Top 10 Things Mamas & Kids Can Look Forward to at Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay

Wondering how to celebrate Christmas in Singapore? Here are the best family activities at this year’s massively expanded Christmas Wonderland launching later this month!

Do you want to build a snowman, mama? Now you (and your kids) can! 

Yesterday, Gardens by the Bay announced all the details for this year’s Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay, which will be almost twice as big as last year’s inaugural (and massively popular) event. Running from 28 November through 28 December (with some features on through early January), Christmas Wonderland will bring a bit of that magical winter holiday feel to the tropics. There will be loads of family-friendly activities going on – many of them free! – but we’ve picked our Top 10 Family-Friendly features at Christmas Wonderland to give you a little cheat sheet, mama. Break out the hats, mittens and snowsuits!

10. The night sky will be aglow with Luminaries

Watch littlies’ eyes light up with wonder as they take in the 56 enchanting Luminaries (handmade light sculptures) that line the paths between the Supertree Grove, Dragonfly Bridge, Meadow Bridge and Flower Dome. One of last year’s most popular attractions, the Luminaries total has been upped from 30 sculptures last year to 56 this year.

How much: FREE!
When: Nightly from 7pm to Midnight

9. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

That’s right, “Blizzard Time” will happen three times nightly at The Spalliera, the largest of the luminaries. We’re pretty sure your kiddos will go crazy for it, but in case the fluffy white stuff freaks them out, there will also be “Fun with Bubbles” happening at the fairground.

How much: FREE
When: 8pm, 9pm and 10pm daily (Blizzard Time) and 7pm, 8:05pm and 9:10pm daily (Fun with Bubbles)

8. Get your brunch on at the Spiegeltent

Last year dining at the Spiegeltent – an ornate travelling “mirror tent” build in the late 19^th century in the Netherlands – proved such a hit that a new weekend brunch option has been added. There’s a specially-curated festive menu from popular chain Harry’s, including “Merry Wings”, “Spice-rubbed Turkey” (we tried it, it’s delish!), and kids’ items like “Mac & Cheese Snowballs).

How much: Weekend brunch is $35 per person including one main course and buffet selections.
When: TBD. The Spiegeltent is open nightly for dinner from 4pm to midnight.

7. Fun and games at The Fairground

A new addition to this year’s festival are traditional carnival rides and game stalls at “The Fairground”, located near the Meadow. We’re pretty sure kiddos will go bananas for the vintage-style carousel, trackless train and 14m tall “Helter Skelter” (the tallest slide in Singapore). This is where “Fun with Bubbles” will be happening, too.

How much: Prices vary from $4-$10 per ride/game based on a token system
When: 4pm to 11pm daily (with special opening hours from 10:30am on 29 November!)

6. Halls decked with holly (and pointsettia, and winter roses, and more!)

Gardens by the Bay’s amazing Flower Dome will once again be transformed into a fragrant, festive winter wonderland replete with yuletide faves heavy on red and green. Kiddos will surely delight in the tower “Christmas Toyland” pyramid (11 metres worth of stacked toys!), along with the traditional German wooden carousel and festive live music performances held in the flower field.

How much: $8 – $20 (varies by child/adult/senior)
When: 9am to 9pm daily. Click here for the full schedule of special performances.

5. Christmas crafts and holiday grub at the Festive Market

Modeled after the famous traditional Christmas markets found in Germany, France, the UK and beyond, the specially imported Festive Market huts will feature both one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts and a wide range of purpose-built restaurants serving up festive fare and holiday-themed beverages (mulled wine and hot chocolate are on the menu, we think!).

How much: Prices vary
When: 4pm to 11pm daily (with special opening hours from 10:30am on 29 November!)

4. Ice Skating magic

The Ice Palace will feature a real 400sqm skating rink, with 9 x 30-minute sessions available daily. Even novices should give it a try (definitely give it a try!) as there will be special skating “Penguin aids” available to assist those with less confidence on the ice. Gloves and socks are even available for rental!

How much: $14 per person per 30-minute session (including skates rental)
When: 4pm to 11pm daily; reserve your 30-minute session on-site

3. Christmas Parades and free performances from Christmas choirs, The Amazing Toybox, and more

Nothing gets us more in the holiday spirit than Christmas songs, and you will definitely get more than your fill with two nightly performances of Christmas carols from the island’s best choirs, along with the NTU Nutcracker Parade, The Merlion Pipes & Drums, and special kid-themed “Curtain Call” performances from popular children’s performers like The Amazing Toybox, SRT’s The Little Company, and Doctor Penguin.

How much: Free!
When: Christmas carols nightly at 7pm and 8.05pm; check the programme schedule for other performance times

2. Meet Santa!

Meeting the man in red (and telling him what gifts we hope to receive!) is obviously a major Christmas highlight for little ones. They’ll not only get to visit Santa’s Cottage to tell the big man what’s on their wish list, they’ll also get a keepsake photo out of the deal!

How much: From $20
When: 4pm to 11pm daily (with special opening hours from 10:30am on 29 November!)

1. Build a real, honest-to-goodness snowman!

The amazing indoor Ice Palace is going to have a 48sqm snow playground where kiddos (and parents!) can make snow angels, throw snowballs, and make their own versions of Olaf to their hearts’ content. Boots are even included in the entry fee!

How much: $12 per person per 30-min session (including boot rental)
When: 4pm to 11pm daily (with special opening hours from 10:30am on 29 November!)

So there you have it, mama! Have yourself a true winter Christmas experience while saving yourself the travel time and expensive airfares. We love that features like Christmas carols and the lights are completely free and open all the time, so whenever we’re needing just a bit of Christmas cheer, we know where to go!

Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953, www.christmaswonderland.sg