Be enthralled by the festive charm and décor as the Singapore River celebrates its annual light-up festival, “Christmas by the River”, from 14 November 2014 to 2 January 2015.
The year-end showpiece put up by Singapore River One (SRO) marks the start of the Christmas celebrations along the Singapore River. Supported by official payment partner UnionPay, Christmas by the River aims to raise awareness of the offerings and events along the Singapore River to attract locals and tourists to the precinct during the festive period.
“We are excited to have the generous collaboration of all our sponsors on board for this year’s Christmas by the River. Their firm support has allowed us to explore more opportunities to liven up the precinct, bringing the joy of Christmas to visitors,” said Ms. Michelle Koh, Executive Director of Singapore River One, “We envision more fruitful and long term partnerships to continue.”
The six-week-long celebration will begin with Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of National Development, officiating the light-up ceremony on 14 November.
Visitors to this year’s Christmas by the River will witness the banks of the Singapore River beautifully decorated with 8-metre tall L.E.D trees, as well as several activities happening at Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay – where they can celebrate the magic of the Singapore River. This year’s edition also marks the inaugural strategic partnership between SRO and Chinese payment platform, UnionPay.
Over the six-week festive period, numerous Christmas-themed events and promotions abound to delight both locals and tourists alike. Visitors will be treated to a visual exposition when they visit the precinct for a comprehensive selection of food and entertainment.
Christmas by the River – Official Launch Ceremony
The Official Launch Ceremony will be graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of National Development. It will take place at Clarke Quay Central’s Upper Promenade on 14 November 2014 at 8pm. Guests will be treated to a performance by Methodist Girls’ School String Ensemble between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.
After the launch ceremony, Senior Minister Lee and guests will be invited to a reception on board the river boats in front of Clarke Quay Central before embarking on a river cruise tour to view the decorations, as well as a floating caroling performance by choir group Vox Camerata.
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Luminous Forest along the Singapore River’s Banks
The Singapore River’s three quays will be adorned with gorgeous Christmas decorations. 8-metre tall LED Christmas tree structures will decorate the Singapore River’s banks from Alkaff Bridge at Robertson Quay, stretching to Cavanagh Bridge at Boat Quay. At night, these trees will be illuminated.
These trees will be visible from afar and its reflection in the water will create a beautiful riverfront landscape with plenty of photo opportunities for visitors. Other light decorations on land and brightly decorated river boats plying up and down Singapore River will definitely be a bonus for more wonderful moments by the river to be captured in frames.
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Christmas Markets
Shop for gifts for all your loved ones at the Christmas Markets held along the Singapore River. On 13-14 and 19-20 December, the Christmas Festive Market will be held at the along the River Promenade, in front of Clarke Quay Central.
From 20-21 December, there will also be a Pop-Up Christmas Market at Clarke Quay’s Central Fountain Square. The markets will consist of stalls selling Christmas-themed treats as well as gifts and souvenirs, from participating outlets based in the Singapore River.
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Christmas Carolers and Christmas Troopers
Visitors to the Singapore River will also be able to enjoy the melodic vocals of local choirs: Vox Camerata, International Festival Chorus Singapore, Cornerstone Church Choir, and ACS(I) Choir, as they cruise down the Singapore River on eye-catching river boats.
The choirs will be serenading visitors on the river banks with their angelic voices every Thursday to Saturday, from 15 November to 15 December 2014 from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Members of the public will be serenaded and can even join in to belt out their Christmas favourites during the sing-along sessions.
For an additional visual treat, roving Christmas Troopers will comb the three quays once-a-day every Friday from 7.30pm to 9pm, for visitors to interact and take photographs with.
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Fireworks Displays
Visitors to the Singapore River will have get to watch weekly spectacular fireworks displays from the river banks at different quays every Friday at 9pm for the entire 6-week period of celebration.
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Shop and Win along the Singapore River with UnionPay
This Christmas, UnionPay will reward shoppers along the outlets of the Singapore River. From 14 November – 28 December 2014, shoppers who charge a minimum of S$50 to their UnionPay card at any of the outlets along the Singapore River each day will stand a chance to win attractive prizes, which include hotel stays at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and Swissôtel Merchant Court, dining and shopping vouchers, and many more.
“Christmas by the River”, from 14 November 2014 to 2 January 2015 at the Singapore River.
Visit http://www.singapore-river.com/christmas/ for more information.
