With the end of the year fast approaching, Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay precinct is getting ready to welcome 2023 with a series of highly-anticipated programmes and activities, including spectacular light projections created by students from local educational institutions, and the long-awaited return of the countdown fireworks — the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.
From foodies to music enthusiasts; from families in search of free activities to thrill-seekers, there’s something for everyone this year. Presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2023 invites everyone to usher in the new year together.
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Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2023
Light projection shows to usher in the new year with hope and gratitude
In partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Giving.sg, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2023 will present Share the Moment, a series of light projection shows on the facades of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion, from 26 to 31 December.
This year’s theme titled “City of Good” features 14 never-before-seen original creations by students from 6 local educational institutions. As we welcome a new year with renewed hope, the light projections aim to celebrate acts of giving both big and small, and inspire everyone to continue giving their best for others and communities in need.
The students took inspiration from stories of the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA)1 2022 nominees – a diverse range of individuals, leaders and organisations recognised for their acts of giving to the community – to create their artworks.
One such artwork, which will be projected on the façade of the Merlion, took inspiration from community initiatives by food services company Sodexo and North Division Girl Guides’ partnership with Sree Narayana Mission (Singapore), and captures Singapore’s kampong spirit in HDB flats by depicting volunteers giving out food packs to low-income families, and a Girl Guide helping an elderly woman.
Another meaningful artwork is inspired by the National Library Board and how it promotes reading and learning. It pays tribute to public libraries by depicting the abundance of learning resources, and how they provide all of us with access to knowledge for personal growth and development.
Over at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a myriad of kaleidoscopic colours similarly await. One such artwork is inspired by DBS’s Adopt-A-Hawker Centre initiative, which supported the livelihoods of hawkers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It depicts the spread of love through food, and highlights the diversity of Singapore’s hawker culture through the use of vibrant colours.
Another poignant artwork took inspiration from Grant Pereira, a passionate environmental advocate, as well as the Children’s Cancer Foundation, a social service agency that provides children with cancer and their families with much-needed support. In this piece, the artist combines both sources of inspiration by illustrating children with flowers for hair, flourishing in a beautiful garden like the ones that Grant Pereira has dedicated his time to cultivating.
Catch the light projection shows from 8pm to 10.30pm from 26 to 30 December, and from 8pm to 11.45pm on New Year’s Eve (31 December). Shows run every 15 minutes.
Light installations at the Marina Bay waterfront promenade
In addition, light installations will be on display nightly from 19 to 31 December along the waterfront promenade adjacent to Marina Boulevard. Presented in collaboration with local philanthropic organisation The Majurity Trust, Brightening Lives 2023 features light installations such as fairy light tunnels and trees festooned with meteor drip lights that are perfect for Instagram shots. These light installations aim to add festive cheer to the Bay, and also signify our collective commitment to offer time and resources to better the lives of people around us who are in need.
Exciting programmes and activities leading up to New Year’s Eve
There are also plenty of other activities happening in Marina Bay through the month of December, so you can soak in the festive atmosphere even before New Year’s Eve.
Since 1 December, the Bayfront Event Space has transformed into a sprawling outdoor carnival with The Great Bay Fiesta, organised by The Show Master, a new entertainment arm of Uncle Ringo.
Open daily until 1 January 2023, the Fiesta offers an exciting line-up of activities, such as The Great Cirque des Cascades, an internationally-acclaimed circus featuring thrilling performances and The Great World Carnival, a nostalgic old-school carnival featuring games and rides for the young and young-at-heart.
For a more relaxed vibe, visitors can swing by After Hours @ The Lawn, presented by Marina Bay Alliance2. Set on the grassy expanse right outside Downtown MRT Station, the chill-out zone will offer light entertainment and F&B options on 30 and 31 December. On New Year’s Eve, visitors here will also be treated to a good view of the fireworks.
Over at The Promontory on New Year’s Eve, music lovers and fans of popular artistes can soak in the festive mood at Let’s Celebrate 2023, Mediacorp’s annual live countdown show.
With Malaysian vocal powerhouse Shila Amzah performing the headlining act, the star-studded line-up will also include Richie Koh, Yung Raja, ALYPH, Glenn Yong, Desmond Ng and more. Partygoers can also look forward to exciting activities including live DJ spinning sets, games, food and drinks, as well as prizes to be won.
