The weekend is finally here!

Don't waste it away by spending it at home because there are lots of activities happening around the island to enjoy with your friends and family. Weekends will never be the same again with this weekend planner.

AN OLD-SCHOOL CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA AT MBS

Marina Bay Sands has been transformed into a large-scale funfair with over 50 booths for food, games and rides from now till Jan 1.

Presented by veteran carnival organiser Uncle Ringo, some of the rides may bring back fond childhood memories, because they've been a staple at some pasar malams across the island since 1984.

For the first-time ever, they've brought The Great Circus of Europe to our shores, and the 90-minute act will awe you with gravity-defying motorbikes, spectacular acrobatic acts and aerial performances.

Tickets to the show may set you back by $70 to $150, but admission to the fairgrounds is free. For more information and to book your tickets, click here.

Get ready to snap away at several cute IG-worthy installations with various props and items to make your photo stand out more.

Food and drinks are priced between $5 to $10 and it's the hipster-fare you see at other carnivals like Artbox and the Geylang Serai Bazaar.

One of the most highly-anticipated drinks is the white rabbit-flavoured one ($3.90 without pearls), and we're here to vouch that it's pretty legit-tasting, albeit a tad too sweet.

The event is perfect for families with kids, as rides such as the bumper cars, carousel and flying chairs are best-suited for children rather than teens.

Rides and games (at a pretty pricey $5 to $10 each) will be where you can try your hand at winning some of the plushies on display.

Where: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970
When: 3pm to 11pm, Dec 20 to Jan 1

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT FURAMA

Touted as one of the largest indoor carnivals ever organised in a Singapore hotel, Festive Furama is a free carnival for family and friends held at both Furama Riverfront and Furama City Centre, complete with a present-giving Santa, free flow popcorn plus candy floss, workshops, lucky draws and exciting carnival games.

The event also serves as an unveiling of Furama Riverfront's newly renovated lobby and picturesque Waterfront Lounge.

For the carnival maps at both hotels, click here.

When: Every Friday and Saturday till Jan 26, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Eve of Chinese New Year and Chinese New Year.
Time: 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm
Where: Furama Riverfront, 405 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169633; Furama City Centre, 60 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059804

'SNOW MUCH FUN' AT BUKIT TIMAH PLAZA

If you stay near Bukit Timah Plaza, this is your last chance to catch some 'snowflakes' within the mall!

Kiddos will be entertained this Saturday (Dec 21), by a meet-and-greet with some magical buddies at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm.

You'll be able to watch some Christmas movies with your loved ones at 2pm and 4pm as well, before Christmas Carollers serenade shoppers at 7.30pm. Then, get ready as the snow machine revs up at 8pm!

Where: Bukit Timah Plaza, 1 Jln Anak Bukit, Singapore 588996

BAYFRONT CHRISTMAS MARKET

The second farmer's market at Gardens by the Bay will be held at the Bayfront Pop-up Market this weekend.

Expect to find vegetables, fruits, drinks and other unique gift ideas for Christmas at the pop-up.

The event is a collaborative effort by local Social Service Organisation Teen Challenge, local start-up Glife, Airzone Singapore and the organisers of the Bayfront Pop-up Market, TGIF Bazaars.

When: Dec 21 to 22, 11am to 9pm
Where: SG50 Lattice, Gardens by the Bay

CHRISTMAS AT THE FORT

Want to hear your favourite Singaporean artistes such as Charlie Lim, Daphne Khoo (now known as Haneri), Olivia Ong and Joanna Dong belt out some tunes to get you in the Christmas spirit?

Catch these artistes as well as community groups and aspiring young musicians at Christmas at the Fort from Dec 19 to 22. Each evening will end with a multimedia show with performances by a live orchestra showcasing 200 years of Christmas celebrations in Singapore, and a Christmas carol sing-along for everyone.

Organised by Wesley Methodist Church and The Rice Company, there'll also be a Christmas market with eco-friendly brands, a food bazaar and playground activities.

When: Dec 19-22, 4pm to 10pm
Where: Fort Canning Park, River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037

SKATE OUTDOORS AT WATERWAY POINT

Inspired by the iconic rink at the Rockerfeller Centre in New York, The Plaza at Waterway Point in Punggol will be transformed into a winter wonderland under a canopy of dazzling lights under the stars.

You may even get to experience "snow" while gliding your way through the ice!

New to skating? Don't worry, there'll be facilitators on the ground to teach you a trick or two.

The experience is not exactly free though, as shoppers will have to spend a minimum of $30 in a single, same-day receipt in exchange for a 30-minute session on ice, limited to 40 participants per session.

Children will have to be at least three years old to participate, and those below eight will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the ice.

To find out more, click here.

Where: Waterway Point, 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761

candicecai@asiaone.com

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