7 Best New Year’s Eve Events to Usher in 2021 with Your Kids

We’re counting down to the New Year and whether you want to head out or stay at home to welcome the coming year, we’ve got something for you to do with your kids! 

Like many of the events and festivities this year that has seen a change in the way it’s celebrated, the New Year Countdown will also be a little different. Hopefully, that won’t stop you from celebrating the New Year because we have compiled some of the best happenings in Singapore this year-end! 

Bring your little ones and get ready to party! Or snuggle up at home for a chill countdown.

1. Shine a Light 

Photo credits Urban Redevelopment Authority

Location: The Promontory
Date: 1 Dec – 31 Dec 2020
Hour: 8 pm – 10.30 pm (every 15 mins)
Extended to 11.45pm on 31 Dec 2020
Fee: Free

Shine a Light has been setting the Marina Bay skyline aglow daily from the start of December. Presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the light display featuring 60 light beams in a circular formation is designed to symbolise unity, positivity and resilience, denoting Singaporeans’ hopes to emerge stronger in the coming year. Each animated light sequence is 3 minutes long and will play every 15 minutes. If you’re thinking of taking a scenic walk with the family in the Marina Bay area this New Year’s Eve, stop by The Promontory to catch the light show. 

Do note that in the event of heavy rain and/or lightning strikes, the light show will cease and only resume when weather conditions allow. 

2. Share the Moment

Photo credits Urban Redevelopment Authority

Location: The Fullerton Hotel and Merlion | ArtScience Museum 
Date: 25 Dec – 31 Dec 2020 
Hour: 8 pm – 10.30 pm (every 15 mins)
Extended to 11.45pm on 31 Dec 2020
Fee: Free

Lighting up the façades of three iconic buildings in Marina Bay, The Fullerton Hotel, ArtScience Museum and the Merlion, this year’s Share the Moment is inspired by stories from the City of Good - a vision where individuals, organisations and leaders come together to give their best for the others. The artworks featured in the projection mapping shows are adapted from student artworks, which were inspired by the stories of organisations and individuals who helped those in need during this Covid-19 pandemic. The light show will run for every 15 minutes, so if you can’t spot a less crowded space, you are encouraged to return at a later time to catch the display.  

3. Sentosa Island Lights with Sanrio Characters

Photo credits Sentosa

Location: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Date: 12 Dec 2020 – 10 Jan 2021
Hour: 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm | 8.30 pm – 9.30 pm | 9.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Fee: Free (Island admission fees apply)

Speaking of light displays, here’s another one to consider. Sentosa’s annual Island Lights is something to look forward to, this year especially for fans of Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars. Featuring seven larger-than-life light installations, not only will you get plenty of opportunities for a wefie with the family, but you will also be left reminiscing about the nostalgic past! 

Be sure to book a slot before your visit. Bookings for each session opens 5 days in advance and you can register up to 8 persons per visit after 28 Dec 2020. 

4. Storytelling Series: Squirrel's New Year's Resolution

Photo credits Gateway Theatre

Location: Online – SISTIC Live Stream
Date: 26 Dec 2020 – 1 Jan 2021
Hour: 11 am – 11 pm 
Fee: Free

For a more ‘chill-by-the-fireplace’ countdown, join Storyteller Dwayne as he recounts the Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution and join her as she helps her friends get started on theirs. The story is based on the book with the same title by Pat Miller. 

5. Heartland Fireworks Display 

Location: Bedok, Bishan, Boon Lay, Geylang, Hougang, Jurong, Nanyang, Tampines, Tiong Bahru, Woodlands, and Yew Tee
Date: 31 Dec 2020
Hour: TBU
Fee: Free

With the Marina Bay Countdown 2021 taking on a different format this year, we will be seeing the New Year’s fireworks display at 11 heartland locations instead of at the Marina Bay area. Also, you can join in People’s Association’s virtual countdown programs featuring performances, games and well wishes, without leaving the comforts of your home. You can find the full list of the 16 virtual programs organised by the various constituencies here.

6. An Elevated New Year’s Eve at Zafferano

Photo credits Zafferano

Location: Zafferano, 10 Collyer Quay, Level 43 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
Date: 31 Dec 2020
Hour: From 5.30 pm till late
Fee: $148++ = $398++

Commemorate this year’s milestones with a course meal out at Zafferano Italian Restaurant and Lounge with indulgent dishes such as Sicilian red prawn crudo served with Delica pumpkin and house-made tagliolini dressed in a tomato sauce with Alaskan king crab, among others. 

The restaurant’s five-course New Year’s Eve Pre-Countdown Dinner is priced at $398++ per person; early bird $348++ per person, available on 31 Dec 20202 at any time from 5.30 pm till late. You can also opt for the three-course Sunset Dinner available at $148++ per person from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. 

7. Toast to a New Year with Morganfield’s New Beer Towers at Suntec City

Photo credits Morganfield’s

Location: Morganfield’s at Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
Date: From 28 Dec 2020
Hour: 11 am – 10 pm 
Fee: $50+

While your kids eat for free at Morganfield’s you can toast to a New Year with beer towers available from $50. You can choose from various beers like Pabst Blue Ribbon, Asahi Super Dry, Kronenburg Blanc, and Sierra Nevada. 

Please note that Morganfield’s Kids Eat Free promotion is only available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays while the beer towers are only available at Morganfield’s at Suntec City.