Gardens by the Bay, a lush haven nestled in the heart of Singapore, reached a historic milestone today as it welcomed its 100-millionth visitor. The momentous occasion coincided with the grand launch of Singapore’s most extensive Christmas celebrations – an event graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong. The festivities unfolded against the backdrop of the stunning Supertrees, marking a spectacular beginning to the holiday season.
A Gift for the 100-Millionth Visitor
DPM Wong, echoing a tradition from previous milestones, presented a commemorative gift hamper to Lester Er and his wife June Tan, the esteemed 100-millionth visitors. The couple, regular patrons who frequent the Gardens with their children, were bestowed with a two-year Friends of the Gardens Family Plus membership and a delightful two-night stay at the enchanting Garden Pod hotel. This heartwarming gesture reinforces Gardens by the Bay’s commitment to creating lasting memories for its cherished visitors.
Christmas at the Gardens: A Yuletide Extravaganza
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also unveiled “Christmas at the Gardens,” a month-long celebration featuring a series of festive events catering to diverse tastes. For the first time in its history, Gardens by the Bay has transformed into a one-stop venue hosting multiple major Christmas events throughout December.
The crown jewel of these celebrations is “Christmas Wonderland,” Singapore’s largest yuletide fair organized by Blue Sky Events. Now in its milestone 10th edition, the fair covers over 27,000 square meters of the Gardens, boasting a supersized fairground from Supertree Grove to The Meadow. Highlights include the return of the beloved “Blizzard Time,” an immersive experience of faux snow in the tropics, set against the breathtaking backdrop of a 20-meter-tall Spalliera luminarie inspired by an Italian Castle.
Adding to the festive spectacle is the debut of the 24-meter-long illuminated Holly Roger ship, complete with merry pirate elves. Visitors can also traverse the Walk of Lights tunnel, adorned with 75,000 LED lights, and meet Santa at his charming abode in the Supertree Grove. With carnival games, rides, and nightly performances, Christmas Wonderland promises enchantment for visitors of all ages, continuing until January 1.
Meanwhile, amidst the Supertrees of Silver Garden, “Celebrate YOUth!: Electric Garden” offers a free series of concerts featuring local talents such as Charlie Lim, Benjamin Kheng, Iman Fandi, and Linying. Set across two weekends and from December 22 to December 24, the concerts provide a platform for community performers, including the migrant worker band Betelgeuse, Institute of Technical Education Show Choir, and local dance school Danz People, to showcase their talents alongside established artists.
Additionally, Golden Garden welcomes visitors with a magnificent 25-meter-tall Christmas tree-shaped luminarie and seven dazzling Frontone luminarie arches leading to the cooled conservatories.
Poinsettia Wishes and Community Involvement
Inside the Flower Dome, the “Poinsettia Wishes” floral display captivates with its Nordic-inspired winter landscape. Adorable Christmas cheer permeates the scene, featuring over 20 real Christmas trees, 20 poinsettia varieties, and luminarie light installations. This festive display continues until January 1, with admission charges applicable.
Assistant CEO of Gardens by the Bay, May Yeo, expressed the commitment to curating diverse and inclusive experiences throughout the year, highlighting the special joy of celebrating Christmas in the Gardens.
Blue Sky Events’ Generosity
Director of Blue Sky Events, Kevin Soh, acknowledged Gardens by the Bay’s milestone during the 10th anniversary of Christmas Wonderland. Blue Sky Events donated $30,000 to the Children’s Cancer Foundation and St. Luke’s ElderCare as a gesture of goodwill. In the spirit of the season, beneficiaries from both charities will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas Wonderland.
The 100-millionth visitor, Lester Er, shared his family’s deep connection with Gardens by the Bay, from a romantic dating spot to a cherished family destination. He anticipated being part of the Gardens’ continued growth as visitor.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took a moment to meet with childhood cancer survivors and their families, who contributed to the Christmas decorations. In collaboration with the Children’s Cancer Foundation and Gardens by the Bay, they adorned community Christmas trees, showcasing the spirit of giving and community involvement.
As the Gardens celebrate this significant milestone and embark on a month-long festive journey, the air is filled with the promise of joy, unity, and the magic of Christmas. Gardens by the Bay stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to creating memorable experiences and fostering a sense of community during this holiday season.