School Holiday Events For Families
School’s officially out and the children are home for the holidays.
If you’re racking your heads on how to keep the kiddos occupied, look no further.
With this list of family-friendly activities and events to attend, we’ll help you save Christmas before the grouchy lil’ Grinches come out to play.
1. Christmas Minion parade at Universal Studios
There’s nothing more festive than strolling down the hallowed halls of Singapore’s largest theme park, arm-in-arm with your loved ones.
This year, Universal Studios Singapore is pulling out all the stops with a slew of activities to bring Yuletide cheer straight to you — catch dazzling light displays, all-new musical performances and spectacular fireworks.
Expect flamboyant parades involving Santa IRL, with his trusty elves and toy soldiers in tow on humongous floats.
Stay till it gets dark for the light-up party on New York Street with characters from Minions, Sesame Street and Shrek all dressed up for the occasion.
Sesame Street classic and Christmas staple Oscar’s Grouchmas will be playing at Pantages Hollywood Theater which is a song & dance filled take on Oscar’s journey as grows to love Christmas with the help of his friends.
Musical geeks should catch the free musical ‘PRESENTation Day’ at Hollywood Lagoon Stage — an original musical about Evie Evergreen, a toymaker elf who wishes to spread the true meaning of Christmas in a tech-obsessed world.
A spectacular fireworks show will be a great way to round out an exciting night. The full schedule is available here.
Date: 1 Dec 2018 – 1 Jan 2019
Time: 10am-6pm daily. Extended hours till 9pm and 10pm on select nights.
Address:Â 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Price:
1-Day Ticket*
Adult (Age 13-59) –Â $72
Child (Age 4-12) – $53
*Comes with complimentary EZ-link card & free $5 retail voucher. Valid for Singapore Residents with proof of identity.
Book your tickets: Universal Studios Singapore
2. Hang with glowing jellyfish at S.E.A. Aquarium
S.E.A. Aquarium’s Christmas offerings will cast a lovely glow on the curious faces of your loved ones.
Navigate their stunning light installations, glow-in-the-dark sea creature exhibits and an LED-themed marine life dive show.
Bioluminescent animals will take centre-stage in the stunning neon exhibits.
Take the chance to educate the young ones about the importance of conservation while getting up close and personal with Dory and Nemo.
Don’t miss the gorgeous fluorescent coral colonies housed within a UV light display, and a towering art installation inspired by flowing coral tentacles.
Catch divers making an underwater appearance in bespoke LED suits, as they swim amongst manta rays and zebra sharks at the Open Ocean Habitat.
Date: 23 Nov 2018 – 6 Jan 2019
Time:Â Mon to Fri (10am-7pm). Sat to Sun (9.30am-7pm)
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269
Price:
1-Day Ticket
Adult (Age 13-59) –Â $30*
Child (Age 4-12) – $22
Senior (Age >60) – $22
*With minimum purchase of 2 Adult tickets, bundled with Maritime Experiential Museum entry. Valid Singapore Resident identification required for entry.
Book your tickets: S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa
3. Float food fight at Adventure Cove Waterpark
All table manners will be thrown out of the window in a Food Fight at Bluwater Bay, featuring larger-than-life food-themed floats.
There’ll also be a lip sync battle in the presence of a live DJ while contestants balance on the giant floats.
Singapore Residents enjoy online discounts on admission at only S$28 for an adult one-day ticket (U.P. S$38) to Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Date: 17 Nov 2018 – 30 Dec 2018
Time:Â Mon to Fri (10am-7pm). Sat to Sun (9.30am-7pm)
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269
Price:
1-Day Ticket
Adult (Age 13-59) –Â $28*
Child (Age 4-12) – $22
Senior (Age >60) – $22
*With minimum purchase of 2 Adult tickets, bundled with Maritime Experiential Museum entry. Valid Singapore Resident identification required for entry.
Book your tickets: S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa
4. Meet Luffy IRL at One PIECE Exhibition
The longest running pirate-themed manga in the world One PIECEÂ will be making landfall in Singapore this November. Millennials looking to relive nostalgic memories of the series will absolutely love this.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Luffy and his band of pirates as you learn about why these characters have endured for over 20 years.
Expect an exact replica of Oda’s desk, and a VR zone where guests can experience the author Eiichiro Oda bringing each character to life.
