The Best New Year's Eve (NYE) Countdown Parties in Singapore 2018 - Certified Family-friendly!

Is it just me, or did 2017 whizzed by in a flash??? 2018 will be upon us but first, there is still the task of counting down the new year with the loved ones. Come 31 December 2017, there are plenty of party choices to get into the mood of countdown - from huge massive countdown parties with fireworks to countdown bashes in the heartlands if you wish to avoid the crowds.

Best of all, I have marked out those parties that are FAMILY-FRIENDLY!

Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2018

Certified Family-friendly!

Since its inception in 2005, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown has become the nation’s largest and most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration ! Make no mistake, it is THE countdown event to head down to for the sheer amount of fringe activities, brilliant light-up of the wishing spheres against the Marina Bay backdrop and of course, its magnificent Fireworks display!

Where to snag the BEST Fireworks viewing spots? Head to my previous blog post for some tips!

Before the countdown, there are other activities happening around Marina Bay too:

Projection Mapping Display
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
26 Dec 2017 - 31 Dec 2017
8pm, 9pm, 10pm (11pm only 31 Dec 2017)

Expect hourly showcase of building projection displays from 8pm onwards from 26 to 31 December.

Marina Bay Carnival
The Promontory @ Marina Bay & Bayfront Event Space
Starts from 15 Dec 2017
4.00pm - 11.00pm daily, 3.00pm - 2.00am (24 Dec & 31 Dec)

Featuring over 40 fun and exhilarating rides and games assembled from different parts of the world – from roller coasters to water rides – the Marina Bay Carnival promises to be loads of fun for families and thrill-seekers! The two major zones – Celebration Zone and Thrill Zone, each with its own distinctive highlights, it will certainly capture the hearts of both the young and young at heart.

Picnic & Fireworks Viewing @ The Float

Certified Family-friendly!

Beat the crowd and reserve a spot for a lovely evening date with your family, friends or that special someone by the bay. Experience front row fireworks views while enjoying a variety of delectable food and drinks at the artisanal Marketplace. You can also immerse in a unique picnic experience on the floating platform. Definitely an unforgettable night out not to be missed!

Date: 31 Dec 2017
Time: 5pm - 1am
Venue:  The Float @ Marina Bay
Price: From $5.50 per ticket
Website

Car-Free Countdown @ Civic District

Certified Family-friendly!

The Civic District will become a car-free activity hub to enable more people to collectively usher in the New Year. The public can enjoy free outdoor activities such as the Health Promotion Board’s Fitness Countdown Dance Party, a sunset yoga session by Yoga Seeds, group exercises by ActiveSG, music performances by local talents at the National Arts Council’s Music@Empress and movie screenings. There will also be a pop-up bar by Spark Connections at ACM Green where revellers can socialise and make new friends over specially concocted drinks. With a variety of food options at an F&B bazaar, the public can also enjoy picnics and soak in the festive spirit. St Andrew’s Road, Connaught Drive and part of Fullerton Road will be closed to traffic from 4pm on New Year’s Eve until 5am the next morning for activities to take place.

Revellers will also be able to enjoy indoor exhibitions with the extended opening hours of galleries at the Civic District. The exhibition galleries at National Gallery Singapore will remain open until as late as 2am, while the Asian Civilisations Museum will remain open until midnight. Admission is free for selected exhibits at both attractions from 10am and 5pm respectively.

Date: 31 Dec 2017
Time: 4pm - 1am
Venue: Civic District
Price: FREE
Website

A WANDER SOIRÉE: COUNTDOWN BY THE QUAY

Certified Family-friendly!

Of cosmic colours and hypnotic rhythms, Clarke Quay is rounding up 2017 with the most psychedelic party in town! Party among Kaleidoscopic hues with Sonia Chew, Joakim Gomez, Charmian Tan & Gerald Koh from 987FM, enjoy electrifying repertoire of top hits by iconic homegrown band, Shirlyn & the UnXpected and participate in fun Stage Games for a chance to win attractive prizes! Plus, spot The Mirror Man, Dancing Poi Twirlers and Street Drummers beating to the heart of the city.

Date: 31 Dec 2017
Time: 9pm til late
Venue: Civic District
Price: FREE
Website

Bollywood Countdown 2018

Certified Family-friendly!

Thinking about how to Bid Goodbye to 2017 and Welcome 2018 with your friends and family? This is your PARTY and a Family friendly Event with Bollywood theme! Bring on your mask for more fun with features including Bollywood DJ Music, Dholi, Variety programs, Karaoke, food, drinks and dance.

Date: 31 Dec 2017

Time: 8pm onwards

Venue: F1 Pit Building

Price: Adult $75 & Child $30 (Includes dinner)

Website

aniSONIC Countdown x J-Festival

Certified Family-friendly!

