Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve — from light shows to fireworks and more

Shine a Light installation

Credit: marinabaycountdown.gov.sg

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Making its debut last year, the Shine A Light installation returns this year at The Promontory. It showcases 60 light beams in a circular formation to represent strength in diversity during the pandemic. It also shines the light on frontline workers, ground-up groups, as well as charities meeting needs within local communities during these tough times.

From now till Dec 28, the installation will light up in a different colour each week to represent a different cause. And from Dec 29 to 31, it’ll glow in magenta to depict the harmonious spirit of Singapore Together, as well as celebrate partnerships forged between Singaporeans to create a caring, just and equal society.

Local philanthropic organisation The Majurity Trust has also hopped on board this year and embarked on a fundraising campaign to rally donors, corporates, and private individuals, to ‘adopt’ 60 light beams to symbolically brighten up the lives of those amongst us who are in need. The funds will go towards five grants that support various vulnerable communities in Singapore, such as youths struggling with mental health issues, people living with dementia and their caregivers, and at-risk families.

While you’re in the area, look out for the light projection shows that’ll transform the facades of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion into a storytelling showcase.

The projections feature original illustrations by local students, who draw on the stories of this year’s President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards nominees, which portray people coming together to help others during tough times.

Share the Moment will be presented nightly from Dec 26 to 31, 2021, 8pm to 10.30pm, with extended showtimes till 11.45pm on Dec 31. The projection shows will take place every 15 minutes. See the schedule here.

Take a stroll along the Marina Bay waterfront promenade and be enchanted by the lovely light installations and projections that are created to embody the spirit of creativity and hopefulness.

Step under the canopy of trees lit up in a psychedelic array of colours, pose with a light installation of inflatable bird structures or stop to admire an abstract clockface projection display.

The waterfront promenade light installations will be on display nightly from Dec 1 to 31, 2021, 8pm to 10.30pm, with extended display times on Dec 31. Visit Marina Bay Singapore Countdown’s website for more information.

Fireworks in the heartlands

Credit: The Straits Times

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While there won’t be fireworks at Marina Bay to prevent large crowds, you can head to the heartlands to end the year with a bang and beautiful displays. Last year, they were held in residential estates like Bedok, Bishan, Hougang, Jurong and Yew Tee.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has yet to release the details for this year’s locations, but more information will be provided in due course.

Let's Celebrate 2022 annual countdown special

Credit: Screengrab via MeWatch

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If you’re celebrating in the comfort of your home, tune in to the Let’s Celebrate 2022 annual countdown special on Dec 31, from 11pm, that’ll feature selected heartland fireworks and scenes from Marina Bay.

Hosted by 987 DJs Sonia Chew and Joakim Gomez, it will star local celebs and faces from the music, dance, and fashion community such as songbird Kit Chan, Nathan Hartono, Taufik Batisah and Jasmine Sokko.

Catch the show on Mediacorp’s Channel 5, or via meWatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel.

Celebrate the last hours of 2021 onboard Royal Albatross, Singapore, and Asia’s only luxury tall ship.

For a romantic sunset cruise, you can opt for the 2.5-hour NYE Dinner Cruise ($245 per person) that’ll take you around Singapore’s Southern coastline while you tuck into a three-course dinner with the likes of smoked salmon gravlax, sous vide turkey breast or baked Chilean seabass. It also comes with a free-flow of soft drinks.

Or usher in the new year with the NYE Countdown Cruise ($295++ per person), which starts at 9.30pm and ends at 12am. This offers a six-course menu instead, and includes a bottle of champagne for two, free-flow of soft drinks and mocktails, as well as props, streamers and poppers.

Visit its website to book or for more information.

Have a celebratory dinner

Credit: Super Loco

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Of course, there’s no party without a feast, and dining spots across the island have festive New Year’s Eve menus to celebrate. And to make it a little extra special, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants with remarkable views to ring in the new year.

Mr Stork, contemporary grill restaurant Skai, and urban microbrewery LeVeL33, for instance, offer a bird’s eye view of the Marina Bay area. And Super Loco Customs House, which boasts waterfront views, will be throwing a tropical Cancun-themed party with a four-hour bottomless drinks package together with a four-course dinner. Read more here.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.