The holiday season is upon us and there’s so much for us to celebrate about!

To share the joy and end the year with a bang, we’ve rounded up some of the best year-end activities you can do in Singapore.

If you’re planning to head down to one of the places we’ve mentioned, you should definitely consider renting a car for a convenient mode of transportation.

01 • Dine at the Minion Café

(Photo: TimeOut)

If you’re a fan of the yellow animated character, then you should totally check out the pop-up Minion Cafe in Clarke Quay. The menu, inspired by each Minion, boasts a range of Minion-themed food and beverages like the Wagyu Lunch Platter that includes Minion rice balls, Minion Big Pan Breakfast, Minion-themed chicken curry and the Minion Christmas Bundles that feature Minion pizzas.

What’s more, you’ll even get to dine in the company of the adorable Minions themselves. Hurry and book a table now on their website before 2 January! 😊

📍 Address: 3A River Valley Road, Merchant’s Court, #01-01C to 01D, Singapore 179020
⏰ Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 1am – 10pm | Sat and Sun, 10am – 10pm
🌐 Website: https://www.minioncafe.sg/

02 • Skate away at an ice rink

If you’re feeling FOMO from seeing your friends’ Instagram stories from faraway islands, why not do something that may mentally transport you out of the country? Head down to the Skating Rink at the CHIJMES Mini Lawn where you can ice-skate with the spectacular old chapel and the starry night sky in the backdrop. Perfect for a night out with bae, we’d say. The rink is open till 2 January, so remember to book fast. 🤩

📍 Address: 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
💵 Price: $5 for 30 minutes
⏰ Opening hours: 5pm – 9pm daily
🌐 Website: https://christmas.capitolsingapore.com/

03 • Attend the classic New Year Countdown

(Photo: Marina Bay Singapore Countdown)

What better way to bid adieu to 2021 and welcome a brand-new chapter than to celebrate it with fellow Singaporeans at the Marina Bay New Year’s Eve Countdown? There’ll be no fireworks this year, but expect to be entertained by other favourites like the Shine a Light and Share a Moment features.

The countdown activities are also happening throughout December to avoid mass gatherings, so you have time from now till 31 December to be part of them. 🎆

📍 Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
🌐 Website: https://www.marinabaycountdown.gov.sg/

04 • Visit an instant noodle-themed experience playground

(Photo: Hotels G)

Remember how our mothers told us not to play with food? Looks like that’s all an old tale now, because someone has found yet another way to do just that. Slurping Good is an instant noodle-themed experience playground that spans 6,000 square feet of 13 interactive spaces dedicated to all things instant noodles.

The playground has many Instagrammable installations and spots featuring various instant noodles flavours from both local and across the world — so be prepared to snap lots of pics for the ‘gram. 💃🏼

📍 Address: Tekka Place, Annex Building, #01-51 to 54, 2 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218227
⏰ Opening hours: Mon – Thurs, 2pm – 8.30pm | Fri – Sun, 10am – 8.30pm
🌐 Website: https://www.slurpinggood.co/

05 • Throw a mini sleepover party

When was the last time you had a sleepover? This end-of-the-year, you should totally invite your best buddies or family over for a mini slumber party. 🥳

Catch up on some quality time and discuss all things under the sun till the wee hours of the morning like the good ol’ days (I’m feeling nostalgic just thinking about it). You could also inject more fun into your party with activities like board games, potluck, beer pong, karaoke, DIY steamboat and movie marathon.

Remember to adhere to all COVID-19 restrictions at all times! 💪

📍 Address: Home sweet home
💵 Price: Invaluable

06 • Explore Changi Festive Village

(Photo: Changi Airport)

If you’re wondering where to take your kids to one of these weekends to keep the fun rolling before school reopens, check out the Changi Festive Village.

This year’s Dino theme includes Dino Kart 2.0, Dino Dig ball pond, Dino Dazzle, Changi’s longest-ever light-up, and even dino-shaped curry puffs. The festive village is open until 3 January, so book your slots right away! 🎄

📍 Address: Changi Airport’s various terminals
💵 Price: Varies based on activity
🌐 Website: https://www.changiairport.com/en/changifestivevillage

07 • Board the glorious Orient Express in sunny Singapore

(Photo: SISTIC)

Can’t fly to France? Fret not. The Orient Express has arrived at our own doorstep and all you have to do to experience it is to drive off to the Gardens by the Bay. It’s the first-ever Orient Express exhibition to be done outside of its home country. You’ll have the chance to embark on a historical journey of the train right from its birth in the 1800s, as well as on a rich gastronomical and cultural experience.

What’s even more exciting is that the exhibition features two original carriages of the Orient Express! Everything about this event screams luxury and we can’t wait to be there ourselves. Hurry and book those precious tickets before 5 January! 😍

📍 Address: Gardens by the Bay, West Lawn, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
💵 Price: From $25
🌐 Website: https://www.orientexpressexhibition.com/

08 • Take your beau out on a Christmas meal

(Photo: The Fullerton Hotels)

You and your significant other must’ve worked real hard throughout the year, so do consider treating yourselves to a hearty Christmas meal at The Fullerton Bay Hotel. The people behind La Brasserie never compromise on quality and taste, so expect to be well pampered no matter what’s on the menu.

