The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay is set to redefine the experience of celebrating the festive season in the tropics with a magnificent display of light sculptures from Europe and a charming Christmas market. Nestled in Singapore’s award-winning Gardens by the Bay, this magical light-up experience promises to delight visitors from near and far.
Jointly organised by Gardens by the Bay and Blue Sky Events, Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay will feature a myriad of firsts, promising a feast for the senses. These include the debut showcase of the spellbinding Luminarie light sculptures specially handcrafted and flown in from Italy, an impressive two-century-old Spiegeltent from the Netherlands, a beautifully illuminated Casa Armonica gazebo, and a European-style Festive Market.
A Sight to Behold
Inspired by the elaborate Baroque architecture of the 16th and 17th century, the Luminarie light sculptures have been designed and built in Italy by Paulicelli Illuminations International, a family-run business that has handed down the skill from generation to generation for over a century. The Luminarie’s annual appearance in Kobe, Japan, continues to attract three to five million people each year since 1995.
Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the flora and fauna of the Gardens, over 30 intricate light installations are handmade using white wood from the south of Italy by skilled craftsmen. Visitors to the Gardens will be greeted and led to the Supertree Grove by 16-metre-tall Frontone light arches. Within the Supertree Grove lies the magnificent Spalliera – the largest light structure at 17 metres high and 31 metres wide – for a breathtaking photo opportunity. These grand masterpieces will complement the magnificent Supertrees to create a truly magical atmosphere from 29 November to 1 January 2015, 7pm to midnight daily.
Also on display is a spectacular Spiegeltent, a travelling ‘mirror tent’ from the Netherlands, making its first appearance in Asia. Originally built in the late 19th and 20th century, only a handful remain in existence. Made of 1,000 pieces of wood, canvas, exquisitely decorated mirrors and stained glass, the enchanting tent will present a unique dining experience for visitors. The Spiegeltent will open from 5pm to midnight daily.
Adding to the festive cheer, visitors will be treated to 12 days of carolling at the stunning Casa Armonica. The eight-metre-tall beautifully illuminated gazebo will play host to a special line-up of carolers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival.
The resplendence continues into the Flower Dome, where Luminarie light sculptures will lend an extra sparkle to the Christmas floral display within.
Shop, Wine & Dine
To complement the festive theme, the Supertree Grove will also house a traditional European-style Festive Market. The Market will feature 19 specially designed wooden huts adapted from renowned Christmas markets throughout Europe, such as those in Hyde Park in London and the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris.
Visitors will be able to enjoy specialty dining experiences, and shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts such as Luminarie souvenirs, Yuletide crafts, trinkets, and specialty food items. The Market will also feature gourmet restaurants where visitors can indulge in a wide range of international cuisine and wines, a traditional Christmas dinner, Mediterranean dishes and European desserts. The Festive Market will open from 29 November to 21 December 2014 from 2pm to 11pm daily, with restaurants opening from 5pm.
“We are excited to be presenting Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay with Blue Sky Events. The myriad of firsts that will be showcased at this event demonstrates our continuous efforts to inject new ideas into making the Gardens a delightful place for all in Singapore. Complemented by our Christmas floral display in the Flower Dome, we hope the festivities at the Gardens will bring the year to a befitting close, amidst the beauty of nature,” said Ms Ong Chui Leng, Director of Programming, Gardens by the Bay.
“This Christmas fair is specially curated to enable as many people in Singapore to experience the festive spirit from all over the world, from the enchanting glow of the Italian Luminarie light sculptures, to the impressive Spiegeltent from the Netherlands, to the amazing Mediterranean delicacies they can savour at the Festive Market. The grandeur of the Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay will provide yet another reason for locals and tourists alike to celebrate the festive season in the tropics,” said Sarah Martin, Director of Blue Sky Events.
For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/christmas-wonderland
