4 Places That Celebrate Singapore’s Yuletide Festivities

The glittering trees and the glistening streets mark the Christmas Eve in Singapore. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you fancy a crowded night out or a peaceful night in?

I, for one, was showered with gifts from generous clients and friends. Not to mention, I bravely partook in a holiday spree. There were great deals everywhere! The exhilarating feelings of Christmastime brings happiness to people of all ages. Celebrate the Yuletide spirit by visiting one or all of these amazing places:

GREAT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

It is difficult to resist the retail bargains found islandwide! As I have mentioned above, I embraced the volume of people to accomplish my holiday spree. The crowds were truly overwhelming. I noticed that they condensed in one place – Orchard Road’s Christmas Village. The Christmas Village includes Santa’s house, amusement rides, and a pop-up market.

The “Endless Wonder — Christmas on A Great Street” market is located at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. You can expect an array of retailers such as Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Tiffany & Co., Casio, SK-II, Fish & Co., and Haagen Dazs. You do not want to miss the Christmas Countdown concert as well as the gorgeous street lights!

Location: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
Rate: Free admission
Duration: Open daily at 11 am until December 25, 2017

SMASHING NEON PARTY

Let your neon dreams come to life as you enter the largest retail playground in Singapore – the Flashbang! A variety of food stalls, game booths, and craft workshops await you at daylight. When night dawns, neon installations designed by the local artists will light up the place. You are sure to snap Instagram-worthy pictures in every corner! Boosting your social media profile is important during the Millennial era, right?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

My sister and I began our Flashbang stroll with a sip from our cocktails. We were enticed by the old-school arcade games, the live music performances, the unique food stalls, and the luminous LED-light balloons. Our experience was concluded by a restful nap at the Airmocks’ hammocks.

Location: Grange Road Carpark
Rate: Free admission
Duration: Open daily at 3 pm until December 30, 2017

A CINEMATIC WONDERLAND

Gone are the days when you visit a Christmas event mainly for its festive market. At Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland, you will be delighted to see an action-packed area. This place is filled with live performances, light sculptures, carnival games, and snowfall shows. You will be greeted by the quaint wooden huts containing artisinal products and quirky crafts. It is recommended to see and snap Santa’s well-lit grotto!

My family and I decided to explore its cinematic wonders tonight. We are looking forward to witness the Vokatones perform their Christmas Carols as well as the Luminarie Light Sculptures at 7 pm. Buy your tickets online (at least one day in advance) to get the discounted price of S$4 to S$8 instead of paying S$6 to S$10.

Location: Gardens by the Bay
Rate: S$4 to S$10
Duration: Opens daily at 4 pm until December 26, 2017

 

THE FAMOUS CARNIVAL

With hundreds of online reviews, who would not be curious about the largest carnival in Singapore? The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival spans about 3.5 football fields. It hosts over forty rides including the Star Flyer, Mach 5, and Das Fun Schiff. The Star Flyer gives a sensation of flying with its 35-meter tower. The Mach 5 swings its riders round and round at an outstanding 55 meters high. Lastly, the Das Fun Schiff is their take on the classic Vikings ride.

Ease your throbbing heart as you check out the selection of local and international food such as chicken rice bowls and chendol soft serves. Top your thrilling experience with a carnival staple such as the candy floss or cotton candy.

 

Perhaps one of the most interesting stories about the carnival is the viral article that narrates a writer’s experience with a stranger. The writer invited a senior taxi driver to the carnival out of spontaneity. They happily strolled the entire area and talked about life (in general). He wisely said: “I learnt in business that we can’t abandon people during hard times…”

Read the entire story, here.

Location: The Promontory @ Marina Bay
Rate: Free admission (Rides cost between S$4 to S$10)
Duration: Open daily at 3 pm until April 1, 2018

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Useful Money-Saving Tips For Pet Owners

Most owners treat their pets not as animals but as members of their family. With this special bond, they only want what is best for their pets.

Fortunately, you not have to go overboard in order to shower your pet with care and affection.

1. CREATE YOUR OWN TOYS

Instead of purchasing a S$10 chew toy, you can recycle old materials and turn them into instruments of entertainment. Remember your old pair of “ripped” jeans? You can transform it into a good tug toy for your dog. There are more ways to DIY your pet’s toys, you simply have to research online and use your creative juices.

2. BUILD YOUR OWN NEST

Aside from crafting your own toys, you can make a cozy haven for your beloved ones. Shaina from sugarstilettosstyle.com showed her audience how to make a space-efficient and cost-efficient bed for her dogs. Watch this video to see for yourself:


The IKEA SKUBB storage case retails for S$11.90 in Singapore.

3. EMPLOY PREVENTIVE CARE

As the age-old quote goes: “prevention is better than cure.”

One of the best ways to avoid paying costly veterinarian bills is to keep your beloved protected against illness. Do so by religiously employing preventive measures such as vaccinations.

4. SHY AWAY FROM FANCY PET FASHION

There are lots of options for pet apparels these days! Instagram is filled with pets that are decked out with glitter accessories, fancy collars, and customized sweaters. But does your pet need all those?

Shy away from the high-end pet trends and stick with purchasing products that will make your pet’s life easier like a sturdy ID tag (in case she or he gets lost) or a comfortable leash.

5. ALLOCATE MONEY FOR YOUR PET

Keep track of your pet expenses before it is too late. This month, analyze how much you are spending for your pet (e.g., costs for grooming and food). Then, designate a budget for your pet that realistically covers your spending. Lastly, eliminate unnecessary expenses from time to time.

6. APPLY EUCALYPTUS

My cousin recently purchased a 2-month-old puppy. The pup is currently in its oral stage where he is obsessed with licking and biting things. He has bitten countless items such as shoes, papers, and even the cabinet. Since the situation is getting out of hand, he stays in his cage most of the times.

A simple solution that my cousin can employ is to apply eucalyptus-enriched products such as Mentholatum (Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment) or Vicks Vaporub. This works because pets cannot take the potent smell of eucalyptus. So apply it in the areas that you wish your pet can stay away from.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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