Gardens By The Bay: Christmas Toyland and Wonderland
TIP: Arrive at 4pm and park at Meadows Carpark. Stay the whole night through until you are down with the Snow Blizzard show. You will find yourself stuck in a traffic jam if you arrive after 6pm. Besides, reaching at 4pm allows you to play without queuing!
This is the last chapter, sixth of six, in Gardens By The Bay 2015 storytelling journey. The jolliest and most magical of them all. Ewan woke before the sun rose, too awake to head back to sleep from all the hype about meeting Mr. Snowman and Gingerbread Man. I had recommended this trip on Parents World magazine knowing we will make a family visit for certain. To avoid massive crowds, we planned our morning with a MacDonald's breakfast at Gardens By The Bay (they open only at 0830 hours) and skipped into the Flower Dome the moment it opens its doors for the day.
This is the last chapter, sixth of six, in Gardens By The Bay 2015 storytelling journey. The jolliest and most magical of them all. Ewan woke before the sun rose, too awake to head back to sleep from all the hype about meeting Mr. Snowman and Gingerbread Man. I had recommended this trip on Parents World magazine knowing we will make a family visit for certain. To avoid massive crowds, we planned our morning with a MacDonald's breakfast at Gardens By The Bay (they open only at 0830 hours) and skipped into the Flower Dome the moment it opens its doors for the day.
LUMINARIE LIGHT SCULPTURES
Outside the Flower Dome, amongst the Super Trees, stand white impressive Luminarie Light Sculptures which looked absolutely stunning when the lights come up. It was such a delight to soak in the Christmas Wonderland that Gardens By The Bay promises with a spectacular sensory experience for the family! With some good luck, we picked up an abandoned bunch of balloons which brought much joy to the children and to their mother who got to keep some beautiful pictures in the gardens.
We had to stay to watch the official opening of the Christmas Wonderland by Minister of Trade and Industry Mr S. Iswaran. He lit up the Spalliera, 20-metres high, with a press of a button in a charmingly-litted gazebo. We were then treated with Christmas songs and a snowfall which got everyone smiling from ear to ear. It was a beautiful experience and unlike many other snow shows, we did not get all wet and soapy. It was a spectacular show and the lights topped the experience three notches up.
The blizzard time at the Spalliera:
Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays are at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm daily
Fridays and Saturdays are at 8pm, 9pm and 9.45pm daily
CHRISTMAS TOYLAND
The floral display inside the Flower Dome isn't just a spectacle of Poinsettias and Hollies. It is a magical toy-filled dreamland that not only got children tickled pink but seniors too! Everyone were vying for a spot to get a clear shot of themselves with all-time favourite Santa Bear and the 11-metre tall Christmas Pyramid centrepiece. The Pyramid is decked with tin soldiers and bears with a propeller-like structure at the top that got Ewan asking me, "Oh Mommy! Is it going to fly? Oh yes it is! Let's wait and watch!" I love the creation of this traditional German wooden carousel which will transform into a "live" stage, hosting a series of festive performances in the Flower Field!
[Click here for 5 and 6 December 2015 Programmes]
With the haze engulfing Singapore for the longest period of time this year, we weren't sure if it would clear up by December. I had been relying on indoor play (minus indoor playgrounds because they are germ-grounds) to keep the children entertained and knew that a visit to the Flower Field in Gardens By The Bay will never disappoint. Haze, Blizzard, Thunderstorm or Humid Hot, we will be well-protected in its dome. Do you remember The Jetsons cartoon? I felt just like that! Oh if only it snowed, we would literally be inside a Snow Globe! Idea for next Christmas maybe!
The children roamed comfortably in the rotunda filled with Christmas Cheers, skipping and squealing in excitement. I am sorry a little flower bud got plucked off and landed in reindeer Faye's mouth. She thought a little gastronomical adventure with flowerets wouldn't hurt and there, she tasted flower and it must had nice because that after-taste face of hers was hilariously unforgettable.
The Christmas Wonderland spans across 35,000 square metres showcasing a European-style Festive Market with traditional rides and games. I must say this is the largest yuletide fair in and heralds a new tradition to experience the Magic of Christmas in a whole new light. I see myself bringing the children back again and again, until they pull everything down on 27 December 2015.
THE FAIRGROUND
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Price:
Fun with Bubbles - Free
Vintage Carousel - S$10 per ride
Helter Skelter - S$8 per ride
Trackless Train - S$6 per ride
Game Stalls - from S$4
It is situated near the Meadows and offers a delightful array of carnival rides like a vintage style carousel, a trackless train, seven carnival game stalls and the Helter Skelter, a 14m spiral slide built in a high tower. All the attractions run on a token system and they can be purchased across the festival site at various key locations.