They’re also dishing out weekend brunch with specials like slow-roasted Angus prime ribs and roasted rosemary Colorado lamb leg. And as you enjoy your meal, don’t forget to admire the sparkling Marina Bay waters once in a while! 🤩

📍 Address: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
⏰ Opening hours: 7.30am – 10.30pm daily
💵 Price: From $42 per person
🌐 Website: https://www.fullertonhotels.com/

09 •  Go bird-watching at Jurong Bird Park and get 50% off

(Photo: Klook)

Did you know that Jurong Bird Park will be permanently relocating to Mandai? If you’re thinking of taking your family there, now’s the time. Home to tens of thousands of birds, Jurong Bird Park has attracted 30 million visitors over the last 50 years. Bring your parents or grandparents along and hear their stories to commemorate the end of a golden era!

Tickets are selling at 50% off until 31 December, so be sure to get yours by then. 🎟️

📍 Address: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
⏰ Opening hours: 8.30am – 6pm daily
💵 Price: From $7.50 per person
🌐 Website: https://www.mandai.com/en/jurong-bird-park.html

10 • Support small local businesses

(Photo: TimeOut)

‘Tis the season of giving and nothing beats taking care of home first. Many small businesses that are especially run by the older generation have taken a massive blow due to the pandemic as many of them lack the resources to venture into e-commerce. If you know of any such stores in your area, do drop by, spend some dollars and show your support.

One of my personal favourites is Prestige Time, a humble family-run watch store nestled on the first floor of Bras Basah Complex. They’re known for their affordable range of watches. The shop owners are super knowledgeable in their trade too, and will go the extra mile to assist you in your purchase. From timeless classics to the latest releases, there’s surely something for everyone. 🥰

📍 Address: 231 Bain St, #01-25, Singapore 180231
⏰ Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 11am – 7pm | Sun, 12pm – 7pm

11 • Attend a healing session

You deserve a solid break after a long year of working from home. Why not let off some steam at a reiki or singing bowls session and rejuvenate yourself for the new year ahead? There are many centres across Singapore that provide a variety of healing therapies.

Reiki Glow, for instance, is one such place that offers both personal and group healing sessions. Pick a place that suits your interests best, read through reviews and give it a shot — you might just end up liking it! ❤️

📍 Address: 116 Changi Rd, Singapore 419718
⏰ Opening hours: Tues – Fri, 11am-9pm | Sat and Sun, 10am – 5pm
💵 Price: Varies based on no. of pax
🌐 Website: https://www.reiki-glow.com/

12 • Take a stroll at the Kingfisher Wetlands

The Gardens by the Bay has just got even more captivating, thanks to the brand-new attraction, the Kingfisher Wetlands. Spanning the size of two football fields, the Wetlands is home to a teeming biodiversity, including migratory birds and about 200 newly-planted mangrove trees. There’s also a natural rock pool with cascading water that’s an absolute treat to the eyes! 🤩

📍 Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
⏰ Opening hours: 5am to 2am daily
💵 Price: Free
🌐 Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/kingfisherwetlands

13 • Take part in the Christmas celebration at Gardens by the Bay

Head over to Gardens by the Bay to witness spellbinding lights, take a picture with Santa Claus, and make your way to the Carnival Games at Christmas Wonderland. There’s also a Garden Rhapsody light and sound show waiting to enchant you.

All in all, a jolly family time guaranteed! The celebration will only run until 2 January, so don’t forget to buy your tickets soon.

📍 Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
⏰ Opening hours: 6.30pm – 11pm daily (4 sessions)
💵 Price: From $5 per person
🌐 Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/christmas-wonderland-2021.html

14 • Check out the new pop-up Disney exhibition

(Photo: GirlStyle)

Disney fans, rejoice! There’s an exhibition in Singapore that’s paying tribute to Mickey Mouse so that we can all enjoy the experience of Disneyland right in the heart of Singapore. The exhibition promises an immersive experience and captivating visuals and lights. That sure is swell! 😉

📍 Address: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Level 3, 1 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039593
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 9pm daily
💵 Price: From $20 per person
🌐 Website: https://www.disney.sg/pop-up-disney

15• Pick up a musical instrument

How does learning a musical instrument sound for a New Year’s resolution? Not only do we think it’ll be fun, science actually shows that learning music helps our brain function significantly better. For instance, it’s proven that music training helps improve memory and motor skills, manage stress and boost creativity.

If an instrument is not something up your alley, try signing up for singing classes instead and belt out your favourite tunes with more confidence. 🎶

Ready to make the most of your December?

Download GetGo now to rent a car from $3/hour and use code G50DEC to get 50% off* (capped at $8) your first drive.

*Code is only valid for the first booking. Other T&Cs apply.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄
Luna