there's popular demand. Where is Singapore’s Miffy hotpot restaurant? The Miffy hotpot pop-up will be held at Wong Fu Fu, a Taiwanese restaurant located at 776 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198744. It’s a stone’s throw from the Haji Lane area, with the nearest MRT station being Bugis MRT. Is this Miffy hotpot restaurant halal? Wong Fu Fu is officially halal certified by MUIS, so yes, the Miffy hotpot sets will also be made using halal ingredients. How much is a Miffy hotpot set?  The hot

If you’re someone who wants to jazz up your computer station with a cool new keyboard, pay a visit to The Laboratory by Reformd. Think of The Laboratory’s ‘build a board’ experience as the tech equivalent of a Build-A-Bear Workshop; You basically get full rein in selecting the various components of your keyboard, starting from the base followed by the switches and keycaps. These parts are from a wide range of established brands including Akko, Gateron, Keychron, Monsgeek, and plenty more – mix and match for a unique creation that’s a reflection of your personality. There are all sorts of bases in different dimensions – from 65 percent to full-sized – made of both plastic and metal for different usage needs. As for switches, pick from a whole double-sided wall of clicky, linear, and tactile types. Expect an extensive collection of keycaps here, with designs ranging from food-centric to retro-inspired and cutesy cat- and hamster-themed ones. There’s even a set of mahjong-themed keycaps for fanatics of the Chinese tile game.

Bringing a slice of Japan to Jurong is Joya Onsen Café, the very first onsen complex in Singapore. Just like the real thing, it has communal baths separated according to gender, though couples can also book the private onsen for some one-on-one time. Once you've soaked your stresses away, put on a yukata and head on over to the in-house café for some refreshing Hokkaido milk ($5), ramen and udon (from $12.90), rice bowls (from 14.90) or desserts including seasonal wagashi ($6 for five pieces). Book your tickets in advance here and check out the latest promotions here.

Japanese-owned Nook Hair & Nail Salon isn’t just a place to get your beauty needs sorted. As its name suggests, it’s a quiet hideout where you can fully unwind and give yourself the pampering you deserve. Furnished mainly with wooden and brown-toned pieces, and accented with plants and flowers, the spacious Duxton shophouse unit just around the corner from hotel Mondrian Singapore Duxton is full of zen vibes. It’s tip top Japanese-style hospitality right off the bat, and each hair stylist here has their own speciality – be it layered cuts, dye jobs, or hair reconstruction treatments. Try the highly raved head spa treatments, which nourish and purify the scalp and come with a relaxing head massage that might just have you drifting off to dreamland. As a cherry on top, all patrons will be served a complimentary beverage of their choice, along with a little snack, which can range from flavoured popcorn to Japanese tidbits. Classic gel manicures start from $110 nett, and you'll be in great hands with a skilled Japanese nail artist with more than a decade's worth of experience. Whether it's trending 3D jelly designs, Pokémon-inspired art, or Christmassy bejewelled looks, she'll be able to pull off just about anything to your request. Eyelash extensions are also on the menu, with 80-strand sets priced at $80 nett. Check out Nook’s full price list here.

Offering manicures, facials, lash extensions and eyebrow treatments, Diown Beauty is a one-stop beauty salon for ladies to look and feel their best. What sets it apart from other beauty salons is its sheer spaciousness, along with the amount of care put into creating a comfortable environment for customers seeking the total princess treatment. Case in point? Instead of the usual sight of multiple chairs squeezed in a single row against a wall, the manicure area has just four armchairs in total – massage chairs, actually – each spaced one metre from the other in a two by two formation. As such, customers get to retain a sense of personal space even if the salon is fully booked for mani-pedis. Right in front is a massive 85-inch television to keep you occupied while your digits are getting their new coat of paint. The rest of the treatments are done in private rooms that come with a garden view. If you need to doll up post-treatment before heading out to meet your gals, feel free to make use of the vanity corner complete with LED mirrors. Pop by Diown Beauty’s Instagram page to check out their latest first-timer promos if you’re a new customer.

