27 Nov 2015: As far as magical photo opportunities go, it doesn’t get much better than the massive light displays of Christmas Wonderland. We were already impressed with the event last year, but this time, we’ve been promised that it’s gonna return even bigger and better. It officially opens its doors to visitors on November 27, and we’re as excited as you are. Here are five things that you can look forward to there.
Luminarie
With a few reaching heights of over 20 metres, there’s no doubt that these light sculptures are the stars of the show. Each of the 56 pieces is handmade by craftsmen from Italian company Paulicelli Illuminations, and you’ll find them spread across the gardens in places like the Dragonfly Bridge, Baby Bridge and the Flower Dome. The largest display is called The Spalliera, which surrounds the Cassa Armonica, an illuminated gazebo where carollers perform from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Christmas Toyland Floral Display
The Flower Dome has decked its halls with boughs of holly, Christmas rose, poinsettia and other winter plants for the Yuletide season, so get ready to feel super festive in this climate-controlled conservatory. The centrepiece is an 11-metre-tall Christmas Pyramid, which comprises four tiers of toys around a traditional German carousel.
Ice Palace
We’ve been promised snow by Christmas events in Singapore on many occasions, but we’re almost always let down when we realise that ‘snow’ really means ‘foam’. But no more. The purpose-built Ice Palace is a legit winter wonderland, where kids can skid around an ice-skating rink – they can hold on to cute animal-shaped aids if they don’t really know how to skate – and frolic in the snow playground. Yes, with real snow. Gloves and socks are available at $2 a pair.
The Fairground
Rather than Instagramming the pretty lights of Christmas Wonderland, visitors to this year’s edition can enjoy various activities at The Fairground. There are carnival game stalls, a vintage carousel, a battery-powered trackless train, and – for the daredevils – a 14-metre-high helter skelter.
Festive Market
What’s Christmas without presents? Get yours sorted at this European-style market, featuring 19 huts brought in from the UK. There is a range of food and drink options, and kids can pay Santa a visit at his cottage here, too.
GWEN PEW 