In the last of our series of free and affordable date ideas for 2023, we tell you where you can have a romantic countdown to the New Year. Yes, apart from expensive hotels and restaurants in the city, there are budget-friendly options too. And for some pre-or-post fireworks fuel, SAFRA members even get discounts at nearby dining outlets. Prepare for both literal and figurative fireworks as you usher in 2024 together!
Marina Bay Waterfront
Pick a spot, any spot. From One Fullerton to the Marina Bay Sands promenade, there are plenty of vantage points along the waterfront that are ideal for a romantic picnic with fireworks views. You’ll also get to take in a series of light shows projected on the iconic facades of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the ArtScience Museum, and the Merlion. Yes, Merlion Park reopens after weeks of upgrading works, just in time for the occasion!
If you pick the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade, you can also enjoy free music performances at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre. Experience The Next Wave with rising local talents hourly from 6pm, then say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024 with electrifying performances by the irreverent Tiramisu pre- and post-fireworks.
Let’s Celebrate 2024 at The Promontory
However, if you’d like to be right in the middle of the action, then The Promontory at Marina Bay is where you want to be. Gear up for a rocking New Year’s Eve at Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2024, the annual countdown show that promises a night of diverse performances by local and international talents.
The entertainment extravaganza will also be televised live on Channel 5 and online via mewatch and Mediacorp Entertainment’s YouTube channel from 10pm. But the fun truly begins when the gates open at 7pm. Expect a mix of DJ beats, tasty bites, carnival games, chances to snag cool prizes, and of course, the fanciest pyrotechnic display of the year. Best of all, admission is free!
SPECTRUM 2024 at Clarke Quay
A little way up the Singapore River, Clarke Quay invites all partygoers to SPECTRUM 2024. From 5pm onwards at Block B, witness the magic of live graffiti artistry as notable local artists unleash their imagination to take us into the New Year. Don’t forget to capture your last couple wefies of the year at the SPECTRUM X-PERIENCE photobooth (near the River Valley Road taxi stand).
As night falls, gather at Fountain Square and groove to the SPEC-tacular countdown event – it’s free – hosted by MediaCorp 987 DJ Natasha Faisal. Enjoy beats from YANG Club Resident DJ Kaylova and rock on to live performances by local music talents. Finally, cap off the celebrations with singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng as fireworks light up the night sky.
For drinks to toast to the New Year, head to Harry’s. SAFRA members enjoy 15% off at outlets such as Marina Bay Link Mall, the Esplanade and Clarke Quay. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/harrys-23
Sentosa Countdown Party at Palawan Green
Transforming Palawan Green into the ultimate picnic paradise, this year’s Sentosa Countdown Party promises to be an epic one. The fun starts at 5pm with outdoor movie screenings, delectable local cuisine, eco-friendly market stalls, and more fringe activities from arcade games to a foam pit. As the clock nears midnight, rising young talents such as Kevin & Yan and DJ Kiara will set the stage for an electrifying countdown.
Tickets begin at $25.50 per adult. However, you don’t need a ticket to catch the mesmerising drone show that begins at 11.50pm and culminates in dazzling fireworks. Prime viewing spots to watch the sky over Sentosa painted in vibrant colours include Palawan Beach, Central Beach Bazaar, Wings of Time seating gallery, and Sentosa Sensoryscape.
SAFRA members enjoy 15% off SkyHelix Sentosa and 30% off Sentosa Island Bus Tour tickets. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/skyhelix & safra.sg/promotions/sentosa-island-bus-tour
Mount Faber Peak
If you don’t mind catching the fireworks from a slight distance, head up to Mount Faber Peak. At 100m above sea level, it not only offers panoramic views of Sentosa Island, but also boasts several attractions of its own that will amplify the romance factor. First and foremost, you can hop on board the Singapore Cable Car with Pikachu and friends.
On your way back, celebrate love – and ring in the New Year – by literally ringing the Poland’s Bells of Happiness. Do make a pit stop at ‘Peek-a-loo’, the award-winning washroom with views of the harbour, cable cars – and fireworks too. Prefer some fresh air? Then stroll hand-in-hand to Faber Point, where you can take in the sparks alongside the mini Merlion at the highest point of Mount Faber Park.
SAFRA members enjoy 30% off Cable Car Sky Pass tickets. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/sg-cable-car
In the heartlands
Perhaps jostling with half of Singapore isn’t your idea of a romantic night out – we totally get it. Opt for a chill vibe instead at a series of heartland spots where there’ll also be live concerts, yummy food and fun activities, albeit on a smaller scale. You can still be part of the NYE action with your community, and the bonus? Fireworks will light up the sky in sync with the Marina Bay show!
Except for Toa Payoh Stadium, which is now closed to make way for a new Regional Sport Centre, the usual suspects include Heartbeat@Bedok, Jurong West Stadium, Our Tampines Hub and Woodlands Stadium. Futsal Arena@Yishun is also hosting the first-ever Nee Soon Countdown. Do note that most, if not all, are free entry, but may require pre-registration to avoid overcrowding.
Looking for a quick meal to fuel your countdown excitement? SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at Fish & Co outlets, including Causeway Point, Jurong Point and Our Tampines Hub. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/fish-co
Prefer to just stay in and chill on New Year’s Eve? Here are some laidback date ideas that are free and/or affordable!
Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.
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Photos: SPH Media Trust