Popular Japanese lifestyle chain Tokyu Hands has undergone a revamp, and they’re now simply known as Hands across Japan and its overseas outposts. But a change in name and logo isn’t all there is to it – they’ve also revamped their selection of products in Singapore with over 1,200 new offerings, including items that are exclusive to our Little Red Dot. Some of these Singapore exclusives include premium stationery, specific ranges of the popular Lululun face masks, HARIO Immersion Dripper Switch coffee dripper, and adorable stickers that feature local motifs like the Merlion. If you’re a fan of personalised stationery, check out the premium Pilot MR3 fountain pens which come with Japanese-inspired designs and complimentary name engraving services. Of course, the usual favourites like Japanese cosmetics, kitchenware, plushies, and adorable collectibles like Sonny Angels blind boxes remain.

Unleash your inner speed demon and zoom across the tracks of KF1 Karting Circuit, the largest go kart facility in Singapore. Located within walking distance of Kranji MRT station, this sprawling space in the 'countryside' of Singapore boasts a 960-metre track with 18 exhilarating corners, complete with a snazzy lighting system inspired by Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Novices can race at up to 30km/hour without requiring a driving license, while seasoned motorists can take the advanced karts that reach more exhilarating speeds of 50km/h. The cars run on petrol so there's no need to worry about them needing a recharge mid-circuit. You won't be at the mercy of the weather's mood swings either, because these karts are safe to ride even in the rain – if you don't mind getting a bit of a splash, that is.  Prices start from $80 for a four-hour run, though members can enjoy special prices from just $30 for the same duration. Parties and large corporate bookings for over 100 pax can be catered to as well. Find out more and make your booking via KF1 Karting Circuit's website.

Cheery sunflowers are blooming at Changi Airport as part of A Sunflower Sojourn – a massive floral showcase boasting over 5,000 sunflowers of various species. Spread across all four terminals of the airport, these sunflower set-ups include towering floral sculptures standing up to eight metres tall, along with rare varieties of the flower including the red and yellow Florenza and pastel pink Strawberry Blonde. The joy extends outdoors to Hub and Spoke Cafe, which is serving sunflower-infused yogurt soft serve and butter toast for a limited period of time. Check out the full list of sunflower display locations at Changi Airport.

Local bakery chain Swee Heng’s newest sister brand, Toast & Roll, has just opened its doors at Jurong Point with unique bakes that are aesthetically pleasing as well as affordably priced. From pink multigrain animal-shaped bread ($3.80) that’s naturally dyed with beetroot, to fluffy Hokkaido Taro pudding rolls ($4.80), and toast (from $2.60) in special flavours like Taiwan pumpkin mochi cheese and pandan kaya with peanut butter, its trendy offerings are truly one-of-a-kind. This takeaway joint also offers more than what its name might let on – other items to try include the lemon glazed pound cake ($2.80) and cream cheese walnut macaroon ($4.50), among the 50-odd options present. Find out more about Toast & Roll by Swee Heng.

Parisian perfume label Maison 21G has a line of ready-to-wear fragrances that you can get right off the shelf, but it’s best known for its perfume customisation sessions, and for good reason. This is where you can get hands on and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your very own bespoke scent – something that’s unique to you, and you alone. An added bonus is that all sessions are private, so you really get to focus on the experience while  And if you think making a perfume is just a matter of mixing different scents in trial and error, you’ll be proven wrong in Maison 21G’s in-depth yet easy-to-follow perfume workshops. A session will first start off with a light educational portion, where the knowledgeable perfume experts will delve into the history of perfume as well as the different types of scent families. After that, you’ll each take a fun personality quiz, and a couple of fragrances will be recommended to you based on your results. From there, narrow down your favourites of the lot, and blend them together to your liking. As a cherry on top, free bottle personalisation is provided for a truly unique touch – what you get printed on your 30 millimetre bottle could be anything from your initials to your favourite inspirational quote or even a creative name for the original scent you’ve just come up with.  Whether you attend as a couple, a bunch of pals, or with your colleagues for a team bonding session, these perfume creation sessions are suitable for all. They’re also c

