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December 2017
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We Grabbed Ten Minutes With the Man in Red
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What to Give to a Person Who Has Everything?
From Driverless Cars to Artificial Intelligence
MCI (P) 197/03/2017
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! By Eadren Tan
Photo courtesy of Winter Wonderland
C
hristmas in the tropics might seem strange at first, especially for those of us who are used to spending this time of year in much colder climes, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do to get into the spirit. If you are staying in Singapore, here are some festive things to try during the holidays. Christmas on a Great Street The lights on Orchard Road have been a festive highlight since 1984, when they lasted just 20 days. This year, the Christmas Light-up will run for six weeks, from mid-November through January 1! In addition, from Tanglin Mall all the way to Plaza Singapura, the malls and department stores will be going all out with their decorations, as they compete for the title of Best-Dressed Building – will your favorite be the winner? Stop off at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza to check out the Endless Wonder Christmas Village, with bouncy castles, live music, roving costumed performers and a carousel, it’s sure to be the perfect place to take a break from the shops.
“Snow” at Tanglin Mall As usual, Tanglin Mall will be bathing visitors in its very own version of snow this year. Bring the whole family for some foamy fun and don’t forget to snap a few insta-worthy pics #xmasinthetropics! Christmas Wonderland From the start of December, Gardens by the Bay will be transformed into Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair, with the magnificent luminarie light sculptures from Italy, acrobatic performances by Circus Abyssinia Present Ethiopian Dreams, skating under the stars, festive markets, carnival rides and more. Children and the young-at-heart can also meet Santa himself, and witness his life-sized reindeers and sleigh installation, in the Arctic-themed Santa’s grotto. Snow City Yes, real snow! Nothing says Christmas like sub-zero temperatures, skiing, snowboarding and a three-story high, 60-meter long snow slope to snow tube. If it
starts getting too cold, you can head back outdoors to attempt The Cliff – a vertigo-inducing climbing wall of international competition standards. Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore This year’s highlights include the all-singing, all-dancing Search for a Christmas Star show and Santa’s Snowy Sleigh Ride, which will bring a burst of snowfall to the streets of New York. All our favorite characters will be embracing the Christmas spirit with fun performances and festive outfits. S.E.A. Aquarium’s Merry Fishmas Every year, S.E.A. Aquarium celebrates Merry Fishmas with a variety of activities for visitors. In 2014, there was the Fishmas trail treasure hunt, in 2015 they celebrated the 12 Days of Fishmas, and last year Sea Protectors hunted aquatic-style Pokemon. At time of press, this year’s details had not been released, but keep an eye on the RWS website for updates. Continues on page 17
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