#HOBBIES

Festive Fun & Fireworks For (Almost) Free: Where To Celebrate The Year-End & Countdown With Your Sweetheart

These low-cost date ideas will make the year-end festivities and New Year countdown unforgettable.

By Mandy Lim Beitler        27 December 2024

What better way to celebrate this season of joy and ring in the new year than with your significant other? From the romantic glow of festive lights to dazzling fireworks on New Year’s Eve, these free and affordable date ideas ensure you have a memorable end to 2024 together.

Explore a Festive Wild-erland with Snoopy

Explore a Festive Wild-erland with Snoopy

This holiday season, embark on a whimsical wildlife adventure with your loved one at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Snoopy Beagle Scouts while exploring Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise together. Engage in interactive trails, both physical and digital, challenging your observation and memory skills. It’s game-on as you spot wildlife, complete missions and earn exclusive badges as keepsakes.

Over at the free-to-enter Mandai Wildlife West, a variety of festive fringe activities await. Sketch your own Peanuts comic strip, go shopping at the Christmas market and bring your own pup along for a best dressed dog competition too. The Festive Wild-erland offers a fun and unforgettable experience for animal lovers and Snoopy fans alike.

SAFRA members enjoy up to 40% off admission to Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks; more info at safra.sg/promotions/mandai

Till 5 January 2025; more info at mandai.com


Embark on the gift of Disney Cruise Line

Embark on The Gift of Disney Cruise Line

Whisk your partner off to Jewel Changi Airport and sail into a magical date. First, explore whimsical Disney Cruise Line installations at Canopy Park, where you can wander around themed areas like those on the Disney Adventure cruise ship, which sets sail from Singapore from December 2025. Precious moments with your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters await at every turn.

Then continue your enchanting evening admiring the towering 16m-tall Polo Ralph Lauren Jewel Christmas tree and exploring a snow cabin that’s home to eight Polo Bears. As night falls, witness the spellbinding Christmas Light & Music showcase at the Jewel Rain Vortex, where dancing lights harmonise with timeless Christmas melodies. Stay on for a magical snowfall session, adding a touch of winter wonder to your fairytale evening.

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off Canopy Park attractions; more info at safra.sg/promotions/jewel-changi-airport-2

Till 2 January 2025; more info at jewelchangiairport.com


Experience the magic at Gardens by the Bay

Experience the magic at Gardens by the Bay

For even more Disney magic, head to Gardens by the Bay, where the festivities are truly blooming. Wander hand-in-hand through the Disney Garden of Wonder, where characters from Mickey Mouse to The Little Mermaid are reimagined as floral topiary sets. Afterwards, take a romantic journey amid miniature American landmarks and onboard vintage Swedish railbus at the Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show.

Of course, the season isn’t complete without Christmas Wonderland. Capture special moments under the magnificent Spalliera light display or by the giant Merry Bears. Look forward to carnival games, live performances, festive shopping and dining. For the perfect end to your date, cuddle each other close as the Supertrees dance to Christmas classics, culminating in an enchanting ‘snowfall’ in the tropics.

Till 5 January 2025; more info at gardensbythebay.com.sg


Traverse a Big, Big World on Sentosa

Big, Big World on Sentosa

There are huge things happening on Sentosa, and it’s not limited to Resorts World Sentosa either. Get ready to experience a Big, Big World of Dreams at Sentosa Sensoryscape, where you can drift away on giant cloud swings. Then lose yourself in ImagiNite, an illuminating sensory experience with interactive light projections. There’ll also be vibrant street performances, K-pop dance contests, and more festive fun.

Over at Palawan Beach, it’s a Big, Big World of Discovery. In the afternoon, team up to craft a kite and let them soar high in a kite-flying fiesta. After dusk, be mesmerised by The Floating Marvels, giant sea creature inflatables that illuminate the night sky. End the evening – and the year – at Palawan Green with a free movie marathon and spectacular fireworks display to ring in the new year. 

SAFRA members enjoy up to 25% off selected Sentosa attractions; more info at safra.sg/promotions/sentosa-privileges

Till 16 February 2025; more info at abigbigworld.sentosa.com.sg


Let’s Celebrate 2025 with a thrilling countdown

Let’s Celebrate 2025 with a Thrilling Countdown

Ring in the New Year with your sweetheart at Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2025 event at the Singapore Sports Hub. The big show starts at 10pm at OCBC Square, but the party starts early with fun activities like UV face painting and the glow-in-the-dark Neon Playground from 5pm at Stadium Riverside Walk. Pushing the celebrations up a notch are the colourful street performances and roving entertainment acts.

Get swept away by dynamic performances of local and international artists like Regina Song, Taufik Batisah and Australian illusionist Cosentino. If you don’t secure a spot near the main stage, don’t fret. The Stadium Roar and Water Sports Centre are hosting live screenings too. As the night reaches its climax, count down to midnight together, sharing a kiss as the spectacular 15-minute fireworks display illuminates the sky.

If you get there early, drop by the SportsHub Library to immerse in the world of Gustav Klimt. SAFRA members enjoy 20% off tickets to ‘Gustav Klimt – Falling in Gold’; more info at safra.sg/promotions/gustav-klimt

31 December 2024; more info at sportshub.com.sg


Enter a dazzling universe at illumi Singapore

Enter A Dazzling Universe at illumi Singapore

This New Year’s Eve, create a shared memory for the ages with your loved one at illumi Singapore. Stroll through the dazzling universe with over 20 million LED lights illuminating nine immersive worlds, from The Magical Forest to The Tunnel of Colours. Stroll hand-in-hand through these luminous displays, capturing precious moments against the stunning backdrops.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere with the Christmas Edition still in full swing, meeting Santa Claus and experiencing snowfall in a wintry atmosphere at The Infinite Poles. As the night unfolds, find a cosy picnic spot and whisper sweet nothings while relaxing amid the sparkling surroundings. Finally, witness the breathtaking Marina Bay countdown fireworks display from the ultimate vantage point, creating a truly memorable start to 2025.

Till 2 February 2025; more info at illumi.asia


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!