We brought the children and their cousins for an evening of fun! The bright and cheery colours did it for them. All I heard were squeals and excitement, "I want to go on the carousel! I want to go on the carousel!" If your child is below 1-metre in height, he will need to be accompanied by an adult.
With not a lot of luck, we brought home nothing from the carnival games. Pity because the toys are pretty attractive and not your usual unbranded softies. We saw Disney and Warner Brother characters like Baymax, Woody and Buzz from Toy Story and Minions! I wanted to bring one home myself! Alas... No win.
The Helter Skelter is high. Well, to a little child, it is really high! We got our eldest of the lot to give it a go. He was given a mat and assisted to don on a robe. Climbed up the tower and spiralled down not once but twice! The word Helter-Skelter literarily means ‘hurried and confused’, ‘in haste’ or ‘disorderly’ and the lighthouse-like structure with a high spiral slide offers you more-or-less the same experience.
We missed the Bubble Show but here are the timings!
Fun with Bubbles at the Fairground:
7pm, 8.05pm and 9.45pm daily
SWINGING CHAIRS
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Price:
Swinging Chairs - S$8 per ride
This is a brand-new feature of the festival this year but its location isn't prominent enough to attract enough crowd. I missed it the first time and had to return on a second time to locate it. To make it easier for you, it is located behind the Ice Palace. This swinging chair isn't the same as those high-flying ones that we can take in the panoramic view of the city but a child-friendly one that Ewan could go on his own. To be able to take this ride, your child must be 0.9 metres to 1.4 metres tall.
ICE PALACE
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Price:
Ice Skating Ring - S$14 per child/adult (inclusive of skates)
Snow Playground - S$12 per child/adult (inclusive of boots)
An entirely different experience awaits here, at the Supertree Grove. It offers a cool and refreshing wintry Christmas in the tropics. There is a snow playground where you can build snowman and create your own snow angels! To top it all up, there is also an ice-skating ring within with a long line of Polar Bear and Penguin assistance ready for anyone who needs some ice-skating aids.
There will be nine sessions of 30-minute block for each play sitting and you will be required to book your slot on-site [Time Schedule here]. The purpose of this ruling is to keep the Snow Playground and Ice Skating Ring from over-crowding and for every visitor to get an equal opportunity to experience "snow" inside the Ice Palace.
If you have forgotten to bring you gloves and socks, they have them on sale at S$2 per pair. Well, do remember to bring them along. Also, it isn't that cold really. You will be able to manage the "weather" inside the Ice Palace with a short-sleeved shirt.
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Sundays - Dinner from 1600 to 2300 hours daily
Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve and Christmas - Brunch from 1030 to 1500 hours
Food Menu:
http://www.christmaswonderland.sg/web/images/2015_Harrys_Menu.pdf
Menu Price:
Starters from S$9 to S$10
Mains from S$12 to S$14
Desserts from S$6 to S$8
Kids meal at S$8
Weekend Brunch at S$35 with one Main Course and 10 Buffet selections
Credit Card Privileges:
UOB Visa and MasterCard holders will enjoy 10% off their total bill with a minimum spend of S$30
The ornate Spiegeltent is a century-old travelling "mirror tent" from Netherlands. Originally built in the later 19th and early 20th century, only a handful of them remain in existence. These spectacular pavilions comes in 1000 pieces of wood, brocade draperies, stained glass and beautifully hand carved artwork. You can indulge in a specially curated festive menu as well as a weekend brunch experience. Remember to check with them on availability because they might be booked out for events on certain nights!
I absolutely loved the detailing and especially the colour! I could probably to a dozen OOTD shots with this background but no can do when you have five children by your side. That's just too formidable a task. I will definitely return for a meal.
THE FESTIVE MARKET
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Credit Card Privileges:
UOB Visa and MasterCard holders will enjoy 10% off selected items or exclusive privileges at the Festive Market
This is located at the Supertree Grove, is made up of 19 traditional huts brought in from the United Kingdom. New to the fair are nibbles from Churros Factory and the Dutch Pancake shop, as well as international cuisine by Slake (Peranakan & Vietnamese), Tiger‟s Milk (Peruvian) and more. Returning best-sellers include kebabs by Shabestan, local dessert creations by Janice Wong, a specially curated charcuterie plate by Culina, as well as Japanese delights by Isetan. Besides shopping and dining, your children will be able to meet Santa Clause in his Cottage at the Festive Market! This is however, chargeable at S$20 for one photo or $40 for three photos. You are not allowed to use your own camera while in the cottage but by their own appointed photographer. We gave it a go and I must regretfully announce that I would have been a better child photographer. Enough said.
