Merry Medley
When you first enter Merry Medley at the Flower Dome, this glorious sight greets you from the balcony. I brought my mum there, and she was charmed by the decor and beautiful blooms.
‘Snow’ and shiny baubles on the conifers make for lovely backdrops to that must-have family photo……
I was fascinated by this variety of cute curly poinsettias – as if the usual variety went for a perm!
In this year’s display, nutcracker toy soldiers feature prominently, and a few write-ups are provided to enlighten us on the history of The Nutcracker ballet and play.
I love the cherubic wind-up toy angels with their musical instruments, making a joyful noise!
The Poinsettias and holly berries in their little pops of scarlet also proclaim that Christmas is here!
Apart from the usual bright red cheer, I loved the fact that there were hydrangeas in a soothing robin egg blue, artfully arranged to lend a sense of tranquility in the garden.
Christmas Wonderland
This year, access to the Christmas Wonderland (the Festive Market area near the SuperTree Grove) is ticketed at $4-$8 per adult, depending on date of visit, and each adult can bring up to 3 kids under 0.9m in free. You can only purchase your tickets here, and must do so before visiting, as there will be no on-site sales. Christmas Wonderland will be open from 2 December 2016 to 1 January 2017, from 3.30pm to 11pm daily.
I think the fact that it’s ticketed this year will go some way towards easing the crazy crowds, especially since activities at the Ice Palace will be capacity-controlled through the ticketing.
We were invited to the Opening Night of Christmas Wonderland and were treated to a very fun Classical Train ride from the Visitor Information Centre to the Ice Palace at the end of the Christmas Wonderland fair grounds. The kids had a blast in the train taking in the sights as its bell kept chiming so merrily.
These Luminarie light sculptures, are delicately handmade by Italian skilled craftsmen using white wood from the south of Italy, feature a new architecturial design reminiscent of the medieval period. Here’s the centrepiece, the Spalliera with a foam flake ‘blizzard’ wafting down.
Ice Palace
The star attraction will probably be the Ice Palace, which includes an Ice Skating Rink, Snow Playground and Ice Slide. These ‘artic experiences’ are separately ticketed through, and full details can be found here.
The small ice skating rink with cute orange seal ski aids means that anyone can have a go! It’s $16 per person for 45 minutes, with skates and gloves provided, so just come dressed warmly!
The ice palace was their favourite part of Christmas Wonderland! They particularly enjoyed the snow playground ($12 per pax) and snow slide ($4 per slide).
We paid for 2 turns down the long and rather steep icy 25 metre long slope ‘slide’ and it was quite exhilarating! Just keep your bum off the floor as you coast down in the dinghy – otherwise you might bump your tailbone like I did! Ow.
The girls had a whale of a time sliding down and screaming excitedly. That’s us at the top there!
At French patisserie La Noël chez PAUL, diners can imagine that they are in a snowy ski lodge, gazing down upon the snow playground, as they warm themselves with hot chocolate or savour traditional Yuletide dishes such as Roast Beef with Red Wine Sauce and Vegetables. The girls had a chocolate tart and a raspberry macaron, thanks to their generous paternal grandma.
In addition to all that, there’s a new two-storey Glass House within the Supertree Grove run by Harry’s, offering Merry Wings, Mrs Claus’ Baked Salmon, Holly Jolly Turkey, Eggnog, Mulled Wine and the like.
Dulcet tones of carollers emanated from the beautiful Cassa Armonica gazebo, singing Gloria in Excelsis Deo to the first Noel, the reason for the season. That was an enchanting end to our evening.
Hop on down, soak in the festive atmosphere, and create some lasting memories for your kids and parents!
Christmas Wonderland
Gardens by the Bay Super Tree Grove
Get your tickets and more information here.
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