Can you believe 2015 has almost come to an end? We know, we know… – where has all the time gone? This year seemed to zoom past in a blink, what with the many commitments we had to juggle and all the endless to-do lists. Then again, isn’t every year? New Year’s Eve will be here before you know it. To make sure you end 2015 on a high note, check out our lists of the top 10 things you can (and really should) do before bidding 2015 farewell and ringing in 2016!
1) Visit the newly-opened National Gallery Singapore
2015 has been a great year for Singapore with our little red dot celebrating its 50th birthday. Cheers to 50 glorious years! The highlight for the last leg of the celebration is undoubtedly the official opening of National Gallery Singapore. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we’re sure you have seen the many photos of your friends eagerly paying a visit to this place, one that has finally opened its door to public after 10 years in the making. Being a new visual arts institution, the gallery oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, why not head down and let yourself be surrounded by the many great art pieces that the gallery has to offer!
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Rd
Opening hours: Sun–Thu and Public Holidays, 10am–7pm, Fri–Sat and Eve of Public Holidays, 10am–10pm
Entrance fee: Interested? Click here to purchase your ticket now!
2) Drop by the Future Of Us exhibition
Care to learn about how you can live, work, play, care and learn in Singapore in the future? Pay a visit to the Future Of Us exhibition for a multi-sensory experience that offers a glimpse of how Singapore will look like in the next 50 years or so. The exhibition has six immersive and interactive zones that are accessible to visitors of all ages. Visit the Theatre Of Generations to follow life journeys of ordinary Singaporeans in a 360-degree dome projection or drop by Home Tomorrow zone which showcases the innovative concepts that can transform Singapore’s housing landscape.
Address: Near Gardens By The Bay
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Entrance fee: Admission to the exhibition is free! Click here to reserve your free ticket now!
3) Swirl around in style at The Rink
Thought a white Christmas is impossible in our sunny island? Think again! Go down to The Rink at JCube mall for an awesome experience at the Christmas and New Year Foam Party :D. Leave all your worries behind and just unleash your inner Elsa (or Anna) and skate away while humming or singing out loud to the tune of Let It Go (we promise we don’t judge :D).
Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, JCube
Opening hours: 24 Dec 2015 9.45pm – 12.45am & 31 Dec 2015 9.45pm – 12.45am
Entrance fee: Interested? Click here to find out more!
4) End-of-year shopping spree at Three Blind Mice X’mas Market
Thinking of giving yourself a treat that you rightfully deserve? Looking for a therapy to destress after a crazy week of work/internship/school activities? Finding the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family? You can find all you need and more at the Three Blind Mice X’mas Market! Expect up to 50 booths selling everything and anything festive under the sun: gifts, party outfits, homemade bakes, etc. We’re sure there’s something for everyone there 😀
Address: POMO mall, 1 Selegie Road.
Opening hours: 5 Dec to 20 Dec, 11am to 10pm
5) A trip back to childhood at the Peanuts exhibition
Remember Snoopy – the super cute, ultra-adorable beagle that never fails to crack us up with his many facial expressions and thoughts? Prepared to have your heart melted and the many “Aww”s that you are bound to utter as you take a trip down memory lane back to your childhood at the “With Love From Snoopy, Charlie Brown & The Peanuts Gang” exhibition. This Snoopy and gang-themed exhibition boasts a wide range of themed memorabilia, collectables, vintage keepsakes, rare artworks, old comic strips and much more from all around the world.
Address: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street
Opening hours: up to 31 December 2015: Mon: 1pm – 7pm, Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
6) Get lost in the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay
Gardens By The Bay is already a beauty in its own rights all year round, but during Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, we are falling in love all over again as we witness it being lit up with all kinds of magical lights that take our breath away. Get ready to feel like a kid again with the wide array of activities that the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay has to offer: Ice Skating Rink, The Carousel and Santa’s Cottage. Alternatively, revel in the wonder of ‘snow’ in the tropics with the nightly Blizzard Time set to enthrall all ages at the Spalliera (see more here) or catch the spectacular light and sound show at the Supertrees.
Address: Gardens By The Bay
Opening hours: 27 November 2015 to 3 January 2016, 4:00PM to 12:00 midnight daily
Entrance fee: Admission to the event is free!
7) Day trip to Coney Island
It’s not too late to finally get started on your 2015 resolution to get fit! And what better way to do it than to be immersed in the beauty of nature in Coney Island? Coney Island is now easily accessible through the East Entrance by Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park 6, off Lorong Halus or through the West Entrance at Punggol Promenade. So there’s no more excuse to not visit this beautiful island for a getaway trip without breaking the bank. Birdwatching, cycling, jogging, chilling at the beach – your pick!
8) Catch some great music by the Singapore river
Fancy swaying to some great, great music against the breathtaking skyline of Singapore? Head down to the Outdoor Theater outside Esplanade to unwind and enjoy music of various genres brought to you by talented local musicians. Coupled with cool December breezes (our much needed respite from the heat) and the gorgeous backdrop, it will surely be a night to remember!
Address: Outdoor Theater outside Esplanade
Opening hours: 18 Dec to 31 Dec, 7.15pm onwards. Specific timings can be found here
A few examples of great acts you can expect to catch in December: The Great Life Project, The Mad Company & Roze and many more!
9) Reward yourself with a great meal @ Pasarbella Suntec
What better way to end the year than a hearty meal with your loved ones? After all, Singapore’s favorite pastime is eating, are we right J? You may already have a few options in mind but may we suggest checking out the newly-unveiled Pasarbella @ Suntec? The city-side branch of Pasarbella’s gourmet market is designed like an international food court, with 15 new concepts at its rustic Suntec City location. From salad bar, gourmet burger, Lousiana-style seafood to scrumptious desserts, Pasarbella has you covered!
Address: #01-455 to 461 North Wing, Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily.
10) Catch the spectacular firework display
And how can we forget the classic, old-but-gold way to end off a year: catching the iconic firework display. Go early to chope (reserve) a place along the walkway in front of Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade or splurge a bit for a fancy dinner at river-side restaurants boasting a great view of the magnificent display. Check out this list here to find out the best places to catch the fireworks!