Congratulations, we’ve made it to Phase 3. With social gatherings of up to eight people starting Dec 28, we figured it’s time to start planning activities with your gang of friends.

The news we’ve been waiting for is finally official – Singapore will be entering Phase 3 of its reopening on Dec 28, after almost half a year of being in Phase 2.

Social gatherings will be allowed to comprise up to 8 persons – an increase from the current limit of five – and households may also receive up to 8 visitors at any point in time (yay!).

With more restrictions lifted just as we prepare to usher in the new year, we’re here to give you some ideas on what to do with your group in two weeks’ time. From escape rooms to picnics, scroll on for group activities you and 7 other friends can go for, for just under $25 per person. 

1. Solve escape rooms with more brain power

Address: The Escape Artist, Lost SG, Xcape

Price: Around $20 per pax

Have you been avoiding Escape Rooms because you think you need more than five brains to solve puzzles? Now, you can have three more brains to conquer the most difficult rooms.

Whether it is escaping zombies at The Escape Artist, trying to break out from a maximum-security facility at Lost SG, or ending the curse on the infamous Annabelle doll at Xcape, there’s sure to be an escape room to suit the thrill-seekers in your group. 

2. Have a picnic at the Marina Barrage

Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

Price: Free

Opening hours: 8am to 9pm, daily (last entry at 8pm)

It’s been a long time since the entire gang got together, so how about having a picnic and catching up with each other in person? What’s more, if you plan to go in December, you might get a chance to catch the light displays illuminating the Marina Bay skyline. 

Sadly, there will be no fireworks at the Marina Bay this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Instead, fireworks will be set off from different heartland locations, bringing the countdown experience closer to Singaporeans at home.

3. Dine out

Price: Depends on what you eat!

This is probably the first idea that came to everyone’s mind immediately after Phase 3 was announced. Thinking of where to go? Consider celebrating your get-togethers with 1-for-1 buffets and high tea sessions.

If you have more than eight in your group, you could also choose to receive up to 8 visitors in your home and order your meals in. Psst: Check out Singsaver’s ultimate compilation of food delivery promotion codes you can use to save cost when ordering in. 

4. Book a chalet

Price: Average of $160 per night (off-peak), around $20 per pax for a group of 8

If you have yet to plan anything for your countdown party, now is the chance. You and your buddies can book a chalet that provides a bigger space for everyone to hang out over the weekend or even during New Year’s Eve (provided there are slots and you’re willing to pay a hefty price).

After all, what’s better than counting down to 2021 with some drinks and the company of your entire group for the first time in nearly a year? 

But if you aren’t willing to shell out peak period prices, you could wait it out until the off-peak period next year to have a gathering. Click here for a list of affordable chalets you can consider. 

5. Stay up all night and play games at The Mind Cafe

Address: 60A Prinsep Street, Singapore 188664

E-mail: admin@themindcafe.com.sg 

Phone: 8121 5188

Price: $5 per gaming hour per pax on weekdays

Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11am to 2am, Fridays, Saturdays and eve of public holidays at 11am to 6am

When it comes to games, the more people the merrier. With hundreds of exciting games to choose from, you and your friends can go crazy just like old times and stay up until 6am on weekends and public holidays (oh, the luxuries in a post-pandemic world).

The cafe’s free-flow drinks and snacks (only available with gaming packages) are sure to keep you powering through the night. Just remember to book your slot in advance!

Singapore may be entering Phase 3, but in Prime Minister Lee’s words, it’s “absolutely not the time to relax and let our guard down, or to hold a big party imagining the problem has disappeared”.

Existing measures will still stand. Masks will still have to be worn at all times – except when you’re eating, drinking or doing vigorous exercises – and you will still have to scan in using TraceTogether when entering public places such as malls, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and parks.

This article was first published in SingSaver.com.sg.