Magika presents our inaugural aniSONIC Countdown – an anisong DJ Party – featuring a line-up of popular artistes from Japan that will surely exhilarate and pump up your adrenalin with non-stop heart thumping anisong music. Join us at Downtown East as we ring in 2018 together! NOTE: Entry is ticketed and is for 12 years old and above.

For families with younger kids, head to the J-Festival - a FREE access area catered to foodies and Japanese culture fans at Begonia Terrace@Downtown East! Taking inspiration from a typical Japanese matsuri (festival), J-Festival is brimming with Japanese food and game stalls. This area will be family-friendly, and best of all: it’s free entry!

J-Festival
Date: 31 Dec 2017
Time: 11am to 1am
Venue: Begonia Terrace @ Downtown East (Level 1, behind D’Marquee)
Price: FREE
Website

Community Bashes

Certified Family-friendly!

If you are too lazy to join the crowd in town or are just simply adverse to atrocious traffic jams, do check your nearby GRC or Community Club for Countdown Parties in your neighbourhood. With numerious community countdown parties set to take place on Dec 31, look forward to an evening of non-stop fun for the family - and the perfect excuse to stay up past midnight!

Clementi Countdown Party 2018
Venue: Clementi Town Centre Open Space, along the stretch beside Blk 442-447 Clementi Ave 3
Time: 7.30pm - 12.30am
Price: $2

Residents can look forward to stage performances, food stalls and fringe activities such as face painting, sand art and caricatures, and also get fit with a Zumba group exercise at the party. Kids get to enjoy train rides and bouncy castles too!

Countdown to 2018 @ Bukit Batok East
Venue: U Square, Hardcourt next to Blk 280, Bukit Batok East Ave 3
Time: 5pm - 12.30am
Price: $5

Themed “Looking back, moving forward”, it aims to bring nostalgic yesteryear experiences to its residents while looking forward to the future of Singapore. Residents can look forward to their local favourite food (nasi lemak, longtong, pineapple drinks, ice cream in waffles, ding ding candy etc.) at discounted prices, and enjoy an outdoor movie screening like the old days of drive-in cinemas.

Boon Lay Countdown 2018
Venue: Hard court at Blk 215 Boon Lay Place
Time: 7pm - 12.30m
Price: FREE

Themed “Take flight in 2018”, this year’s party features an LED-light themed street party, with highlights such as roving performers with LED lights and neon face painting. Audiences can also expect cultural performances by the local interest groups such as Chinese Opera, Qigong and Malay/Indian dances.

Canberra Drive Road Opening Party @ Canberra Drive
Venue: Bridge area at the newly opened Canberra Drive
Time: 5pm - 10.30pm
Price: $5

Residents can look forward to a carnival-style event such as Flea Markets, Game Booths, Graffiti Wall, Claw Machines, Food Trucks, Movie Screening, and Kiddy Rides.

Into a New World: Countdown 2018
Venue: Our Tampines Hub
Time: 7pm - 1am
Price: FREE

Themed ‘from past to present’, the Festive Walk will be transformed into days of the past with a retro set-up and nostalgic carnival games, while the Central Plaza will be transformed into days of tomorrow with VR games, flight simulators, and drones. Residents can also look forward to movie screenings and stage performances by local celebrities such as Derrick Hoh and Kelly Poon.

MacPherson Countdown Concert 2018
Venue: Hardcourt opposite MacPherson CC
Time: 7pm - 12.30am
Price: FREE

For the first time, residents can enjoy activities such as a foam party as well as a upmarket food street at local prices. The countdown finale will also highlight the start of MacPherson 50th Anniversary.

Countdown @ Nee Soon South 2018
Venue: Multi-purpose Court at Khatib 
Time: 7.30pm - 12.30am
Price: FREE

Countdown @ Nee Soon South is here again! Tosh, Wei Liang from Ah Boys to Men, Band 53A which performed at NDP 2016, Sufie Rashid who won the 12th season of the Malaysian singing competition Akademi Fantasia will be performing. Residents will be invited to pen down their wishes on wishing balls during the event, which will be floated through the crowd during the finale.

Ulu Pandan CC SCEC Countdown Party 2018
Venue: Multi-purpose Hall @Ulu Pandan CC
Time: 7.30pm - 12.30am
Price: $16

The countdown is party is based on a Karaoke format where participants will get an opportunity to belt out their favourite songs on stage. There will also be a dance floor for participants to show off their dance steps.

Zhenghua CC WEC Countdown Party 2018
Venue: Zhenghua CC Multi-purpose Hall @ Level 2
Time: 7.30pm - 12am
Price: $10

This year's countdown party sports a free seating open concept with a dance floor in the middle of the hall to promote bonding between the residents through mass dance. There will also be a karaoke session in between that allow participants to join in the singing to promote inclusiveness and racial harmony among residents.

