From The Straits Times    |

snow foam on singapore christmas 640.jpg

Image: The Straits Times, Kevin Lim

You do not have to hop on a plane to escape to wintry countries for snow this Christmas.

From the verdant, sprawling Gardens by the Bay in the downtown Marina area to suburban malls such as City Square Mall in Farrer Park and JCube in Jurong, snow is now a stroll or bus ride away. There are at least seven places in Singapore offering artificial snowfall this festive season. All of them use variations of room temperature, non-toxic snow foam, which dissipates quickly. It is hard not to get into the Christmas mood, with the sight of children frolicking on the grass, giggling in delight with their palms outstretched to catch the cascading blizzard.

1. CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, GARDENS BY THE BAY

Where: 18 Marina Gardens Drive

When: 7.30, 8.20, 9.05 and 9.45pm, daily. Snowfall is subject to weather conditions. Until Dec 21

What: This large-scale festival includes a Christmas market, music and drama performances, as well as snowfall and Italian light sculptures.

Admission: Free, but admission to cooled conservatories apply

Info: Go to gardensbythebay.christmaswonderland.sg/

2. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, SINGAPORE

Where: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway

When: 11am to 9pm daily, every hour. Until Jan 4

What: On top of snowfall, check out the Christmas tree made entirely out of plush toys at the New York Public Library, and a fireworks show running every Friday and Saturday this month.

Admission: A one-day adult pass costs $84, while a Christmas event ticket is $50

Info: Go to www.rwsentosa.com/Homepage/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore or call 6577-8888

3. THE RINK AT JCUBE

Where: Level 3, 2 Jurong East Central 1

When: 9.45pm to 12.45am (Dec 24), 9.45 to 11.45pm (Dec 25), (9.45pm to 12.45am (Dec 31)

What: Expect snowfall that can pile up to 90cm high at the countdown events. Those attending the New Year countdown will receive a free Valore Dome Powerbank.

Admission: $28, inclusive of skate boots rental

Info: Go to www.therink.sg

4. CITY SQUARE MALL

Where: 180 Kitchener Road

When: 8 and 9pm daily until Dec 28

What: Enjoy the locomotive-themed Chuggington Winter Snow Party, as well as carnival rides and performances by local hand-bells ensemble Ministry of Bellz

Admission: Free

Info: Go to www.citysquaremall.com.sg

5. RAFFLES CITY SINGAPORE

Where: 252 North Bridge Road

When: 7pm daily until Dec 25

What: Two snow machines at the base of the 18m-tall Christmas tree outside the shopping mall will generate snow for half an hour every evening. There is also a Christmas village on display.

Admission: Free

Info: Go to www.rafflescity.com.sg

6. SNOW CITY

Where: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road

When: 10am to 7pm daily, last admission before 6pm. Until Dec 31

What: Liquid nitrogen demonstrations that showcase how the substance can freeze objects, and a cappella Christmas carolling. Depending on schedule.

Admission: $15 for one hour’s snow play, $23 (child) and $28 (adult) for two hours

Info: Go to www.snowcity.com.sg or call 6560-2306

7. TANGLIN MALL

Where: 163 Tanglin Road

When: 7.30pm (weekdays), 7.30 and 8.30 (weekends and public holidays). Until Jan 1.

What: The outdoor snowfall takes place around a “carnival- style” Christmas tree decked out with lights, mirrors and painted animal replicas. There is also an outdoor washing area to clean up.

Admission: Free

Info: Go to www.tanglinmall.com.sg

8. ORCHARD CENTRAL

Where: 181 Orchard Road

When: 5pm on weekends until Dec 21, and on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Each session lasts for about 15 minutes.

What: Some 10 gallons of snow foam will fall inside the shopping mall during this period, as shoppers browse goods at the mall’s Christmas marketplace.

Admission: Free

Info: www.orchardcentral.com.sg/, or tel 6238-1051

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on December 12, 2014. For similar stories, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.

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