It may not have been tough bidding farewell to 2020, but it is now time to start 2021 off on the right foot. So forget your crazy, wild New Year bashes, and instead look forward to the return of Singapore’s popular arts events, including the beloved Light to Night Festival in this new normal. Happy New Year people, a fresh start lies ahead.
THEME PARK
It’s a Christmas wonderland at Universal Studios Singapore as the glamorous streets of New York will sparkle to the theme of Lights, Camera, Christmas which feature Insta-worthy movie sets, character meet-and-greets, and sumptuous Christmas treats. But besides A Universal Christmas, also look forward to enjoying the holiday season at other RWS hotspots as many fun trails and activities await. Through Jan 5
SHOW
Laugh till your sides ache at the upcoming The Late Night Show with Xiao Ming, presented by all-new theatre collective Impromptu Meetings. A spin-off from the original stage performance that was presented two years before at the Lasalle College of the Arts Solo Fest, this digital comedy will take place via Zoom and make light of the kinks in Singapore’s rigorous education system. It’ll be a piece that’s punctuated with sketches and interactive games as well, so you’re definitely in for a treat. Jan 8-10
FESTIVAL
Rediscover our Singaporean Chinese culture over two weekends at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s festival for youths, Remix 2k21 festival. With its first-ever hybrid edition, find games, exhibitions, fashion shows and even a silent disco, held online and onsite. More information available here. Jan 15-24
SHOW
If you have yet to return to theatres, Wild Rice’s Q1 2021 season will give you a good opportunity to do so. Back by popular demand, Grandmother Tongue will hit the stage once again to kick off the new year, followed by new, original works like The Amazing Celestial Race and The Other F Word. More on the new season here. Jan 14-Mar 28
SHOW
Earlier this year, interactive online performance Murder At Mandai Camp wowed audiences with its creativity and virtual presence. Now, be invited once again to put on your investigator’s cap as the show returns for a second installment. This time, join local singer and actor Benjamin Kheng as the key CID officer who reopens the unsolved murder case of young recruit Ilhan Rozells and partake in Asia’s first virtual horror-mystery escape room with live-action gameplay. Due to popular demand, the show has been extended for another two weeks. Tickets available on Sistic. Through Jan 16
ARTS/FESTIVAL
The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival may have a reputation for ruffling feathers and pushing boundaries at its annual showcase, but the festival will soon be keeping things (relatively) safe when it returns for a physical affair in early 2021. Discover performances like Havoc Girls & Kamikaze Boys which explores socio-political upheavals, cheeky piece Wan Belantara: Enjet-Enjet Semut that fuses fact with fiction, and plenty more. Jan 20-31
FESTIVAL
The pinnacle of Asia’s visual arts calendar, the annual Singapore Art Week (SAW) is undoubtedly one of our island’s most happening events. So despite the ongoing pandemic, locals can rejoice when the exciting arts showdown returns anew, letting art take over during the final week of January. With over 100 programmes held virtually and physically, just get ready to visit all the highlights, including the beloved Light to Night Festival, Artwalk at Little India as well as S.E.A. Focus 2021. Jan 22-30
ARTS/FESTIVAL
At the seventh edition of the Singapore International Photography Festival, look forward to exploring Singapore’s most familiar locales through a new perspective. There are both physical exhibitions and virtual discussions at this hybrid festival. Head to the ArtScience Museum, Deck and other venues to enjoy the key programmes available. Through Jan 30
EXHIBITION
As the final destination on this travelling exhibition’s global tour, Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition will be giving local fans of the George Lucas media franchise a reason to geek out this end-January. Just check out nearly 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the original film franchise, then answer the simple yet profound question—what force shapes you? Jan 30-Jun 13
ARTS/EXHIBITION
Generally considered a taboo topic, the subject of mental health is one that’s laden with stigma and stereotypes. But from now till February, see social artist duo Hunny & Lummy confront and challenge this narrative at their newest art exhibition, ThisConnect: Threading Worlds. From the documentation of performative art to instructional and participatory art, help spread the message that support systems are available through this important experience located at multiple venues across Singapore. Through Feb 8
TRAVEL
Those looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate the new year with friends and family may wish to check out the Super Seacation voyages by Dream Cruises. Available as two and three-night high seas itineraries, guests of all ages will get to indulge in the multitude of leisure and recreation facilities onboard the ship, including world-class entertainment shows, cutting-edge VR games, outdoor Ropes Course and Waterslide Park, and Dream Cruises’ “Vitamin Sea & Dream”, a mix of fitness, wellness and nutrition activities. Through Feb 12
EXHIBIT
(Credit: El Masnou)
So you’ve been to the much-lauded pop-up, The Bubble Tea Factory, which happened last year at *Scape to eat, drink and play with boba. Now, look forward to yet another exciting, immersive experience offered by the very same team and discover the all-new otter-themed attraction, Otah & Friends. Step into the home of Otah the Otter to find whimsical exhibits and installations, as well as the otter himself. While you’re at it, feel free to take plenty of pictures to update your Instagram feed. Through Feb 26
STAYCATION
Pamper the whole family with some Fun In The Sun at Swissotel Merchant Court. Lounge by the hotel’s iconic pool, soak in the relaxing outdoor jacuzzi or make a splash with waterslides. At $88 for up to four guests, this offer includes three hours of pool time, light refreshments and three soft drinks per person. Through Mar 31
POP-UP
Explore the old-world charm and grandeur of the Orient Express as this travelling exhibit arrives in Singapore for the very first time to allow locals the chance to experience what it must have been like to hop on a journey from Europe to the East.
With two original train carriages, a 158-year-old locomotive and 300 heritage items such as uniforms, shields and more, seize the opportunity to check out this exclusive pop-up by pre-booking your tickets in advance. Through Jun 2021
STAYCATION
Get hooked with Parkroyal Collection Pickering’s new Bait and Breakfast staycation. This unique experience includes a one-night stay at the hotel’s Collection Signature Suite and a three-hour private fishing trip around the Southern Islands. Sail away onboard the luxurious Wellcraft 330 Coastal yacht, courtesy of Wanderlust Adventures, while learning the art of fishing from a professional guide. You’ll be provided with all the equipment, accessories and live bait for your fishing adventure. Limited to five guests per trip, you’ll also enjoy a stopover at Lazarus Island to bask in the sunshine.
That’s not all. The package includes full Collection Club benefits with daily champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails at the Collection Club Lounge, as well as 20 per cent off at Lime Restaurant. Prices start from $1100++ to $1500++ per room per night. Available for booking from now to Jun 30, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. Through Jun 2021
EXHIBITION
This 2021, seize the opportunity to head back into galleries and art spaces, especially the National Gallery, as the Singaporean and Southeast Asian art museum has finally unveiled its latest exhibition, Georgette Chen: At Home in the World. Having opened late last year, the late local painter’s eponymous exhibition will undoubtedly feature some of her most prominent artworks as well as rare archival materials to showcase her life and times, in Singapore and globally. More information available here. Through Sep 26
