“Explore Orchard Road” room package from Singapore Marriot Tang Plaza Hotel
Tourists from around the world, including India, one of the largest sources of tourism dollar-generating markets for the prosperous city state, will be treated to a Great Christmas Eve Street Party on Sunday 24 December 2023.
The first-ever Christmas Eve Street Party along Orchard Road will see the first Orchard Road closure in seven years – and there will be Christmas carolling, Santa Meet & Greet sessions, four DJs, dance and music performances, busking acts, food trucks, even a local Christmas Midnight Shopping Market along a 400m stretch for the countdown to Christmas Day – from 8pm to 12.30am.
“We hope hundreds can join us on the road in front of Ngee Ann City for the countdown when the clock strikes 12, as there will be special AR effects such as 3D projection mapping on the facade of Hilton Singapore Orchard, adding to the excitement,” says lead organiser Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA).
The closing of Orchard Road for the Christmas Eve Street Party aims to add vibrancy to the celebrations for the 40th Anniversary of Christmas on A Great Street.
This is just one of the many exciting events that have already transformed the fashionable Orchard Road into a merry-making and festive precinct this December. Organisers have been building up the momentum since 16 November, with the turning on of the Christmas lights by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as Orchard Road also celebrated the 40th year of its Christmas light-up.
Hotel promotions
Three hotels — Pullman Singapore Orchard, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel and The St. Regis Singapore — on Orchard Road have rolled out a range of exclusive hotel packages till 1 January 2024.
The “Christmas on A Great Street Stay Packages” include complimentary breakfast and SG$50 in Great Christmas Village credits per room booking.
Singapore Marriot Tang Plaza Hotel’s spokesperson highlights that the hotel recently launched an “Explore Orchard Road” room package, for guests to fully utilise and maximise their time on Orchard Road. “For tourists in Singapore, Orchard Road is a must-visit destination as they get to experience its vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, and diverse offerings.”
Guests who book this package will receive a complimentary guide, where they get to explore five photo-worthy spots along Orchard Road. Those photo spots are located within 5-10 minutes’ walk from the hotel, and guests get to snap pictures and create special memories that last a lifetime. The package also comes complete with 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points, complimentary breakfast, and internet.
Rob McIntyre, general manager of Pullman Singapore Orchard, says that the hotel is curating experiences that appeal to leisure travellers who want to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of Orchard Road. “From collaborations with nearby fashion retailers to dining pop-ups and unique staycation experiences, we have something for both local and international travellers.”
The hotel’s menu at Eden Restaurant also celebrates the diverse flavours of Asia, including popular Indian dishes like Vadai, Upma, and Idli as part of our breakfast buffet and Butter Chicken Masala through In-Room Dining.
“2023 saw the emergence of many high-end lifestyle hotels in the Orchard Road area. We welcome these introductions, they add a different and dynamic choice to the hospitality landscape, while keeping us sharp and constantly innovating,” says Mr McIntyre.
Christmas Villages on A Great (Shopping) Street
ORBA Chairman Mark Shaw says: “It is a milestone year and we want everyone to have a fantastic time as they celebrate the season of joy, peace and goodwill to all. In collaboration with our partners, we promise an exciting line-up of activities, including the Great Christmas Eve Street Party and Christmas Villages.”
“Christmas on A Great Street is a highly anticipated event on our calendar, where we welcome locals and tourists of all ages to enjoy the festivities in Orchard Road,” says Guo Teyi, Director, Retail & Dining, Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Three Great Christmas Villages – up from one last year – bring in the festival mood, as they offer carnival rides and games where prizes can be won, pop-up stores and food & beverage kiosks.
The Great Christmas Villages are located outside the shopping hubs of Shaw House, featuring a double-storey carousel and ferris wheel; and Ngee Ann City featuring a Euro Swing ride, an arcade as well as drinks, food trucks and live performances by local buskers and bands. Singapore’s much loved edutainment park, Kiztopia, has taken over the plaza outside Plaza Singapura – with its giant bouncy castle with a fun slide, a balloon dome, mascot meet-and-greet activities, and even craft workshops for the public.
A total of 15 malls will also participate in Christmas Rewards with Mastercard until 28 December 2023. Mastercard is the Official Card for Christmas on A Great Street for the 11th year running, just as Hitachi is sponsoring the Christmas lights for the 33rd consecutive year.
Christmas on A Great Street in Singapore truly has something for everybody – whether it is shopping, carnivals, and for this year, a fun-filled Christmas eve countdown! Fiinews.com