Plenty of big-name exhibitions have popped up in Singapore’s museums as of late; There’s The World of Studio Ghibli at the ArtScience Museum, the dreamy Monet Inside by Korea’s Groundseesaw at Parkview Square, and The Art of Banksy: Without Limits at Orchard, just to mention a few. But equally worthy of the limelight is a whimsical cat-themed art exhibition that has quietly opened its doors at a lesser-known gallery at Tanjong Pagar. Titled Cats in a Floating World, this free-entry exhibition at I.F. Gallery along Tras Street features works by 14 Japanese contemporary artists, all with their own depictions of – you guessed it – cats. Now that’s what you call a purr-fect date idea for feline-lovers.   Photograph: Time Out   The first thing you’ll see upon stepping into the cosy gallery is a towering statue of a cat dressed in what looks to be a futuristic metal helmet. This installation is from Kanji Yanobe’s Ship’s Cat series, which is inspired by how cats have played a part in exploration and travel since the days of old – as both companions and symbols of protection. You won’t be able to cart this massive figure home of course, but smaller gachapon (capsule toy) versions are available for purchase at just $5 per randomised design. There's also a tote bag ($35) featuring the same cat character.  Photograph: Time Out Moving into the rest of the space, you’ll find rows of framed illustrated works with felines all at the forefront. Japanese elements are clearly present thro

Camping at Marina Bay isn’t the only way you’ll get a good eyeful of Singapore’s New Year’s Eve countdown fireworks. To welcome 2025, there will be countdown parties at multiple heartland locations across the Little Red Dot as part of the islandwide One Countdown 2025 celebrations on December 31, 2024 – and some of these even come with fireworks. Skip the packed commute to town, and feel the community spirit as you usher in the new year at a location close to home in the presence of your fellow neighbourhood mates. There’s a total of 17 heartland locations with New Year's Eve countdown celebrations: Ang Mo Kio – hardcourt in front of Mayflower Market & Food Centre Bedok – Bedok Stadium Bishan – Bishan Active Park (Bishan Street 25) Boon Lay – Boon Lay Place Bukit Batok – SkyPeak @ Bukit Batok Bukit Panjang – Senja-Cashew CC and Pang Sua Pond Choa Chu Kang – Keat Hong Plaza beside Concord Primary School Hougang – open field beside Hougang MRT Exit B Jalan Besar – King George’s Avenue MacPherson – hardcourt opposite MacPherson Community Club Marine Parade – 46 Marina Crescent Marsiling – Woodlands Stadium Punggol West – Punggol West Community Square (beside Block 218 Sumang Walk coffeeshop) Tampines – Our Tampines Hub Festive Plaza Queenstown – outdoor space around Margaret Market Woodlands – Woodlands Drive 64 (next to Spectra Secondary School) Yishun – open area beside FutsalArena @ Yishun Each area will have its own line-up of live music performances, carnival games, and o

We’re blessed to be living in the modern metropolis that is Singapore, but sometimes, one can’t help but crave a change of pace and scenery. While there are plenty of top-notch hotels in Singapore for quick getaways, a majority of them are located smack in the middle of town – which doesn’t truly remove you from the daily hustle of city dwelling. But Singapore’s newest hotel resort located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is about to change the game. Helmed by the prestigious Banyan Tree group, the luxe Mandai Rainforest Resort offers a tranquil escape where you’ll be immersed in the beauty of nature while enjoying modern comforts. Here’s a first look of the eco resort ahead of its grand opening in April 2025. Photograph: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree Ever wanted to spend a night in a cosy treehouse? Your dream can now come true, all without having to take a voyage to a secluded forested area abroad. Mandai Rainforest Resort has a series of 24 Grand Mandai Treehouse rooms resembling seed pods, each with a king-sized bed, separate living area, and a private patio that opens up to lush greenery.  Next to the treehouses is a five-storey building with 314 rooms and suites, all of which come with views of the rainforest or nearby reservoir. There are options of various sizes perfect for couples, while there are also family options which come with a king bed and bunk bed. Keep an eye out for decor elements that pay homage to the forest’s biodiversity, featuring the va

