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