7 kinds of people who should head to Marina Bay for the 2020 countdown

There are plenty of options around Singapore when it comes to ringing in the new year, but if there’s one place that has a little bit of something for everyone, it has to be Marina Bay. Already one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of New Year’s Eve festivities, Marina Bay will welcome 2020 with a wide variety of events under the banner of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. If you’re one of these seven people, it’s time to lock in your plans for Dec 31.

The experience collector

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and want to bid farewell to 2019 at one of the biggest parties in town, head to STAR ISLAND SINGAPORE COUNTDOWN EDITION 2019 – 2020. Taking place at The Float @ Marina Bay, STAR ISLAND promises a multisensory experience complete with over-the-top fireworks and pyrotechnics, 3D surround sound, live performances and a food village. Doors open at 5pm.

The celeb chaser

For up-close encounters of the celebrity variety, complete with familiar faces from TV and voices from radio, your destination is on the other side of Marina Bay. Held at The Promontory, Let’s Celebrate 2020 with Mediacorp is all about music, dance and fashion, with the likes of Jasmine Sokko, Dru Chen, Aisyah Aziz and Ramli Sarip on hand to entertain you, along with all your favorite Mediacorp stars. Doors open at 7pm.

The Instagrammer

The fireworks of the Marina Bay countdown always bring out Singapore’s photographers, from the hobbyists to the seasoned professionals. Before you settle into your vantage point for the big show, however, make stops at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the Merlion and the ArtScience Museum to capture the Build a Dream light projections. Works from four non-profits will light up the night and warm your heart. The projection shows start from 8pm.

The culture vulture

The culturally inclined are being treated to a whole month of festive fun thanks to the series of free performances that is Esplanade Presents: Come Together. The programme concludes on 31 December with performances by Zeeaura & Friends, Ken Loh & Friends and the New Year’s Eve Countdown line-up featuring Hillary Francis, Joe and The Soul Express and MOTUS, with host Timothy Nga. The music starts at 4pm at the Esplanade Concourse.

The rocker

Want to be part of a world record attempt and rock the night away? Then the Voice Of My Generation NYE Rock Band Party at the Singapore Flyer is the gig for you. A 1,000-piece band—yup, you read that right—made up of young musicians will be attempting to break a Guinness World Record as they play a rendition of the White Stripes anthem “Seven Nation Army”. Rock on from 1pm.

The young (and the young at heart)

Uncle Ringo Presents: The Great Circus of Europe takes centre stage at the Bayfront Event Space. A cast of acrobats, clowns and contortionists will wow the kids and kidults in the Big Top, and carnival games and old school rides abound outside to provide the full family entertainment experience. Shows are on from 4pm. While you’re here, be sure to visit the Escapade Festival Village as well—50 food and retail stalls will be running from 3pm to 1am. 

Another family-friendly night to remember awaits over at Starlight @ The Lawn. From food and drinks to a magic show, balloon sculpting, bouncy castles, roving performances and carnival games, it’s all happening here. Drop by anytime from 5pm. 

The chillaxer

Looking to eat and drink your way into 2020 with the people you care about? Then Unwind @ Civic District: Eats & Beats is your port of call. Empress Lawn will host the laid-back event, with heaps of treats to choose from, and a Silent Disco Asia party to cap things off. Festivities start at 4pm.

For a chill option that includes furkids, Unwind @ Civic District: Pets Pawty over at Connaught Drive has you and your pets covered. This event is an evening picnic with activities planned just for your pet—think an agility trial, an obstacle race, a frisbee competition and a “beer” drinking contest for canines. Don’t miss the special appearances by Iinsta-famous pets. Come on over from 4pm.


For more information, head to the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown website or follow their pages on Facebook and Instagram.