Web:
Outside the Flower Dome, amongst the Super Trees, stand white impressive Luminarie Light Sculptures which looked absolutely stunning when the lights come up. It was such a delight to soak in the Christmas Wonderland that Gardens By The Bay promises with a spectacular sensory experience for the family! With some good luck, we picked up an abandoned bunch of balloons which brought much joy to the children and to their mother who got to keep some beautiful pictures in the gardens.
We had to stay to watch the official opening of the Christmas Wonderland by Minister of Trade and Industry Mr S. Iswaran. He lit up the Spalliera, 20-metres high, with a press of a button in a charmingly-litted gazebo. We were then treated with Christmas songs and a snowfall which got everyone smiling from ear to ear. It was a beautiful experience and unlike many other snow shows, we did not get all wet and soapy. It was a spectacular show and the lights topped the experience three notches up.
The blizzard time at the Spalliera:
Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays are at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm daily
Fridays and Saturdays are at 8pm, 9pm and 9.45pm daily
CHRISTMAS TOYLAND
The floral display inside the Flower Dome isn't just a spectacle of Poinsettias and Hollies. It is a magical toy-filled dreamland that not only got children tickled pink but seniors too! Everyone were vying for a spot to get a clear shot of themselves with all-time favourite Santa Bear and the 11-metre tall Christmas Pyramid centrepiece. The Pyramid is decked with tin soldiers and bears with a propeller-like structure at the top that got Ewan asking me, "Oh Mommy! Is it going to fly? Oh yes it is! Let's wait and watch!" I love the creation of this traditional German wooden carousel which will transform into a "live" stage, hosting a series of festive performances in the Flower Field!
[Click here for 5 and 6 December 2015 Programmes]
With the haze engulfing Singapore for the longest period of time this year, we weren't sure if it would clear up by December. I had been relying on indoor play (minus indoor playgrounds because they are germ-grounds) to keep the children entertained and knew that a visit to the Flower Field in Gardens By The Bay will never disappoint. Haze, Blizzard, Thunderstorm or Humid Hot, we will be well-protected in its dome. Do you remember The Jetsons cartoon? I felt just like that! Oh if only it snowed, we would literally be inside a Snow Globe! Idea for next Christmas maybe!
The children roamed comfortably in the rotunda filled with Christmas Cheers, skipping and squealing in excitement. I am sorry a little flower bud got plucked off and landed in reindeer Faye's mouth. She thought a little gastronomical adventure with flowerets wouldn't hurt and there, she tasted flower and it must had nice because that after-taste face of hers was hilariously unforgettable.
The Christmas Wonderland spans across 35,000 square metres showcasing a European-style Festive Market with traditional rides and games. I must say this is the largest yuletide fair in and heralds a new tradition to experience the Magic of Christmas in a whole new light. I see myself bringing the children back again and again, until they pull everything down on 27 December 2015.
THE FAIRGROUND
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Price:
Fun with Bubbles - Free
Vintage Carousel - S$10 per ride
Helter Skelter - S$8 per ride
Trackless Train - S$6 per ride
Game Stalls - from S$4
It is situated near the Meadows and offers a delightful array of carnival rides like a vintage style carousel, a trackless train, seven carnival game stalls and the Helter Skelter, a 14m spiral slide built in a high tower. All the attractions run on a token system and they can be purchased across the festival site at various key locations.
We brought the children and their cousins for an evening of fun! The bright and cheery colours did it for them. All I heard were squeals and excitement, "I want to go on the carousel! I want to go on the carousel!" If your child is below 1-metre in height, he will need to be accompanied by an adult.
With not a lot of luck, we brought home nothing from the carnival games. Pity because the toys are pretty attractive and not your usual unbranded softies. We saw Disney and Warner Brother characters like Baymax, Woody and Buzz from Toy Story and Minions! I wanted to bring one home myself! Alas... No win.
The Helter Skelter is high. Well, to a little child, it is really high! We got our eldest of the lot to give it a go. He was given a mat and assisted to don on a robe. Climbed up the tower and spiralled down not once but twice! The word Helter-Skelter literarily means ‘hurried and confused’, ‘in haste’ or ‘disorderly’ and the lighthouse-like structure with a high spiral slide offers you more-or-less the same experience.
We missed the Bubble Show but here are the timings!