Sembawang GRC Countdown to 2018
Venue: Open Field at North Woodlands Way
Time: 8pm - 12.30am
Price: FREE

Residents can look forward to stage programmes, game booths and bouncy castles for an evening of fun with their family members and friends. Stage performances will include local bands showcasing pop and rock themed music, and dance groups

Sengkang West Countdown 2018
Venue: Anchorvale CC Level One Open Plaza
Time: 9pm - 12.15am
Price: $3

The countdown will be a fun filled carnival of snack and games booths, with stage performances and a skit to raise awareness about first aid for residents.

***

OR if you are able to ditch the kiddos at home, then lucky you. Go wild and consider these parties instead.

Siloso Beach Party 2018

Siloso Beach Party, Singapore's one and only Beach Countdown Party, is 11 this year and it gets better! Celebrate 11 years of adrenaline-pumping music, fireworks and endless thrills at Singapore’s only beach countdown party. Headlined by international and local DJs, this iconic party promises a night of non-stop fun on New Year’s Eve.

Be part of the hype and join us for 12-hours of unfettered fun and excitement beyond your wildest imagination and limits! The party doesn’t stop when the clock strikes twelve, so you can continue with the celebrations and party on with your crew, as the DJs continue to spin and pump out the best of party music from the dusk of 2017 to the dawn of 2018!

Date: 31 Dec 2017

Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa

Time: 6pm to 6am 

Price: $48 till Dec 30 or $68 at the door

Website

Zouk New Year's Eve 2018

Bid farewell to 2017 with Zouk's resident DJs Hong, Lincey, Ghetto, Lenerd and Jeremy Boon as the nightlife institution transforms itself into a superclub (that means it's just combining Zouk and Phuture together for one night).

Date: 31 Dec 2017

Venue: Zouk

Time: 9pm - 4am 

Price: $60

Website

HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, EVERYONE!

FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point Makes Grocery Shopping Great (for Kids) Again!

Advertorial

Since becoming a parent, everyday things that used to be easy have become a challenge. Like finding time to cut my toenails. Sitting down to finish a poop book. Or going grocery shopping.

Yes yes, I know I can just shop online and save myself all the hassle. But I'm a bit strange and actually enjoy going to the supermarket. When I had to brave the supermarket with the monkies in tow when they were younger, it was usually a hit-and-miss affair - some days they are angels and others they are rearranging the products ON THE FLOOR in aisle 3.

Now that they are older, the exasperating antics have been replaced by exasperation FROM them. Are we done yet? The supermarket is so boring. Why do we have to be here? You get the idea.

Well, that was until the monkies discovered FairPrice Xtra hypermarket at Jurong Point.

I'm sure all of you should be familiar with FairPrice Xtra, a hypermarket chain that offers a wider range of goods than the usual FairPrice supermarket.

FairPrice Xtra has renovated its Jurong Point hypermarket with better product curation and unique customer experiences.

The most significant additions to FairPrice Xtra at Jurong Point includes clearly demarcated shopping areas within the hypermarket to enhance the shopping experience.

The revamped areas features distinct zones that group merchandise and activities based on specific shopper needs, including “Health and Beauty Zone”, “Healthy Eating Zone”, “The Kitchen Zone” and “Parenting Zone”. Evidently, the final zone was what attracted the monkies most but I promise I will get to that later.

THE HEALTH & BEAUTY ZONE

The Health & Beauty zone features an integrated Unity Pharmacy store and provides personal care, wellness, senior care and adult nutrition products and even offers beauty products from South Korea!

Like REDOXON TRIPLE ACTION (Blackcurrant) vitamin supplements with Vitamin C, D & Zinc that helps to enhance the diet by sustaining general health and support for the immune system. In addition, it helps protect against oxidative stress linked to conditions or situations like pollution.

But more than that, customers can also enjoy wellness advisory and services at Unity, including the purchase of assistive products for the elderly.

Fans of Korean cosmetic and skincare products will do well to head to the Health & Beauty Zone, which is well-stocked with a WIDE range of products from Korea.

FairPrice Xtra has carefully selected the best sell-able products of the individual brands and brought them to its Jurong Point branch. Well-known Korean skin care products include A.H.C, A By Bom, Banila Co, Coreana, Dr Jart, JayJun, Leaders, Mediheal, Papa Recipe, Shangpree, and SNP.

Okay, I have to admit those brands sound foreign to me but what I do know is a guiding principle in how FairPrice Xtra picks the products to be sold in its stores is that they must be suitable for use in our local climate.

So I may be clueless when it comes to cosmetic products - yes, that's why I am no beauty blogger - but mention organic products and I get all interested!

THE HEALTHY EATING ZONE

The organic section at FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point has got to be one of the biggest that I have ever seen in a supermarket.

In fact, you can find over 2,190 organic, free from, natural and low-GI and fresh produce here. Even better, set within the zone includes an event space where related activities such as healthy cooking demonstrations will be conducted.

Some notable products that the monkies sussed out include this Fewster’s Farm organic Jarrah Honey which is certified organic, