January is here, bringing with it the promise of fresh starts, new adventures, and exciting discoveries. Whether you’re setting resolutions, planning outings, or simply embracing the “new year, new beginnings” spirit, there’s no better time to explore all the incredible happenings around Singapore. We’ve got vibrant festivals and unique exhibitions, as well as delicious dining spots and fresh shopping collections.
Whatever your vibe, this guide has something for everyone to make the start of 2025 as exciting and fulfilling as it deserves to be. Let’s dive into the month ahead!
Things To Do
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 at SAFRA
From 11 January to 11 February 2025, SAFRA clubs are the place to be for fun-filled Lunar New Year celebrations. Look forward to festive crafts, exciting games, and vibrant performances. Highlights include the ever-popular lion dance performances to usher in good luck and prosperity, happening at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang and Mount Faber on 11 January, SAFRA Toa Payoh on 12 January, SAFRA Punggol and Yishun on 18 January, and SAFRA Jurong and Tampines on 19 January. Plus, learn what the year has in store with the 2025 Zodiac Forecast, brought to you in collaboration with Way Fengshui.
For SAFRA members only, bond with your family over the Huat! Grab & Win game, or get creative with the parent-and-child craft activity, where you’ll assemble your own 3D card or Lunar New Year paper lantern. Don’t miss the giant Snake & Ladder game or the Wish Prosperity Out Loud challenge for more festive fun.
More good news for SAFRA members: Redeem a $10 SAFRA e-voucher with the SSStamp & Redeem promotion when you spend at the SAFRA clubs, and earn double SAFRAPoints when you dine at participating F&B outlets from 27 January to 12 February. And for the whole family, look forward to special promotions from our SAFRA vendors including the 2025 CNY Set Menu from KEK Seafood at SAFRA Punggol and Tampines, and $8 for 2 small Bingsu from 929 Desserts & Bites at SAFRA Tampines!
For more information, visit safra.sg/whats-on/celebrate-lunar-new-year-2025-at-safra
Refreshed Bouncetopia by Kiztopia at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang
Bouncetopia by Kiztopia at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang is back, bigger and better than ever! It’s the ultimate destination for kids (and parents) to jump, slide, and dash their way through a world of boundless fun.
This revamped playground now features two exciting new zones. First, Xtreme Arena offers the ultimate power-bouncing experience. Kids can experiment with different jumps and feel the thrill of flight from the flight deck, perfect for those who love soaring through the air. Next up is Drago’s Sports Hall, an action-packed arena where young adventurers can tackle circuit challenges, slide, and show off their skills while racing through thrilling obstacles.
Whether your little ones are leaping to new heights or zipping down slides, this reimagined space ensures unforgettable moments for all.
SAFRA members enjoy an exclusive 5% discount on single admission, making it the perfect time to explore the reopened Bouncetopia.
For more information, visit safra.sg/amenities-offerings/bouncetopia-kiztopia
Light to Night Festival 2025
Kick off 2025 with a burst of creativity and colour at the Light to Night Festival! Back for its ninth edition from 17 January to 6 February, this iconic event transforms the Civic District into a mesmerising playground of art and light. Think stunning installations, interactive activities, and over 70 engaging programmes – all designed to inspire and delight.
Centred around this year’s theme, “Do You See Me?”, the festival reflects on diversity, self-identity, and Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence. Highlights include Art Skins on Monuments, where building facades come alive with captivating light projections, and Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest, featuring six glowing inflatable ferns at the Padang.
Take a breather at Art X Social: Festival Street along St Andrew’s Road, where food stalls and live performances bring extra energy to the weekends. Then, dive deeper into the arts at The Living Room, a communal space offering workshops, DJ sets, and artist talks at National Gallery Singapore.
Admission is free for most areas – so mark your calendars and let the arts light up your January!
From 17 Jan to 6 Feb 2025 at various locations in National Gallery Singapore and the Civic District
Disney Garden of Wonder
Get ready to immerse yourself in a magical celebration as Gardens by the Bay presents the Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy this holiday season. For the first time in Singapore, beloved Disney and Pixar characters come to life as stunning topiary and floral sculptures, reimagined through lush horticultural artistry.
From timeless icons like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh to adventurous favourites like Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story and Ariel from The Little Mermaid, this whimsical display promises to delight visitors of all ages. Taking inspiration from Walt Disney World’s famous topiaries at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Gardens by the Bay brings the magic closer to home with a uniquely Singaporean twist.
Look out for cheeky displays like Donald Duck with a chilli crab or Stitch encountering the mighty durian in quirky nods to local culture. Adding to the magic, don’t miss the exclusive Meet and Greet sessions on select dates, where Disney icons don Singapore-inspired ensembles.
Till 31 Mar 2025 at Floral Fantasy, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Clayful Art Cafe
Step into a world of artistic wonder at Clayful Art Cafe, a vibrant new haven for creative souls. Nestled in the heart of Orchard Central, this 3,000 sq ft space is Singapore’s first cafe to pair pottery and glass painting workshops with delightful cafe offerings, making it the perfect destination for family outings, date nights, or friendly get-togethers.
Choose from over 100 pottery and glassware pieces, from ceramic plates to glass cups, and bring your artistic vision to life. Studio passes start at just $30 per person (students enjoy a discounted rate of $20), with all painting materials provided. And here’s a treat: Clayful’s in-house firing station ensures your masterpiece will be ready in as little as seven days!
Fuel your creativity with a menu that includes hearty pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and indulgent desserts like soufflé pancakes and cheesecakes. Fancy a little bubbly? Don’t miss their free-flow prosecco ($38) or beer ($20) from 12pm daily.
