The best things to do in Singapore this week (Dec 30-Jan 5)

You know what they say: the bigger, the better. And that’s exactly what you can expect this holiday season at A Big, Big World, running from now until February 16, 2025 at Sentosa. From festive carnivals to larger-than-life experiences and immersive events, the island’s newest takeover spans three locations: Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Sensoryscape, and Palawan Beach. Each zone offers a unique experience, including a vibrant festive carnival at Resorts World Sentosa, running until January 2, 2025, and a magical beachside experience at nightfall with giant floating, marine-inspired inflatables. Find out more here.

Get ready for a Wicked good holiday at Universal Studios Singapore as the New York zone transforms into the dazzling Emerald City, celebrating the newly released film, Wicked. Meet Elphaba and Glinda, and get a magical makeover at The Emerald Beautification Salon before striking a pose at the spellbinding sets inspired by the film. Over at the Far Far Away Castle, enjoy the debut of a magical projection mapping show based on the different worlds from popular DreamWorks Animation films, then race to the Hollywood zone for a steampunk-themed Christmas bash with roving elves, snowfall, and an all-new show starring the Sesame Street crew. The festivities continue with Mel’s Merry Mixtape, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive Christmas-themed treats throughout the park. Read more about it here.

For a countdown you’ll never forget, head to Orchard Road on December 30 and 31, where Good Night Fest transforms the iconic shopping belt into a pulsating party like no other. Spanning from Wisma Atria to Ngee Ann City, the outdoor festive market is fueling the night with treats and treasures from nine food and drink wagons and 40 retail booths. The excitement doesn’t stop there – dazzling festive lights, roving percussion performances, and the electrifying energy of the countdown will have you buzzing well into 2025. Best of all? It’s absolutely free and open to everyone, including the furkids.  Find out more here.

Who said the parties have to end after New Year’s? Head to Tuff Club on January 4 for your post-celebration celebration as Cvntessa and Fomohomo fly the acclaimed DJ Lady Shaka straight from her home in New Zealand to Robinson Road. The bold transgender Māori-Pacific DJ, who’s also known for her work with queer collectives like Pxssy Palace and Pulotu Underworld, has captivated party crowds with her dynamic fusion of club beats and Pasifika cultural rhythms at international festivals like ADE and Underverket. Also joining the fray are local legends Durio and C2AC so get ready for an unforgettable night, packed with high-energy performances, fierce beats, and an extra dose of heat you won't want to miss. Get your tickets here.

You’ll get the best views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks in the heart of the city, so why not celebrate where there’ll be front-row seats to the action? Revel all-night long at Capitol Singapore’s Glow it Up: 2025 Countdown, featuring groovy live performances by Madcap, a dynamic musical quartet who’ll set the perfect tone for the night. Keep fueled with delicious bites and drinks by Hopscotch, and don’t forget to snap pics at the glowing photo booth. Share your 2025 resolutions on the Glow in the Dark Resolution Wall – just be sure to stick to them. Christmas might be over but there’s still plenty of ‘snow’ to go around – or have fun with glowing face paint provided on site. Interludes will be filled with rounds of stage and party games – with attractive prizes up for grabs – to keep the fun going till the New Year’s countdown. Then DJ Heka takes over from midnight onwards with epic beats to keep the dance floor alive till late. Get your tickets here.

Celebrate the life and work of iconic American neo-expressionism artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who rose to success in the 80s at the movement’s peak. As the first of the Behind the Canvas series, the experience runs until March 6, 2025 and features his captivating sketches and illustrations interspersed with innovative elements of art, fashion, literature, and technology. Get a deeper understanding of Basquiat's life and journey through pages from his personal notebooks, never-before-seen artworks, and interactive experiences including wall graffiti stations. Glimpse into his early years as a budding artist and discover the events that led to his rise as one of the world's most recognised street art icons. Get your tickets here.

