Towering light installations, Swedish Lucia procession: Experience Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay makes its return this year with even bigger and brighter light installations. 

But like everything else this year, the annual event is taking a different approach, due to the current Covid-19 situation. 

And what they have done, like what many of us have had to do during circuit breaker, is to go online. This year, there will be a virtual experience so you can experience the magic of Christmas without leaving your home.

The show is still going on on-location at GBTB and it includes specially-curated magical light installations, Walk of Lights.

Tickets start from $5 each and you can use your SingapoRediscovers vouchers. 

Visitors can also get a taste of Europe through The Orient Express along with the return of Flower Dome's signature floral displays with the Poinsettia Wishes on Nov 27. Its return will include a re-imagined Gouda City, the iconic landmark of the Netherlands.

Here's a run-down of what to expect for this year's festive year-end celebrations at Gardens by the Bay.

Walk of Lights 

This year marks the seventh edition of the annual event at GBTB and this year's light installations display is called Walk of Lights, and it's handcrafted by Italian craftsmen using white wood from the South of Italy. 

The pathway is 370 metres long and will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete by foot. It includes eight installations with the most stunning one located at the end - the 17 metre tall Spalliera. You can get a taste of what to expect from the dedicated microsite or get a glimpse in person from Dec 4. 

Virtual Event

Don't want to head down to GBTB and potentially squeeze with the crowd? Go online and soak in the festive atmosphere at the virtual edition of Christmas Wonderland. 

You'll need to sign up for the Virtual Wonderland membership that will unlock exclusive content on the website and the Christmas Wonderland Windows Desktop app. 

This will let you enjoy interactive virtual content, online games, access to a digital theatre and online shopping from now till Dec 31. 

There's also the chance to win cash and prizes in various events such as the Puzzlemania, Christmas Song Contest and special members weekly draw and the grand draw. 

And if you purchase the highest membership tier, you will get to meet with Santa Claus from your couch via a video chat session. 

A taste of Europe 

Travel back in time and experience the rich history of the travellers who boarded the train from Europe to the Orient at Once Upon A Time on The Orient Express. 

Two original train carriages and a 158-year-old locomotive, as well as 300 heritage items such as uniforms, shields and original Louis Vuitton luggage, were shipped from France to Singapore just for this event, which will open from Dec 12. 

Other than the authentic Orient Express train, there will be a shop, cafe, restaurant and lounge as well as an escape room experience onboard.

If trains aren't your thing, there's also the Poinsettia Wishes at the Flower Dome from Nov 27 to Jan 3, 2021. 

This year's edition features the city of Gouda in the Netherlands which is known for its annual Christmas event known as Gouda by Candle light that is marked by a myriad of lit candles. 

Other than beautiful flower displays, the four Nordic Embassies in Singapore will hold various programmes in the flower dome, including a traditional Swedish Lucia Procession - a Swedish custom involving candles, held in Singapore. 

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If you are thinking of heading down, do note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, visitors have to pre-book a session online for Walk of Lights. There are nine daily sessions from 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily from Dec 4 to 27, 2020. More information about the event can be found on the website.

annatan@asiaone.com