Fun with Bubbles at the Fairground:
7pm, 8.05pm and 9.45pm daily
SWINGING CHAIRS
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Price:
Swinging Chairs - S$8 per ride
This is a brand-new feature of the festival this year but its location isn't prominent enough to attract enough crowd. I missed it the first time and had to return on a second time to locate it. To make it easier for you, it is located behind the Ice Palace. This swinging chair isn't the same as those high-flying ones that we can take in the panoramic view of the city but a child-friendly one that Ewan could go on his own. To be able to take this ride, your child must be 0.9 metres to 1.4 metres tall.
ICE PALACE
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
Price:
Ice Skating Ring - S$14 per child/adult (inclusive of skates)
Snow Playground - S$12 per child/adult (inclusive of boots)
An entirely different experience awaits here, at the Supertree Grove. It offers a cool and refreshing wintry Christmas in the tropics. There is a snow playground where you can build snowman and create your own snow angels! To top it all up, there is also an ice-skating ring within with a long line of Polar Bear and Penguin assistance ready for anyone who needs some ice-skating aids.
There will be nine sessions of 30-minute block for each play sitting and you will be required to book your slot on-site [Time Schedule here]. The purpose of this ruling is to keep the Snow Playground and Ice Skating Ring from over-crowding and for every visitor to get an equal opportunity to experience "snow" inside the Ice Palace.
If you have forgotten to bring you gloves and socks, they have them on sale at S$2 per pair. Well, do remember to bring them along. Also, it isn't that cold really. You will be able to manage the "weather" inside the Ice Palace with a short-sleeved shirt.
SPIEGELTENT
Date:27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Sundays - Dinner from 1600 to 2300 hours daily
Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve and Christmas - Brunch from 1030 to 1500 hours
Food Menu:
http://www.christmaswonderland.sg/web/images/2015_Harrys_Menu.pdf
Menu Price:
Starters from S$9 to S$10
Mains from S$12 to S$14
Desserts from S$6 to S$8
Kids meal at S$8
Weekend Brunch at S$35 with one Main Course and 10 Buffet selections
Credit Card Privileges:
UOB Visa and MasterCard holders will enjoy 10% off their total bill with a minimum spend of S$30
The ornate Spiegeltent is a century-old travelling "mirror tent" from Netherlands. Originally built in the later 19th and early 20th century, only a handful of them remain in existence. These spectacular pavilions comes in 1000 pieces of wood, brocade draperies, stained glass and beautifully hand carved artwork. You can indulge in a specially curated festive menu as well as a weekend brunch experience. Remember to check with them on availability because they might be booked out for events on certain nights!
I absolutely loved the detailing and especially the colour! I could probably to a dozen OOTD shots with this background but no can do when you have five children by your side. That's just too formidable a task. I will definitely return for a meal.
Date:
27 November to 27 December 2015
Opening Hours:
1600 to 2300 hours daily
except 29 November 2015, all attractions are opened at 1030 hours
UOB Visa and MasterCard holders will enjoy 10% off selected items or exclusive privileges at the Festive Market
This is located at the Supertree Grove, is made up of 19 traditional huts brought in from the United Kingdom. New to the fair are nibbles from Churros Factory and the Dutch Pancake shop, as well as international cuisine by Slake (Peranakan & Vietnamese), Tiger‟s Milk (Peruvian) and more. Returning best-sellers include kebabs by Shabestan, local dessert creations by Janice Wong, a specially curated charcuterie plate by Culina, as well as Japanese delights by Isetan. Besides shopping and dining, your children will be able to meet Santa Clause in his Cottage at the Festive Market! This is however, chargeable at S$20 for one photo or $40 for three photos. You are not allowed to use your own camera while in the cottage but by their own appointed photographer. We gave it a go and I must regretfully announce that I would have been a better child photographer. Enough said.
Web:
http://www.christmaswonderland.sg/web/
Programme Line Up:
http://www.christmaswonderland.sg/web/index.php/attractions/programme-line-up
Facebook:
Christmas Wonderland Singapore
Instagram:
@ChristmasWonderlandSG
Official hashtag:
#ChristmasWonderlandSG
You will not want to miss the Parents World Family Extravaganza happening on the 12th and 13th of December 2015 at the Flower Dome as well! This is an annual family event with a slew of fun activities and fabulous exhibitor deals for the whole family. Activities include Cutest Baby Competition, Mummylicious Competition, Great Baby Bump Walk, Singapore Running Family Man, The ‘Longest’ Preschool Colouring Paper Contest, and Parenting Seminars. To be eligible for the Cutest Baby and Mummylicious competitions, you are required to send in your details with a photo to marketing@redtreegroup.org by 4th December 2015. There is also a chance to win FREE entry to the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay if you register your interest here.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures because it was such a feat to have them photographed especially those at the Christmas Wonderland. I had to carry Faye throughout our time at Gardens By The Bay and that was four long hours because she didn't really want to walk! My camera got heavier and heavier by the end of the night with Daddy Meyer stuck at a dinner appointment elsewhere. So thank you for appreciating this post if you did!