On New Year’s Eve, visitors can also discover up-and-coming artists from our shores that they should have on repeat in 2023 at Come Together: The Next Wave, held at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and Esplanade Concourse.
Get the freshest sounds handpicked by the finest ears in the industry, including Dean Augustine (Cross Ratio Entertainment), Leonard Soosay (Snakeweed Studios) and singer-songwriter Linying, in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Last but not least, STAR ISLAND, a multi-sensory fireworks musical extravaganza, will return to The Float at Marina Bay on New Year’s Eve. Expect an 80-minute show featuring artisanal fireworks, dazzling performances, pyrotechnics and other state-of-the-art light and sound technologies. This year’s show will be choreographed to an immersive soundtrack, featuring a new storyline titled “LIFE — Beyond the Time”.
For the first time, the STAR ISLAND experience will also extend to the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza with a special prequel activation from 25 to 30 December, where visitors can enjoy free family-friendly activities and catch a glimpse of what the main show on New Year’s Eve has to offer.
The countdown to 2023 will culminate in a 7-minute-long fireworks display at the stroke of midnight on 31 December. Visitors will be able to catch the spectacular fireworks display from around the Bay and usher in the New Year with family and friends. Members of the public can also catch the livestream of the midnight fireworks on URA’s Facebook page.
Members of the public are advised to follow the instructions of the security personnel and police officers on duty.
The public is also reminded not to engage in activities that may annoy or compromise the safety of others. They can refer to the Marina Bay Singapore Facebook page for timely updates on the crowd situation on New Year’s Eve, and plan their routes and activities accordingly.
Full Details of Programmes and Activities
Map of programmes and activities
Share the Moment
Venues: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the Merlion
Dates: 26 to 31 Dec 2022
Time: 8pm – 10.30pm (26 – 30 Dec), 8pm – 11.45pm (31 Dec); shows run every 15 minutes.
Free admission.
In partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Giving.sg, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2023 will present Share the Moment – a series of light projection shows on the facades of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion in the last week of December.
With the theme “City of Good”, Share the Moment will feature never-before-seen original artworks by students from local educational institutions, which celebrate acts of giving both big and small, and depict a vision of Singapore where individuals, organisations and leaders come together to give their best for others.
Refer to www.marinabaycountdown.gov.sg/share-the-moment/about for more details.
The Great Bay Fiesta
Venue(s): Bayfront Event Space
Date(s): 1 Dec 2022 to 1 Jan 2023
- The Great Cirque des Cascades (circus)
Show times*:
Tues – Thur | 7pm
Fri | 4.30pm, 7pm
Sat, Sun & PH | 2pm, 4.30pm, 7pm
Ticket prices from $76
* On 31 December 2022, there will be an additional show at 10pm.
- The Great World Carnival (rides & games)
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri | 4pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH | 1pm – 10.30pm
Ticket price at $10 (incl. $5 carnival credits)
- The Great Food Fiesta (F&B)
Opening hours:
1pm – 10.30pm, daily
Free admission
* On 31 December 2022, the Great World Carnival and Great Food Fiesta area will close at 1am.
- Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice (ice & snow experience)
Opening hours:
10am – 2pm, 3pm – 7pm, 7pm – 10pm; daily
Ticket price at $49
* On 31 December 2022, Ice Magic will have an additional slot from 9pm to 1am.
The Show Master returns to revive our festive cheer with their largest line-up to date. Hang on to your seats at The Great Cirque des Cascades as the international circus stars leave your hearts hanging by a thread with a series of impressive circus feats. The classic carnival rides and games at The Great World Carnival by Uncle Ringo are also not to be missed as you relive the fond memories from your childhood! Breaking out of the traditions, Uncle Ringo also managed to clinch the first ever crossover project between the Entertainment and Amusement Rides industry and the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) Market, bringing the famous Prime Ape Planet NFT to life in the form of an inflatable playground. While Uncle Ringo brings back old times, Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice –the largest pop-up winter-themed attraction to ever set foot in sunny Singapore– brings winter to you! Come down for an unforgettable experience of building snowmen and snow angels, all while enjoying the mesmerising snowfall. If you haven’t tried your hand at winter sports, amazing attractions such as ice bowling and ice curling are also available at the event. With your heart full of these merrymaking activities, The Great Bay Fiesta ensures that your bellies are full too, with over 30 local and international food vendors selling delectable, festive treats at The Great Food Fiesta.
