As we get ready to ring in a new year, New Year’s Eve will be a sight to behold here on the shores of Singapore. Without doubt, Singaporeans and visitors alike will enjoy the spectacular fireworks display and a myriad of other exhibits even more as space for revellers are designated as ‘vehicle-free zones’.
Check out our suggested venues for an awe-inspiring night, including some practical tips on what to do if your child becomes nervous at the loud celebrations happening all around.
1. Fireworks from the Benjamin Sheares Bridge
It really pays to know one’s bridges and the history of a fine President. The Benjamin Sheares Bridge is named after Dr Benjamin Sheares, a distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist who became the second President of our Republic.
Incidentally, the bridge is the longest and tallest in Singapore.
The Benjamin Sheares Bridge offers pedestrians a splendid view of the fireworks on Marina Bay. Here, you can celebrate the arrival of a New Year with your family, with a prominent historical landmark as the backdrop.
2. Fireworks from The Lawn @ Marina Bay and the Promontory
The Lawn @ Marina Bay and the Promontory are not smack in the middle of action, but you can still catch decent views of the fireworks.
The Lawn @ Marina Bay is where you can catch fireworks from ground level, while the waterfront Promontory looks directly onto the Bay.
3. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
Enjoy the insta-worthy views of the fireworks on New Year’s Eve by the riverside. What could be more perfect than to enjoy the stunning visual display out in the open, in the company of other people who are just as excited to ring in the new year?
4. Queen Elizabeth Walk
If you have plans that are set in and around the Esplanade Park on New Year’s Eve, hop over with the whole family to Queen Elizabeth Walk to be part of the countdown activities.
Besides this being a great place to check out the various historical sites, you’ll also get to enjoy amazing views of the Singapore River. There are benches available throughout the walkway so you can settle down and admire the fireworks in comfort. Be sure to get there early to ‘reserve’ your seats as it will get crowded and there are limited benches.
5. The Merlion
What could be more perfect than to enjoy views of the NYE fireworks against the most iconic attraction in Singapore? To ensure that you get the best spot for a perfect view of the bay area, be there early to enjoy the new year celebrations.
6. Stadium Riverside Walk @ Singapore Sports Hub
Not too keen to squeeze with the crowd at the city area? Then head over to the Stadium waterfront to catch the countdown fireworks, minus the overwhelming crowd.
The Stadium waterfront might be out of the city area, but the view is just as good.
7. Bay East Gardens @ Gardens By The Bay
Head over here for panoramic views of the fireworks, with the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer in the background. Getting here is easy via MRT, and it is also accessible by car via Tanjong Rhu Road or across the bridge from Marina Barrage.
8. Esplanade Bridge and Jubilee Bridge
If you are still keen to catch the fireworks in the Marina Bay area but don’t quite like the idea of being tight-squeezed with the crowd, the Esplanade Bridge is a great alternative for a great view of the pyrotechnics display. Make sure to get there early to snap up the best spots!
9. Marina Barrage
This area might be further away from the main action, but the wide-open spaces of the Marina Barrage provides a great view of the city from across the Marina Channel. Do bear in mind that the views might be slightly blocked from the green roof, but you’ll get to see the glittering light-ups of the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands, with the CBD in the background.
Not sure what to do when your child gets nervous about the fireworks display?
What to do When Your Child Gets Nervous
If this is your child’s first outing with you to watch the fireworks and revel in the celebrations, be sensitive to his reaction. With the bright lights and crowds swirling all above him, he might just become overwhelmed. Here are some things you can do to help your child enjoy the festivities of the night:
1. Explain to your child beforehand on what’s going to happen. Tell him that there will be a lot of people, and they are likely to be exuberantly happy in celebrating the coming of the New Year. At the stroke of midnight, the fireworks are going to go off and this will be a roaring display of lights.
Show him some videos of fireworks display plus the cheering crowds on YouTube. That way, he’ll have a ‘preview’ on what to expect during the night.
2. Be at Marina Bay and its surrounding area early to book your spot. We suggested some family-friendly spots in the previous page which you can consider, especially if you are bringing young children. To secure such spots, do get there early. One way to beat the crowd is to get there early to picnic, play some family games and wait expectantly for the night to arrive.
Remember to keep the whole family hydrated by drinking lots of water, put on sunblock, and take turns to cool off by taking a walk in the vicinity. When day turns to night, the action begins.
3. Bring along earplugs and noise-cancelling earphones, so that if anyone finds it too noisy, be it your children or their grandparents, they can find some comfort.
4. Pick up some party poppers so that your child can join in the fun by letting streamers into the air.
(Featured image by The Fullerton Heritage
Fireworks visible from the Fullerton Hotel Singapore and its vicinity.)