With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, you’re probably planning to celebrate your final hurrah of 2024 at a rooftop bar or a restaurant with views of fireworks. But if a soirée by the sands – and not Marina Bay Sands – is more your jam, then Sentosa’s gotta be your haunt of choice this December 31. This year, the fun-packed island off Singapore setting off its countdown fireworks at not one but two locations, with one of them accompanied by a drone show. As a prelude to that, there will also be free movie screenings for the whole family and a bunch of high-octane beach parties. Where to watch New Year’s Eve countdown fireworks at Sentosa One of the two New Year’s Eve fireworks spots at Sentosa is Palawan Beach. Before the big countdown, cosy up for a free movie marathon (near the suspension bridge) with screenings of Minions: The Rise of Gru at 5.15pm; Pirates Of The Caribbean: Curse of The Black Pearl at 6.55pm; and Stardust at 9.30pm. All three movies are rated PG and are thus perfectly family-friendly. Make sure you arrive a little earlier to secure a good viewing spot, and feel free to bring along a picnic mat and some snacks if you wish. After the last movie ends at around 11.40pm, gear up to see a breathtaking 10-minute fireworks display as you bid farewell to 2024 and start 2025 with a bang. Simultaneously, Sentosa will also be releasing its countdown fireworks at Siloso Beach, and those who are revelling in this zone will also be treated to a mesmerising drone s

The year hasn’t ended yet, but 2025 is already looking pretty lit – quite literally. The annual light art festival Light To Night is making its return once again, this time bigger than the last with over 70 artworks and programmes. Now in its ninth edition, this large-scale stunner is part of the overarching Singapore Art Week, which celebrates a range of artworks and arts initiatives by talents from our homeground as well as around the region. Light To Night 2025 will span across the following arts venues in the Civic District: Asian Civilisations Museum, The Esplanade, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall – as well as various malls in the vicinity. That’s quite a deal of walking, but the good news is that the festival will be ongoing for three weeks starting January 17, 2025, so you can pace yourself with multiple visits instead of trying to rush everything at one go. With this year’s theme being ‘Do You See Me?’, expect to gain new insights on our community and its societal fabric, and come to a deeper understanding of diversity, self-identity, and having a sense of belonging. Photograph: National Gallery Singapore We know you’re itching to find out what this time’s vibrant installations will be like, so let’s dive right into some sneaks; One of the core works of Light To Night 2025 is Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest by local sculptor Han Sai Por, comprising six inflatable tropical ferns that glow in eye-catching hues come sundown. You won’t miss

After six long years of construction work, the sleek new Punggol Coast MRT station is finally open at the tip of the North East Line – making it the 17th train station along this ‘purple line’ that stretches all the way to Harbourfront. While the MRT station is already fully functioning as of its opening day on December 10, its connected shopping complex, Punggol Coast Mall, has still yet to welcome visitors. We expect it to be unveiled progressively before its official grand opening in March 2025, but in the meantime, here’s what you can look forward to there, including a list of already confirmed stores. When is Punggol Coast Mall opening? According to a representative from JTC, Punggol Coast Mall should be fully open for business in March 2025. Punggol Coast Mall’s open-air community plaza Punggol Coast MRT station directly connects to Punggol Coast Mall’s open-air plaza, where community events like performances and pop-up bazaars will be held. We already know what you guys are thinking – what, no air-con? In THIS climate?  Yes, that’s right folks. The Punggol Digital District is meant to be energy efficient so as to lessen our impact on the environment, and open-air common spaces are one of such measures. Not to worry though – individual stores will have their own air-conditioning, while the sheltered plaza’s said to be designed in a way that makes it airy and well-ventilated. Rain or shine, your hangout plans won’t be affected. Punggol Coast Mall’s 120 stores – confirmed