Take advantage of their special festive promo: unlimited 1-for-1 art pieces with any studio pass for two or more guests. Snap a photo of your creation, tag Clayful Art Cafe on Instagram, and enjoy a free slice of cake!
Clayful Art Cafe is at 181 Orchard Rd, #03-23 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Travel
Moire Hoi An
Plan your next long weekend getaway to Vietnam with the opening of Moire Hoi An. Nestled along the peaceful Hoai River, this 128-key property effortlessly combines modern elegance with the charm of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.
Moire Hoi An’s signature Memorable Rituals invite guests to delve into Vietnam’s traditions. Participate in workshops that showcase the art of brewing Vietnamese coffee, from Ca Phe Sua Da to egg coffee. The resort will also launch an audio-visual guide to Hoi An, created in collaboration with local artists.
Relax at the infinity pool overlooking the river, rejuvenate at the Breathe Spa, or indulge in a variety of dining options. Highlights include The Yellow Bicycle, a modern Vietnamese deli, and Ember & Sip, serving Asian-inspired American barbecue.
Shopping
Squid Game x Puma collection
Ever wondered how it feels like to be part of Squid Game – minus the life-or-death stakes? In line with the show’s recent Season 2 premiere, Puma unveils an exclusive collaboration inspired by the South Korean survival drama.
The Puma x Netflix Squid Game collection reimagines the show’s signature aesthetics across apparel, footwear, and accessories. Leading the lineup is the T7 tracksuit, redesigned with a custom geometric staircase print reminiscent of the show’s iconic visuals. Available as a velour co-ord set, the Track Jacket and Track Pants are enhanced with co-branded labels and unique Puma logos woven into the pattern.
Accessories like a matching backpack ($149) and cap ($75) continue the bold design theme, each adorned with Young-hee, the chilling doll from the infamous “Red Light, Green Light” scene.
For footwear enthusiasts, the Easy Rider ($169) features hidden panels that scratch off to reveal a red layer beneath green, mimicking the tension of the games. Its holographic heel and Young-hee hangtag add playful, thematic touches.
Celebrate the launch with in-store promotions, including a free Squid Game plush keychain with purchases of $150 and above.
The collection is available at Puma stores (313@somerset, ION, VivoCity, United Square, Bugis+, OG People’s Park), Limited Edt (Marina Bay Sands, VivoCity, 313@somerset), and FootLocker Orchard Gateway.
Skechers Chinese New Year Collection
Looking for new threads this Lunar New Year? Skechers ushers in the Year of the Dragon with an exclusive Chinese New Year Collection designed for adults and kids. Perfect for trendy couple outfits or coordinating family looks, the collection combines festive flair with everyday comfort, making it ideal for house visits and yusheng sessions.
For men, the collection offers versatile wardrobe staples like the Knit Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($39) in shades of White Alyssum, Off White and Navy Stripe, and Chinese Red. The Knit Short Sleeve Polo Shirt ($49) is available in Navy Peony and Chinese Red, perfect for striking the right balance between casual and polished.
Crafted from a premium cotton, polyester, and elastane blend, these pieces deliver breathability and comfort, keeping you cool during Singapore’s warm weather. With timeless designs, you’ll easily transition from festive gatherings to daily wear long after the celebrations.
From 2 January 2025, shoppers can enjoy festive perks: spend $98 nett for a complimentary set of red packets, or $158 nett for a lucky cat blind box alongside the red packets. While stocks last!
The collection is priced from $29 and is available at skechers.com.sg and selected Skechers concept stores, including Bugis Junction, Jem, and Jewel Changi Airport.
Dining
Korio Marina Bay
The sandwich deli that took Singapore by storm is back – and this time, with a dine-in twist. Korio has officially opened its biggest outlet yet at IOI Boulevard Towers in Marina Bay, just a short walk from Downtown MRT Station. Known for their decadent sandwiches and pillowy brioche doughnuts, this new cafe promises to be a haven for foodies.
Sandwich lovers can choose from 10 options, all priced under $20. Highlights include the Mortadella & Pickles ($15.50), a flavour-packed delight with grilled mortadella ham, tangy house pickles, and piquant mustard mayo on a soft potato roll. For vegetarians, the Mushroom Melt ($16.50) is a hearty combination of roasted mushrooms, provolone cheese, basil mayo, and arugula, sandwiched between sourdough slices.
Don’t miss their brioche doughnuts, available in irresistible flavours like Honey with Sea Salt ($5.50) and Chocolate Ganache with Praline and Malt Powder ($5.80). Pair your meal with drinks like a refreshing Lemon Mint Iced Tea ($6) or the indulgent Iced Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew ($6.50) for the ultimate treat.
IOI Central Boulevard Towers, 2 Central Blvd, #01-11, Singapore 018916
Oat and About
Ice cream parlours are aplenty in Singapore, but for the lactose-intolerant crowd, options can be harder to come by. Enter Oat and About, a new dessert cafe just steps from Maxwell MRT Station, specialising in creamy gelato made with oat milk.
This vibrant cafe offers over 10 gelato flavours, priced at $5.50 for a Single Cup and $10 for a Double Cup. Premium flavours cost an extra $1, and trust us – they’re worth it. Highlights include Rizz’s Peanut Butter Cups ($6.50), a decadent blend of house-made peanut butter and dark chocolate chunks, and Girl Scout Thin Mints ($5.50), a nostalgic mix of minty gelato, dark chocolate flakes, and Oreo cookies. Classics like matcha and roasted pistachio are also available.
Every scoop comes with the cafe’s Specialty Eggless Waffle Chips, crispy and flavourful, made with coconut oil, black sesame, and flaxseeds. Fancy more? Grab a bag for $5.50.
#01-04, 33 Erskine Road, Singapore 069333
Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!