Get in some last-minute yuletide fun and Christmas shopping at Resorts World Sentosa’s vibrant Christmas carnival, part of Sentosa’s newest free immersive experience, A Big Big World. With over 20 brands offering everything from food and accessories to apparel and home goods, get ready to splash some cash this festive season. A fan of artisanal crafts? Shop Aerin Haus’s classic demi-fine jewellery or botanical gift sets from Wild Sen. Then fuel up on freshly baked lava cookies from Meltsbakes x Kottagestars with a hot cup of joe from Mad Roaster. P.S. Furkids can get in on the festive snacking too thanks to an assortment of dog-friendly treats from Imperial Doggo. Find out more here.

Close 2024 with a bang at Yuewen Music Festival here in Singapore for the very first time and set to take place on December 28, 29, and 31 at Sentosa. The exciting lineup features artists from China, Singapore, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan and Thailand, spanning across a mix of genres from pop and hip-hop, to EDM. Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience filled with stunning art installations and a vibrant entertainment market. If you’re joining on December 31, prepare for a breathtaking view of New Year's Eve fireworks and a mesmerising drone show to kickstart 2025.

Tickets start at $228 for a one-day pass, with premium options available for those seeking an elevated experience. Find out more here.

Christmas cheer takes over illumi, the world’s largest illumination event. Capture cherished memories at various Christmas-themed zones, like the ‘Walls of Lights’, where you’ll be enveloped in endless curtains of sparkling lights. ‘The Enchanted Maples’ is where you’ll find a Canada-inspired experience, complete with red and orange LED maple trees and Santa’s reindeer sleigh. Fancy a trip to the North Pole? Check out ‘The Infinite Poles’ for a breathtaking ‘icy’ landscape of penguins waddling alongside majestic polar bears and whimsical igloos amid an endless forest of shimmering stalagmites. At the centre of the experience is a magnificent illuminated Christmas tree adorned with floating butterflies. Your tots will love frolicking in nightly ‘snowfall’ sessions, playing at the on-site bouncy castle, and taking photos with Santa by a cosy fireplace. Find out more here.

It seems that our beloved airport is the place to be this holiday season, especially with the new The Gift of Disney Cruise Line at Jewel, inspired by the Disney Adventure cruise setting sail from our shores next year. From now until January 2, 2025, find Disney Cruise Line-themed installations, meet-and-greet opportunities, fun activities and more at Jewel’s Canopy Park. Frolic in the decked-out Hedge Maze or snap photos with all your favourite characters at stunning installations inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters. Don’t forget to redeem an exclusive Disney Cruise Line poster by collecting seven Disney Adventure medallion stamps scattered around Canopy Park. Find out what other activities you can expect at this Disney-lover’s paradise here.

With 2024 finally coming to an end, take time out (pun intended) for some well-deserved rest and plenty of fun at Changi Airport’s new waterpark this holiday season. From now until February 16, 2025, head to Terminal 3’s Arrival Hall for some wet and wild fun at the first-ever space-themed inflatable Cosmic Hydropark. Along with picture-worthy elements like giant UFOs, towering rocket ships, and inflated astronauts, the park also features a giant water slide and exciting water obstacle courses with fun interactive play elements. Little ones won’t be left out – they’ll still get their dose of safe fun in a dedicated pool separate from the big kids. Passes are available to purchase via the Changi App here.

Joining the list of best places to see Christmas lights and decorations is the 11th edition of Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair. It makes its much-anticipated return with an array of new immersive experiences, light displays, fun performances and festive celebrations for all to enjoy. 

Perennial favourite Blizzard Time gets an exciting enhancement in the form of a specially commissioned soundtrack by Singaporean composer-conductor Dr Darius Lim. At the same time, the magnificent 20-metre-tall Spalliera returns refreshed with a design inspired by the Italian Gothic architecture of the Orvieto Cathedral. That’s not all – plenty of photo opportunities await at Supertree Grove, with four times as many light displays as in previous editions. Find out more about what you can expect here.

