Christmas On A Great Street: What You Need to Know
Have you ever dreamt of grand Christmas celebrations reminiscent of those in classic American movies? Christmas On A Great Street is for you, because your dream might just come true this year at Orchard Road.
The Dreamy Light-Up
Singapore’s downtown is set to dazzle with its iconic Christmas light-up on 16 November. This significant event will be graced by President Tharman.
What’s the reason for the grandeur this year? It marks the 40th anniversary of the Orchard Road lighting and the 25th anniversary of the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA).
This year’s theme encapsulates a child’s imagination within a Christmas dreamscape, featuring cozy LED lights in hues of white, yellow, pink, and turquoise, resembling ‘clouds’ suspended in the sky.
And there’s more.
A Sustainable Celebration for Environment Enthusiasts
Hitachi, the primary sponsor for the entire Christmas celebration at Orchard Road, has sponsored the fluffy electrical clouds.
ORBA Chairman, Mr Mark Shaw, has emphasized the importance of celebrating without compromising our environment.
This year’s LED lights and decorations will be upcycled from previous years. Additionally, solar panels will be utilized to harness renewable energy, minimizing carbon footprints.
Notable solar panel installations can be spotted in front of Mandarin Gallery and Plaza Singapura. In a nod to further sustainability, ORBA will collaborate with the National Parks Board’s Garden City Fund to plant 100 new trees on Orchard Road and throughout Singapore.
For those eager to witness this spectacle, head to Shaw House Urban Plaza on 16 November for the Light-Up Ceremony.
Christmas Villages: A Festive Wonderland
The festivities wouldn’t be complete without carnival rides, games, and pop-up stores. Explore the Christmas Villages at:
- Shaw House Urban Plaza (24 Nov to 7 Jan)
- Plaza Singapura (1 Dec to 1 Jan)
- Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza (8 Dec to 1 Jan)
Shaw House Urban Plaza boasts a double-storey carousel and ferris wheel, a dream come true for children. Meanwhile, the other villages offer perfect photo opportunities with a giant Christmas bouncy castle, a fun slide, a balloon dome, and mascot interactions.
Families can partake in craft workshops by Kiztopia, Singapore’s premier edutainment park.
For thrill-seekers, Ngee Ann City offers the Euro Swing ride, food trucks, and live performances by local talents like Daniel Sid, The Cold Cut Duo, Waymakers, and more.
The Gen Z Experience: Augmented Reality Projections
While we’ve touched on a child’s imagination, we haven’t forgotten the tech-savvy Gen Z. In collaboration with OUE Limited, attendees can enjoy augmented reality projections and immersive 3D experiences through the PopAR Live app.
The pedestrian walkway from ION Orchard to Mandarin Gallery will feature 25 glass panels blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
Moreover, Orchard Street will be filled with ‘Music in the Air,’ emanating from 44 lamp posts along the road.
TikTokers, time to prepare for this!
As the clock strikes midnight, welcoming the birth of Jesus Christ, Orchard Road will come alive with a mega street party from 8 pm to 12:30 am.
Expect dance performances, Christmas carols, Santa interactions, a bustling Christmas market, and an array of food trucks. This year’s party promises to be lively with four DJs providing live music for everyone.
For those who prefer a quieter celebration, Cathay Cineleisure Orchard presents Golden Village X The Projector, screening blockbusters, mainstream hits, and a curated collection from international film festivals, live events, and alternative films.