Refer to https://sg.trip.com/w/TGBF for more details.
After Hours @ The Lawn
Venue(s): The Lawn at Marina Bay
Date(s): 30 to 31 Dec 2022
Time(s): 5pm – 10pm (30 Dec); 5pm – 12 midnight (31 Dec)
Free admission.
After Hours @ The Lawn features larger-than-life games and playsets, as well as live performances. Team up with your friends and family to participate in friendly matches! Get ready your picnic mats at the chill-out zone with a perfect view of both the entertainment on stage and the fireworks across the Bay on New Year’s Eve. To top off your experience, satisfy your appetite with delectable offerings from the F&B bazaar!
Refer to www.marinabaycountdown.gov.sg/programmes/after-hours for more details.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay Presents Come Together
Venue(s): Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Date(s): 5 to 31 Dec 2022
Time(s): Various
Free admission.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay will present free performances at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and Concourse for all to enjoy.
Come Together with artists, friends and kin for a time of collaboration, celebration, and reflection, and to usher in the new year. From 5 to 31 December 2022, Come Together: The Next Wave sets the stage for up-and-coming artistes within our shores to show why you should have them on repeat in 2023 and beyond.
Get the freshest sounds on your playlist from this curation of the industry’s finest, including Dean Augustine (Cross Ratio Entertainment), Leonard Soosay (Snakeweed Studios) and singer-songwriter Linying, in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Performances are free and held at Esplanade Concourse Stage and Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
Refer to www.esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/free-programmes/2022/come-together for more details.
Let’s Celebrate 2023
Venue(s): The Promontory at Marina Bay
Date(s): 31 Dec 2022
Time(s): Doors open at 7pm
Free admission.
Over at The Promontory at Marina Bay, music lovers and fans of popular artistes can soak in the festive mood at Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2023 countdown concert. Audiences will be treated to performances by a star-studded line-up of local and international talents who will dazzle crowds on-ground after a two-year live audience hiatus.
Admission to Let’s Celebrate 2023 is free and gates will open at 7pm. You can also catch it live on meWATCH and Mediacorp Entertainment on YouTube starting at 10.00 pm, and on Channel 5 from 11.00 pm to 12.15 am. The show will also be available on demand for free on meWATCH.
Refer to www.mediacorp.sg/letscelebrate2023 for more details.
Brightening Lives 2023
Venue(s): Along the waterfront promenade adjacent to Marina Boulevard Date(s): 19 to 31 Dec 2022
Time(s): 8pm – 10.30pm (19 – 30 Dec), 8pm – 11.45pm (31 Dec)
Free admission.
Presented in collaboration with local philanthropic organisation The Majurity Trust, Brightening Lives 2023 features light installations such as fairy light tunnels and trees festooned with meteor drip lights that are perfect for Instagram shots. These light installations aim to add festive cheer to the Bay, and also signify our collective commitment to offer time and resources to better the lives of people around us who are in need.
Star Island Singapore Countdown Edition 2022 – 2023
Prequel
Venue(s): Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza
Date(s): 25 to 30 Dec 2022
Time(s): 2.30pm – 10.30pm
Free admission.
Main Show
Venue(s): The Float at Marina Bay
Date(s): 31 Dec 2022
Time(s): Doors open at 5pm
Tickets range from $88 – $318 [CAT 6 – CAT 1], from $6,888 [VVIP]
Held in conjunction with Marina Bay Singapore Countdown (MBSC) 2023, STAR ISLAND Singapore is coming back full-scale at 22,000 capacity, after a 2-year hiatus. Set on an even larger scale this year, this world-class destination is a multi-sensory playground with activities for all ages. Expect Live DJ performances, family-friendly entertainment zones and gastronomic offerings at the food village as part of the STAR ISLAND experience.
Choreographed to an immersive soundtrack, this year’s STAR ISLAND Singapore will feature a new storyline and viewers will be treated to a ‘Gradation Shell’ fireworks display, as well as a 10-firework burst that will be exhibited in Singapore for the first time. Look forward to the appearance of Sanrio characters such as DJ Hello Kitty, a Sanrio-themed ball pit and a Gudetama Corner as well.
Refer to www.starisland.sg for more details.