Get ready to spread the festive cheer because the highly anticipated annual Christmas on A Great Street returns on November 9 with a stunning 14-metre-tall outdoor Christmas tree and several weekends of live performances, pop-ups, attractions, and more. This year’s Christmas on A Great Street includes the ever-popular Great Christmas Eve Street Party, two Great Christmas Villages, must-see outdoor augmented reality (AR) projections, countdowns for Christmas and the New Year, and a new bar-hopping event. Look forward to two Great Christmas Villages – one at Shaw House Urban Plaza and the other at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. You’ll want to have your phones out to view a special immersive AR projection of golden sparkles, snowflakes and fireworks raining down on the façade of Hilton Singapore Orchard. Find out more here.

Fresh from their takeover of Tokyo’s Ginza Six Garden, renowned Brooklyn-based artists, Wade and Leta, bring their signature vibrancy and creativity to Millenia Walk in their Southeast Asia debut. Known for their visually captivating and interactive art, Wade and Leta’s playful abstraction of a Christmas tree, titled Moving Wonders, is the mall’s iconic centrepiece for the festive session. Make sure to give the merry built-in swing a try and have fun with elements that spin and swirl. But Millenia Walk’s artist takeover doesn’t stop there – it will also feature a diverse range of art offerings from talented local and regional artists, like wearable art performances and eco-friendly workshops. There are even two festive markets lined up for the season, a Scandinavian-inspired one and one featuring local homegrown brands in home decor, furnishings and more. Check it out here.

The stunning Gardens by the Bay is set to get even more magical this festive season. For the first time in Singapore, all your Disney and Pixar favourites are coming to life at the floral wonderland’s new Garden of Wonder showcase. As you stroll through Gardens by the Bay’s Floral Fantasy, you’ll be greeted by eight stunning themed topiaries featuring lovable characters like Winnie the Pooh, Ariel and Flounder from The Little Mermaid, and Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Get in on the magic here.

If your youngster is a fan of popular video games like Minecraft and Roblox, the World of Blocks promises an unforgettable experience. Endless immersive fun awaits kids of all ages at this thematic playground built from over 30,000 soft-play blocks. There are nine zones for all-day exploration, including a challenging block maze and 10 giant slides that drop into a massive ball pit. Let them unleash their creativity at the Builders Zone, where they can use oversized foam blocks to craft all sorts of toys. There’s even a flying fox and fun obstacle courses in this fully air-conditioned indoor playground. If your kids are the high-energy sort, they’ll love bouncing around the Trampoline Zone and the Mega Air Bubble, where you can be assured they’ll land comfortably in a sea of soft foam blocks. There’s even a special zone for toddlers to get in on the big-kid fun safely. Head down quickly as the experience runs until December 31 only, with entry passes going for $18 per pax for a two-hour session. Find out more and get them here.

Held at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore edition of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic promises to be even bigger and better, with an additional 10,000 square feet of space for even more magical moments to unfold. Step into familiar scenes from the Potterverse including the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie, Ministry of Magic, and more, as special interactive technology and multimedia elements are weaved with captivating soundscapes to bring enchantment to us muggles. With realistic replicas of what you see in the movies, along with eye-catching illuminations, there are sure to be a ton of photo-worthy opportunities. Find out more here.

Yet another luxury fashion brand is getting into the Christmas spirit and we’re all for it. First Christian Dior’s Christmas Star at Ion Orchard and now Ralph Lauren’s 16-metre-tall Holiday Tree at Jewel Changi Airport’s famed Forest Valley. The specially-designed centrepiece promises a spectacular sight against the popular Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Take part in the festivities at the Holiday Postcard Printing Kiosk. Have fun customising postcards with pictures of you and your loved ones and have them personalised and printed at the Polo Ralph Lauren store on level one of Jewel Changi Airport. Be quick as the experience ends on December 31, 2024. Aside from customising postcards, you can also personalise your Polo apparel and accessories, like tees and water bottles, at the Polo Custom Pop-up, running until February 16, 2025 at the store.

