Marina Bay hosts a walkable and interactive countdown festival

Every year, thousands flock to Marina Bay not only for the majestic New Year countdown, but also an engaging month-long fringe festival around the entire bay.

Let the party countdown begin!

In the iconic Marina Bay every year, Singapore puts on an extravagant show to usher in the New Year. Leading up to the turn of every year, the bay comes alive with a playground of activities that offer a wide range of experiences for visitors young and old. Soak in the fun of welcoming the New Year alongside revellers from around the world at Singapore’s largest countdown event, the Marina BaySingapore Countdown. Set against the city’s spectacular skyline, this fiesta features four experiential activity hubs at The Promontory, Bayfront, the Civic District and NS Square, the Marina Bay floating platform, with pop-up food stalls, photo installations, movie screenings, water rides and rollercoasters. Best of all, you can enter the festival grounds for free!

Join in the fun with the eclectic line-up of events invigorating the year-end calendar. Go ahead and take your pick!

Carnival of fun

From 15 December 2017, the fun begins with the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival, where you can engage in some fun and games. Choose from over 40 carnival rides and games from different parts of the world that will indulge your inner child. Enjoy family-friendly performances and activities like Christmas carolling and fitness classes, while DJs and bands play infectious grooves for you to dance the night away. Download augmented reality app LocoMole to join in an activity-based charity trail, which will commence on 10 December. This charity trail includes part of the ‘2KM Fun Run’ route of Santa Run for Wishes, which is organised by the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Come back every month from 15 December to 1 April and witness the ever changing theme of programmes that offer participants an array of experiences. Christmas cheer fills the carnival in December, which is when carollers showcase their adept pipes. And if you want to get started on your New Year’s fitness resolutions right away, you can sign up for fitness sessions at the carnival’s health-themed booths.

Light up the night

Grab a drink and hang out at the ticket viewing zone at NS Square, the Marina Bay floating platform, where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the laser show and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Ticket holders (S$5.50/person) can shop for F&B and lifestyle products at an outdoor bazaar; pick a comfy spot at the Seating Gallery; or enjoy a picnic while awaiting the midnight fireworks. Tickets are available from the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown website.

At the adjoining marketplace, there’s plenty to buy and bring home too. Stroll through specially curated food, beverage and retail stalls and you just might discover an endearing final keepsake to remember 2017 by.

Light and sounds

Wander around Marina Bay and see Singapore’s iconic buildings in new light. The Fullerton Hotel, The Merlion and ArtScience Museum™ will be all dressed up and lit in synchrony from 29 to 31 December. Visitors may also send messages of your hopes and dreams to the countdown’s website, and have them projected on the façade of The Fullerton Hotel from 26 December.

While you are waiting for the city’s biggest fireworks show to blast off at midnight, why not explore the Civic District? This historic commercial hub of colonial Singapore advocates car-free New Year’s Eve celebrations this year and is encouraging attendees to take leisurely strolls to take in a wide array of concerts held throughout the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Eve. Shops and restaurants will open their shutters a little longer too, so take your time to take in the festive atmosphere and mark the last moments of 2017 with good food and great company.

The full works

Smaller fireworks displays will go off every hour from 8pm, to build the anticipation for the midnight extravaganza. When the clock strikes 12, countdown attendees will be treated to the ultimate display of fireworks across the Marina Bay skyline, sending off 2017 and ushering in 2018 in grand style. Happy New Year!