May your Christmas be filled with lots of happiness, love and peace! If you are feeling warm today, it's from all the love we are sending your way. Merry Christmas and have a great time at Wonderlanding with Gardens By The Bay!
Programme Line Up:
http://www.christmaswonderland.sg/web/index.php/attractions/programme-line-up
Facebook:
Christmas Wonderland Singapore
Instagram:
@ChristmasWonderlandSG
Official hashtag:
#ChristmasWonderlandSG
You will not want to miss the Parents World Family Extravaganza happening on the 12th and 13th of December 2015 at the Flower Dome as well! This is an annual family event with a slew of fun activities and fabulous exhibitor deals for the whole family. Activities include Cutest Baby Competition, Mummylicious Competition, Great Baby Bump Walk, Singapore Running Family Man, The ‘Longest’ Preschool Colouring Paper Contest, and Parenting Seminars. To be eligible for the Cutest Baby and Mummylicious competitions, you are required to send in your details with a photo to marketing@redtreegroup.org by 4th December 2015. There is also a chance to win FREE entry to the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay if you register your interest here.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures because it was such a feat to have them photographed especially those at the Christmas Wonderland. I had to carry Faye throughout our time at Gardens By The Bay and that was four long hours because she didn't really want to walk! My camera got heavier and heavier by the end of the night with Daddy Meyer stuck at a dinner appointment elsewhere. So thank you for appreciating this post if you did!
May your Christmas be filled with lots of happiness, love and peace! If you are feeling warm today, it's from all the love we are sending your way. Merry Christmas and have a great time at Wonderlanding with Gardens By The Bay!
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A stay at home mum, blogging to widen her social life.
We want to echo the sound of love through our lives to inspire other mothers alike.
We want to echo the sound of love through our lives to inspire other mothers alike.
wow wow wow.. kudos for taking all these beautiful photos while minding the 2 little ones by yourself. I hate such crowded places but I think this is too beautiful to miss! Shall try to head down soon before it gets even MORE crowded nearing Christmas hehe
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
I HAtE CROWDS TOO! haha That's why I always opt to arrive at opening time. The Flower Dome at 9am and the Christmas Wonderland at 4pm are VERY QUIET! And so, I get to take lots of pictures without people photo-bombing in my pictures and shoving me aside with sticky arms.
DeleteWow! Looks like I have to go visit this year. Love the photos. Everyone looks really happy in them and it is so full of Christmas Cheer! :) So they have this Christmas thing every year?
ReplyDeleteVivien ( Beautiful Chaos )
hah Yes Vivien, they have this yearly but I only knew about it this year apparently *haha*
DeleteIt looks SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm definitely bringing the kiddos over this weekend to let them have a taste of all the festivities coming up!!!
ReplyDeleteRemember to go early! Crazy mad traffic jam after 6pm!
DeleteI heard it was crowded and the carpark was packed! I would probably try to visit on a weekday instead... Love the balloons and your beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteActually, I was really surprised that it was so quiet. Maybe because I went at opening times. 9am to the Flower Dome and 4pm to the Christmas Wonderland. The main carpark and Meadow carpark were very empty and I got the best lot in the house. Surprisingly, I found the crowd little as compared to when they had their lantern festival setup. But yes, go on a weekday!
DeleteBeautiful photos! I can't wait to visit when my nephew and niece are in town. Thanks for the complete low down on the attractions and rides.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! I think they will definitely enjoy it.
DeleteSuch beautiful pictures! Now I wished I went for the opening night!! I gotta head back there again! Thanks for the comprehensive write-up! Def book-marking this.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful Christmas!
DeleteYour GBTB photos are so gorgeous that I shared them with my overseas friends! Love the family portraits taken against the beautiful garden settings. I think it warrants more than one visit surely and you did 3 in one weekend! Salute :D
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for your compliments :) ya hhaha we did 3 and yesterday ewan asked to go again well we didn't accede to his request. A little gbtb overdose from the week already lol
Deleteremembered to check your blog before heading down to GBTB. thanks for all the tips! and i LOVE the pics!
ReplyDeleteyou definitely make a better child photographer than many people out there. ;)
hehehehe Thank you! Glad you had fun and my tips got you through GBTB without too much CROWD! Wah.. taking pictures of children is really a very difficult task. Very tiring!
Delete