A festive mood is bubbling across the island – cue Orchard Road’s annual light-up and Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland. These are classics, but Changi Airport sings a cuter tune with 2024’s edition of Changi Festive Village. Instead of going with a typical wintry theme featuring Santa and Frosty mascots, Singapore’s airport has decided to honour Hello Kitty – the cult-favourite Sanrio character who’s celebrating her 50th anniversary this year. She's joined by friends like My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll and more throughout the rest of the airport’s terminals. The Sanrio fun continues with a themed carnival featuring Hello Kitty and the gang, meet-and-greet sessions, and pop-up merchandise stores – not one but three in total. Find out more about the Sanrio-themed Changi Festive Village 2024 here.

If you’ve always yearned to visit Korea’s famous Snoopy Garden – a sprawling nature park in Jeju full of Peanuts-themed character installations – here’s your chance to do so without setting foot on a plane. You’ll now be able to find life-sized installations featuring Snoopy & Friends, which are currently scattered across the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise as part of the comic franchise’s 50th anniversary celebrations. This gamified experience includes trails with checkpoints and digital missions. Upon successful completion of all the tasks, you’ll be rewarded with exclusive Snoopy keepsake badges. Along the way, you'll come across a handful of photo spots featuring the endearing Peanuts gang. Get excited because the zoo's Glamping in the Wild sessions are back, this time in a special Snoopy edition. Find out more here.

You won’t need to book a flight to the Philippines to see some of the country’s most stunning orchids – known for being among the most beautiful in the world. Just head down to Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest from now until January 2025 to enjoy some of the country’s most exquisite orchids on display. With the help of 20 Filipinos, from domestic workers to students from the NUS Filipino Cultural Club working alongside resident horticulturists, Gardens by the Bahay Kubo: A Fiesta of Orchids will showcase more than 40 Philippine orchid varieties, including iconic species from the Vanda, Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis genera. The display’s namesake, the Bahay Kubo, takes centre stage amidst the orchids. Also, be sure to visit soon, as there's a limited time for the blooming of the Waling-waling, a coveted orchid species affectionately known as the Queen of Philippine Flowers and revered by the indigenous Bagobo people. Find out more here.

ArtScience Museum presents The World of Studio Ghibli, from October 4, 2024 to February 2, 2025. This will be Studio Ghibli’s first ever showcase in Singapore and also one of its largest editions to date, exploring its iconic animation and storytelling. The upcoming iteration will also feature new additions from Studio Ghibli’s latest film The Boy and the Heron.

Put your comfiest shoes on because the huge exhibition spans 2,400 square metres, across 11 galleries. Dive into the world of 11 famous Ghibli films like My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Spirited Away (2001). Visitors will be able to meet their favourite characters and immerse themselves in 16 large-scale interactive theatrical sets from various iconic films throughout the studio's history. And that’s not all – enjoy 16 art installations that will take you through Studio Ghibli’s creative processes, and grab yourself official merchandise at the retail store. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtScience Museum’s webpage here.

From October 17 to the end of December, head to any Shake Shack store islandwide to get a taste of the highly-anticipated collaboration menu between beloved burger brand Shake Shack and the popular Keng Eng Kee Seafood. You’ll find a series of zi char-inspired menu items like the white pepper beef burger ($11.80) and the coffee-glazed chicken burger ($11.80). Both items are inspired by the restaurant’s famous white pepper crab and coffee pork ribs respectively. On top of that, snacks like the coffee-glazed chicken bites ($9.10) and white pepper fries ($6.80), doused with Keng Eng Kee’s house white pepper sauce and topped with spring onions, will also be available.

As part of the collaboration, Shake Shack’s signature drinks will also be spruced up with local flavours. The classic lemonade and milkshake series will see new additions – the Buah Long Long lemonade ($5.70), and the bandung shake ($9.50). Find out more here.