Date:
27 – 30 Nov 2018 (Mon to Fri, 10am-7pm)
1 Dec 2018 – 1 Jan 2019 (Mon to Sun, 9.30am-7pm)
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269
Price:Â One PIECE Exhibition + Museum Entry – $15
VR Zone – $8 (Sold onsite)
Book your tickets: The Maritime Experiential Museum
5. Pet an Ice Dragon at Singapore Zoo
Here’s your best bet at getting up close and personal with mystical creatures of lore.
Singapore Zoo will be housing majestic dragons and griffins from Saturday (17 Nov), in a special tribute featuring the Night King’s Ice Dragon from Game of Thrones.
Close by, River Safari traps visitors in a site-wide lockdown that requires sharp wit and teamwork to escape.
Date:Â 17-18 & 24-25 Nov 2018
Address:Â 80 Mandai Lake Rd, 729826
Price:
Singapore Zoo
Adult: S$35, Child: S$23
River Safari
Adult: S$32, Child: S$21
River Lockdown (17 Nov/18 Nov)
Adult/Child: $240/6pax, $40/pax
Book your tickets: Wild Life Reserves
6. Retrieve Ron’s Flying Car at the Whomping Willow
With the release of Fantastic Beasts, Potterheads of all ages will be in the mood for revisiting the enthralling and immersive Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling.
Changi Airport will be bringing not one, but 4 life-sized sets inspired by the series. This includes charming Hogsmeade Village, Diagon Alley, the Whomping Willow and Newt Scamander’s Menagerie.
You’ll get to dress up as a wizard or witch, throw Quidditch-style hoops and enjoy snow and light shows.
Merch-lovers, you haven’t been forgotten with an Obliviate spell either. With a minimum spend, you’ll be able to claim adorable plush toys, scarves and travel pillows.
Date: 16 Nov onwards
Time: Free Snow & Light shows from Mon-Fri (6pm, 7pm & 9 pm), Sat-Sun (1pm, 6pm, 7pm & 9pm)
Address: Changi Airport Departure Halls at Terminal 1, 2, 3 & 4
Details: Find out how to get your hands on an exclusive Hedwig doll here.
7. Thrilling rides & carnival games at Marina Bayfront
Hoping to replicate last year’s smashing success, Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is back for a second edition with 50 rides and games stalls.
Expect thrilling roller coasters, swinging chair rides that will give you a panoramic view of the Bayfront area, and 4 new attractions.
You know the drill. Loads of plushies will be up for grabs at the numerous carnival game booths peppered around the venue.
Players who love to snack while they indulge in games should check out the F&B offerings too.
Besides food trucks, there’ll be live busking performances through the night, as well as art and craft workshops helmed by local artists.
Date: 22 Dec 2018 – 24 Mar 2019
Time: 4pm-11pm daily, 24 Dec & 31 Dec: 4pm-2am
Address: Bayfront Event Space at 12A Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018970
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront MRT, Promenade MRT, Downtown MRT
Price: Free Entry, Tokens required for activities
Pre-book your tokens here: Marina Bay Carnival
8. Disney Tsum Tsum scavenger hunt at GBTB
Families heading to Gardens by the Bay this Christmas season should prepare themselves for an adorable Disney Tsum Tsum invasion.
The iconic Flower Dome area will be chockfull of larger-than-life Tsum Tsums from all your favourite Disney movies including Stitch, Dumbo & the cast of Winnie the Pooh.
All of these gorgeous displays will be set against a backdrop of endless Christmas trees wound up with fairy lights and decked out with massive presents.
When you get bored of the Tsum Tsum scavenger hunt, hop on over to the festive market outside to shop and grab a snack.
Address: Gardens by the Bay at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Time: 9am-9pm daily
Price: $8-$28
Website: Gardens By The Bay
Bonus: A very doggo Christmas
For fur parents, there’s going to be a night market themed around celebrating Man’s best friend.
No need to worry about those pesky ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signs, as you’ll be free to roam the market with your fur-baby in hand or on leash.
Attend free sharing sessions from animal specialists and splurge on designer dogwear for your precious pupper.
Date: 14-16 Dec 2018
Time: Fri-Sat: 3–11pm, Sun: 11am-7pm
Address: The Grandstand Outdoor Event Space (North Carpark)
Price: Admission is free.
Website:Â Singapore Dog Festivalâ„¢ 2018: A Canine Christmas
Baby shark doo doo no more
The iconic anthem Baby Shark may not keep your kid’s hyperactivity at bay anymore, but look at that as an opportunity to take your family out of your comfort zones.
Give your fam the greatest gift of all this festive season — a family adventure to remember.
Featured image from Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Carnival, Resorts World Sentosa & Sentosa Adventure Cove.