The time has finally come – as of today, the brand new Punggol Coast MRT station is now open, sitting at the top-most end of the North East Line (NEL), also colloquially referred to by Singaporeans as the 'purple line'. This puts the total number of train stations along the NEL at 17, spanning a total distance of 22 kilometres. While it’s not quite the level of expansion that was seen earlier in 2024 with the seven new TEL (brown line) stations, this one seemingly small addition makes more difference than one might give credit for.  According to the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, the opening of this new station means that a total of over 200,000 homes in Singapore are now within a 10-minute walk of a NEL MRT station. Trips to town – specifically from Punggol North to Orchard or Outram Park – will soon be slashed by 15 minutes, with a total duration of 45 minutes compared to the current one hour. Photograph: Chee Hong Tat Punggol Coast station is also of convenient walking distance from the future Punggol Coast Mall, set to be a one-stop hub for shopping, dining, and hanging out. While there's no known official opening date for the shopping mall at time of writing, its 120-odd retailers should soon be welcoming visitors in the weeks to come, so Punggol dwellers have double the reason to celebrate. It’s not just residents of this neighbourhood who stand to gain from Punggol Coast MRT station's opening, though. The train station is also a stone’s throw from the new Sin

It’s time to doll up with your best party getup and slip into some dancing shoes, because one of the glitziest parties of the year is back to help you end 2024 with a bang. That’s right – CÉ LA VI is hosting yet another dazzling New Year’s Eve party on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, promising plenty of rooftop revelry and unparalleled views of the countdown fireworks. This year’s theme is ‘Diamonds in the Sky’, so it’s your chance to go all out with the sequins and glittery makeup – more is more at this sky-high affair on December 31. Partying up a storm at CÉ LA VI’s club lounge is sure to work up an appetite, but you can always order yourself some contemporary Asian bites from the rooftop restaurant, paired with craft cocktails from the SkyBar throughout the night. Oh, and speaking of drinks? Each entry ticket comes with a complimentary premium house pour – just what you need to get that buzz started. When the clock strikes 12, welcome the new year with a stellar front-row view of the yearly Marina Bay fireworks illuminating the midnight sky in a flurry of colour. If this sounds like your type of jam, read on for all the key details including info on the dress code where to book your tickets. Are reservations needed for CÉ LA VI Singapore’s New Year party? You don’t necessarily need to make a prior reservation, as there will also be tickets sold at the door on the day of the event. However, as this is a highly popular New Year party, it would be best to purchase your t

Just like that, we’re reaching the end of another eventful year as we count down to Christmas festivities and New Year’s Eve parties. Looking back, 2024 had its own fair share of trends and crazes – with grown men fighting over Labubu plush dolls, to everyone comparing potong ice cream personality quiz result and a bunch of exciting concerts that gave rise to creative costumes and ticketing wars. What a year indeed. Now if there’s one entity that knows best about what’s been the talk of town, it’s gotta be Google – the all-knowing search engine that we turn to in times of inquisitiveness and cluelessness alike. Google has just released its annual Year in Search 2024 lists, so here’s a look at all the hot viral topics in Singapore across the year, from local news to movies and popular personalities. Photograph: Google Seems like Singaporeans are big on sports and politics; In terms of general searches, the top place goes to UEFA Euro 2024 soccer championships, followed by the US Elections 2024 and Olympics 2024. But zooming in on local news, the top five search topics in Singapore for 2024 are: Taylor Swift, CDC Vouchers, razor-toothed POP MART character Labubu, iPhone 16, and excessive heat (in order of ranking, starting from the highest). Yup, we’re pretty sure that at least one, if not all of these made an appearance in your lunchtime chats with colleagues or during hangouts with friends at some point of the year or another. Photograph: Google When it comes to home ente