Batik, a timeless art form and symbol of Southeast Asian heritage, takes centre stage at the Peranakan Museum. This captivating exhibition shines a spotlight on the creative and entrepreneurial journeys of three remarkable Peranakan women from the bustling port city of Pekalongan, Indonesia. Meet Nyonya Oeij Soen King, her daughter-in-law Nyonya Oeij Kok Sing, and granddaughter Jane Hendromartono, each a batik master in her own right. Discover their inspiring stories through about 200 objects, including cherished family heirlooms and 60 stunning batik pieces from the 1890s to the 1980s. You can also explore batik’s evolution through time at the interactive stations. Then take a fun mobile quiz to uncover your personal batik style and score an exclusive bookmark to take home. Keep an eye out for exciting pop-up performances, hands-on craft activities, and engaging curator tours during your visit. 

If your idea of a good weekend involves vintage thrifting, live performances, and interactive activities, the Resurrack Vintage Market is one place you’ll want to be. Every weekend from November 2 onwards, head to this vintage marketplace at Bugis Street Art Lane to pick up cool collectibles like vinyl records, thrifted clothes, and digital cameras. There’ll be more than 50 vendors from Singapore and Malaysia and live performances from local artists. When you need a break, head to the photo booth to capture the memories or swing by the jewellery-making stalls for some DIY fun. Of course, there’ll also be food stalls to fuel your shopping spree, or check out our Bugis guide for other great eats. Find out more here.

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights at Gardens by the Bay's Supertree Grove. From May 4 onwards, a spellbinding outdoor installation called Borealis will light up the Supertrees in a display reminiscent of the polar lights you'd normally have to travel to Iceland, Sweden, or other far-flung regions to witness. It's the work of Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher, who has ingeniously layered light beams and cloud particles to create a mesmerising dance of light and colour. Coupled with an atmospheric score by French composer Guillaume Desbois, Borealis promises to be an out-of-this-world experience. Admission is free – find out more here.

Ever so often, you chance upon a source of inspiration that prompts you to reflect on yourself and the world around us – for us, it is both the artworks of Teo Eng Seng and the man himself. If you’re curious to find out how so, then your next art date should be to National Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, running from September 6, 2024 to February 2, 2025.

The show is divided into two sections that reflect the philosophies that guided artist Teo throughout his career: Don’t Try to Read it, See it, Feel it – showcasing the spirit of innovation and Sweet Talk, Straight Talk: A Global Citizen Engaging in Social Commentary through Art – exhibiting the use of art as both a medium for social engagement and public messaging.

Snatch your kids away from their devices and bring them for a playful romp around town. Centred around elements of play, the National Museum of Singapore’s Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play features over 250 locally and globally recognisable toys spanning the eras. Running from now until January 5, 2025, the free showcase aims to recognise toys and play as important to Singapore’s cultural heritage. Look out for large-scale artworks on the museum's facade as well as a kaleidoscopic digital display along the inner arches of the building's entrance. Inside, there's an immersive showcase divided into three sections that will appeal car enthusiasts, gamers, and collectors with its impressive collection of rare character figurines, collectibles, and nostalgic toys from brands like McDonald's, Mattel, Disney, and Tamiya.

Singapore’s Bayfront Event Space is set to shine like never before with the arrival of illumi, the world’s largest light, sound and multimedia illumination event, starting September 13, 2024. This marks the event’s international debut, featuring the world’s tallest illuminated tree titled ‘Tree of Lights’ that stands at 47 metres. In Singapore’s edition, visitors are invited to explore nine themed worlds such as The Enchanted Maples – one that will transport guests to Canada with glowing maple leaves and sweet treats from Sugar Shack. Other zones include a winter wonderland with shimmering snowflakes featuring curtains of twinkling lights titled Wall of Lights, and Puppies and Kitties, a space that will be taken over by 200 illuminated animal structure.

Tickets are priced from $33 and are available for purchase on TremTix and Pelago. Currently, there are slots all the way till December 8, 2024. DBS/POSB credit and debit cardholders are entitled to an exclusive early bird discount of 20 percent, until August 31, 2024 only.