Christmas in the Tropics: Singapore Holiday Festivals and Deals
11-14-2009
Singapore, 3 November 2009 – This Christmas in the Tropics is set to be a jolly one, jam packed with celebrations and lifestyle experiences from 7 November 2009 to 3 January 2010. Compared to previous celebrations, the duration of this year’s light-up is slightly longer to allow visiting APEC delegates a chance to enjoy what could be the brightest Christmas celebration along the equator.
“Christmas is a time for celebration and this year, with the economy showing signs of recovery, there is even more to cheer about. ‘Christmas in the Tropics’ is a key event on Singapore’s tourism calendar and the experience remains a dazzling one even after 25 years. Many tourists from all over the world come to Singapore this year-end season to join us in the festivities each year,” said Mr. Andrew Phua, Director of Tourism Shopping and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Last year, more than six million people visited Orchard Road and Marina Bay during Christmas in the Tropics, registering a slight increase over 2007. The 2008 survey was based on 800 locals and visitors and found that overseas visitors to these precincts increased from 15 per cent in 2007 to almost 20 per cent last year. Locals and overseas visitors ranked the light-up well and gave an average rating of four out of five for Christmas in the Tropics campaign.
“This year, Orchard Road and Marina Bay will have different themes. As the first Christmas light-up after the Orchard Road infrastructural enhancements have been completed, key features such as the urban green rooms have been leveraged for the light-up. For the first time ever, Singapore River joins in the Christmas festivities with special promotions for revelers and party-goers. With so much happening, there will be lots of Christmas cheer to offer APEC delegates, visitors and locals and we hope they will immerse in the spirit of Christmas, right here in the tropics.” added Mr Phua.
The Hitachi Group of Companies has been the main sponsor of the Orchard Road light-up since 1991. “The Hitachi Group is delighted to support the Christmas light-up for the 19th year. Through this event, we hope to light up the lives of those in need through the funds raised by the Hitachi Group in Singapore. Our commitment to the community demonstrates our corporate credo to contribute to society through technology wherever Hitachi is located,” said Mr Yasunori Taga, Chief Executive for Asia, Hitachi, Ltd.
Christmas Light-up Themes
This year, individual precinct associations have taken on a bigger role in the organization of the Christmas light-up and driving festive promotions within their precincts. Under the direction of the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), the Christmas light-up on Orchard Road is themed “A Christmas All Decked Out” to showcase fashion as one of the key experiences of shopping on Orchard Road. Various snowmen, reindeers and even Santa Claus have been given style makeovers and are decked up in the latest fashions of the season. The design of each zone within Orchard Road focuses on a key Christmas icon and leverages on the new infrastructural features.
“The Christmas light-up theme for Orchard Road is a close reflection of its brand position as ‘A Great Street’. Fashion and style are closely associated with this lifestyle and shopping nexus, while the traditional icons of Christmas are familiar to all. Hence in combining the edgy with the traditional, we have a formula that is all-inclusive,” said Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) chairman, Mrs May Sng.
Over at Marina Bay, the Baywatch Association presents a unique waterside experience with “A Glitzy Christmas by the Bay.” The light-up at Marina Bay this year is 3.7km long and will stretch across the Esplanade Drive.
“With its unique waterfront location, the Christmas light-up at Marina Bay takes inspiration from the mythological tale of the Midas’ Touch where oceanic design elements like waves and a bejeweled clam motif turn into a glittering gold extravaganza, symbolizing royalty and abundance, and suitable for the year-end holiday season.” said Mr Lim Yue Khim, President of Baywatch Association.
Celebrating “Christmas by the Singapore River,” one of Singapore’s most–visited nightlife and entertainment precinct, will also be decked out in their holiday best from 20 November 2009 to 3 January 2010. Visitors to the Singapore River will enjoy a traditional Christmas as they partake in the irresistible festive retail, nightlife and food and beverage promotions along the river, set against the backdrop of traditional Christmas-themed music and dance performances on Read Bridge at Clarke Quay, caroling at Arts House, Empress Place and ice-skating performances at Central.
Christmas Festivities
This holiday season, many event organizers and businesses have also prepared a whole slew of lifestyle offerings ranging from entertainment, dining, ret
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