In the words of the popular Christmas carol, ’tis the season to be jolly.
With Orchard Road dressed up in decorations and fancy lights, why not plan your own romantic cycling adventure with your partner to make it a memorable experience?
If you own a foldable bicycle or personal mobility device (PMD) such as an e-scooter or kick-scooter, you can also take them with you since they’re allowed on public transport. Alternatively, consider tapping on bike sharing services since they’re easily accessible. Just remember to park your bicycles in designated parking areas before taking off for the night.
To help bring more festive cheer to you and your cycling date, here are three possible places you can ride to during this festive season.
#1 Christmas Wonderland
When: Till 26 December 2017
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront
Admission: $4 onwards, more information can be found here
Operating hours: Daily (4pm to 11pm)
Photo Source: Facebook/Lawrence Wong
Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s biggest annual Yuletide fair at Gardens by the Bay will have a vast array of festive treats, workshops, attractions, and experiences across the 57,000 square metres fairground to make this a fun-filled night for everyone.
Bring your date on a dreamy ice skating experience at the outdoor rink that’s specially brought in from Switzerland. It may not be the Rockefeller Centre but it’s close enough.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, turn to Circus Abyssinia’s gravity-defying stunts that will be sure to make a lasting impression.
Photo Source: Facebook/Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay
Satisfy your cravings at the festive market featuring vendors such as The Raclette Factory and Propupstore, and the special edition of the Garden Rhapsody – where the Supertrees come to life in a light-and-sound show with popular festive tunes.
Last but not least, take the opportunity to enjoy a mesmerising night view of our city’s skyline by cycling along the waterfront promenade in Bay South Garden and the perimeter of Bay East Garden. However, do be aware that bicycles and e-scooters are not allowed within the gardens.
If you want to keep the night going, cycle down to Orchard Road to enjoy more festive sights and attractions.
Head over to Marina Bay Sands and cycle towards the Youth Olympic Park using the shortlink along Bayfront Avenue. Continue your journey down Raffles Avenue towards Stamford Road, then make a right on Beach Road.
Take a left onto Bras Basah Road and continue towards Orchard Road. You might like to take a train from Dhoby Ghaut to Orchard instead as the paths can be congested.
Feeling confused? Don’t worry, we’ve prepared a map to guide you.
#2 Endless Wonder – Christmas On A Great Street
When: Till 25 December 2017
Where: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard
Admission: Free
Operating hours: Sunday to Thursday (11am to 10pm), Friday and Saturday (11am to 11pm), week of Christmas (11am to 11pm daily)
The first European-inspired Christmas village on Orchard Road, this festive market offers tasty treats, Yuletide delights, handmade crafts and gifts and live performances.
Shopaholics will enjoy the pop-up stores that feature 25 brands, ranging from food to fashion. Selected vendors offer exclusive products and engraving services for your gifts as well as DIY workshops.
Refuel at the al fresco dining area where you can choose from more than nine food vendors. These include Word Cafe, which serves a famous rainbow burger that comes with turkey bacon and a beef patty covered in satay sauce. And if you’re going for an Insta-worthy combination, wash it down with the pink coloured unicorn smoothie from Rainbow Works.
#3 Flashbang Singapore
When: Till 30 December 2017
Where: Grange Road Car Park (Between 313 Somerset and H&M)
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset
Admission: Free
Operating hours: Daily (3pm to 11pm), 24 December 2017 (3pm to 1am)
Just a stone’s throw away from Endless Wonder is Singapore’s first and largest creative retail playground. Brought to you by Invade, the folks behind Artbox Singapore, the open-air carpark at Grange Road will be transformed into an interactive space.
Flashbang will provide two different sets of programmes. In the day, you can expect more family-oriented activities such as design workshops, gift-making stations, photo booths, 120 F&B and retail stores, and virtual reality installations.
Night-visitors can stroll through light tunnels and walkways, admire sculptures designed by local artists and play vintage arcade games. A Glow Up area is also open to those who would like to decorate themselves with body paint, glitter, nail polish and tattoos.
During festive seasons, walkways and pavements are more crowded than usual so it is crucial that both riders and pedestrians remain aware and alert of their surroundings.
So this Christmas, don’t forget to share some of that joy and goodwill with our fellow commuters by looking out for their safety. And remember, no riding PMDs on the roads.
- Beginner’s guide: Cycling the festive calories away - December 24, 2018
- 3 Things To Know About Registering Your Power-Assisted Bicycles (PAB) - October 3, 2018
- Night Riders: How to Stay Safe in the After Dark - August 10, 2018