What a way to end off the year. The Geminid meteor shower is coming our way this December 2024, and it’s said to be the brightest and most dazzling one of the year – even more so than the Orionid meteor shower from a few months prior. To ensure that you don’t miss out on this phenomenon occurring across Singapore’s skies, read on for everything you need to know including where, when, and how to best view it. What is the Geminid meteor shower? The Geminid meteor shower is pretty unique, in that it’s formed by debris from the 3200 Phaeton asteroid – unlike other meteor showers, such as the Orionid meteor shower, which come from comets. As these asteroid debris hurtle towards earth, they heat up and create a trail behind them, resulting in impressive streaks or ‘shooting stars’ across the sky. Often peaking in mid-December, the Geminids appear right near the Gemini constellation, hence the name. It’s said to be the most radiant and beautiful meteor shower of the year, so if you’ve missed other meteor showers like the Perseids meteor shower, this is one you’d want to try making time for. When can we see the Geminid meteor shower in Singapore’s skies? Though active between November 19 to December 24, the Geminid meteor shower is said to be at its peak between 13 and 14 December, 2024 according to The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore. This is when the Geminids are most visible to us earthlings, so mark your calendar for those optimum dates. What time is best for viewing the

Singapore’s East-West Line (EWL) got itself some bad press just a few months ago due to a major disruption caused by damaged tracks along the west end of the route. This rendered MRT train services unable to properly function between Jurong East and Buona Vista for almost a week, upending thousands of locals’ schedules and causing an uproar in its process. While everyone’s still poring over their Spotify Wrapped 2024 results, it seems like the East-West Line – also casually referred to as the ‘green line’ – is already eager to jump into its ‘new year, new me’ era. The east end of the MRT line is getting itself some brand new train tracks that’ll connect it to a new East Coast Integrated Depot that’s currently still under construction, and this is supposed to help improve efficiency of daily train processes for everyone. That said, growth lies within discomfort, and in order to facilitate these works, the East-West Line will be facing some temporary pauses and adjustments for a couple of days this December, from the 7th to the 10th. Here’s everything you need to know so that you don’t find yourself in a pickle when commuting to or from the east of Singapore. When are the temporary East-West Line MRT disruptions this December? The East-West Line will face some temporary disruptions and adjustments in timings for the laying of new train tracks at its east end this December 7 to 10, 2024 – that’s four days, from Saturday to Tuesday. Which MRT train stations along the East-West Li

Not too long ago, we wrote about the ninth edition of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards – with Singapore seeing 11 of its restaurants and bars making 2024’s list. If you think that’s impressive, then you might wanna grab a seat before you see the hotel-related counterpart to this luxury awards shebang that spotlights the finest establishments across the world. For the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024 – the 18th edition of the event – Singapore has a whopping 21 of its hotels in the winners list. Out of these, five of them even have wins at a global level. Fairmont Singapore is the world’s best Luxury Halal Hotel; Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard is recognised as the world’s best Luxury Serviced Apartment; PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering snags two titles as the world’s best Luxury Eco Hotel and Luxury Sustainable Hotel; PARKROYAL Serviced Suites is named the world’s best Luxury Contemporary Serviced Apartments; and W Singapore Sentosa Cove takes the crown as the world’s best Luxury Wellness Resort. There’s extra cause for celebration, because quite a number of the Singapore hotels in the list have earned more than one accolade to their name. Here’s the full list of all the hotels in Singapore named in the World Luxury Hotels Awards 2024, along with the categories that they’ve been recognised in: 1. Artyzen Singapore (Best Luxury Design Hotel, Luxury Lifestyle Hotel, Luxury Urban Hotel) 2. Ascott Orchard Singapore (Best Luxury All Suite Hotel, Luxury City Serviced Apartments,