Jassmin Peter turns the spotlight on Singapore's most dazzling New Year's Eve celebrations...
From New York's Times Square to France's Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Harbour Bridge - the New Year's Eve buzz is set to circumnavigate the globe as merrymakers get ready to party hearty and ring in 2010. Singapore is a hive of celebrations on New Year's Eve, with a wide choice of venues hosting fabulous parties - some complete with laser lighting displays and fancy fireworks. The wide range of bashes being lined up in the Lion City has enough action to ensure everyone - both young and old - has a great time and can welcome the New Year with pomp and splendour. Here's our easy reference round-up of some of the best of the celebrations.
Clarke Quay Countdown Party
Soak up the lights and bustling energy at Clarke Quay's countdown party. Join in a costume parade at Southeast Asia's tallest Atrium and be entertained by a motley crew of circus jugglers, clowns, gypsy dancers, fire eaters and sword swallowers. Spanning two levels, there'll also be dance performances by sexy burlesque dancers, live music from veteran band Energy and the unique and dynamic sounds of celebrated Australian DJ Shigeki. Stay 'til midnight to witness the dramatic balloon drop, marking the arrival of a New Year.
Where: Main Atrium, Clark Quay. 8pm-12:30am.
Tickets: Free, or visit Keyaki Bar & Atrium $108 per person/Level 1 $138 per person, Level 2 $78 per person inclusive of all-you-can-eat dinner, $98 per person inclusive of all-you-can-eat dinner and a flute of Champagne.
Marina Bay comes alive with a full-day carnival on December 31 and an evening countdown party held at the Marina Barrage. Partake in a kaleidoscope of activities, including music performances and water fun at Singapore's first reservoir in the city. The day begins with a family carnival at the courtyard followed by kayaking and canoeing at the Jetty. Music performances at the Green Roof stud the evening along with an energy-packed countdown party to wrap up the day. Expect a symphony of lights and floating spheres bearing the wishes of the nation, against an evening sky lit with dazzling fireworks!
Where: Marina Bay, 260 Marina Way.12pm-2am.
Tickets: Free.
Sky Symphony Countdown
The Jewel Box at Mount Faber - Singapore's hilltop venue - plays host to the Sky Symphony Countdown, featuring live band entertainment, scrumptious international cuisine, a choreographed fireworks show and what could be the world's tallest artificial Christmas tree. When the clock strikes 12, anticipate a 30-minute, non-stop "snow show".
Where: The Jewel Box, 109 Mount Faber Road.
Tickets: On enquiry, Tel: 6377 9688/6377 9600, www.mountfaber.com.sg
Zouk NYE on Mambo Jambo
Singapore's most famous club hosts Singapore's biggest and grooviest New Year's Eve dance party! Perfect for party animals, international DJs will keep you on the dance floor all night, spinning hip and funky retro tracks. Expect high-energy vibes and sing-a-longs into the wee hours.
Where: Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street.
Tickets: Tel: 6738 2988, www.zoukclub.com
Suntec City & The Esplanade
It's tradition for most Singaporean families to spend New Year's Eve at Suntec City or The Esplanade. This year Suntec City will be the scene for cool live music and a wet and wild countdown as the Fountain of Wealth unleashes a tremendous jet spray of water to mark the New Year. If you decide to head to The Esplanade, you'll get the chance to watch your personal New Year wishes flash across the Bell Charms. There'll also be an opportunity for you to dedicate New Year messages to your loved ones, which will be projected on giant screens. The Marina Bay Countdown fireworks display is sure to take your breath away.
Where: Suntec City, 1 Raffles Boulevard. The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive.
Tickets: Free.
Siloso Beach Party, Sentosa
Asia's grooviest beach party turns up the heat with international DJs, a foam pool and a sandy dancefloor. Shake your booty to pulsating beats and fuel your energy with a wide array of food and drinks. Fringe performances add to the visual feast.
Where: Siloso Beach, Sentosa. 8pm-6am.
Tickets: www.sentosa.com.sg
Posted Dec 2009
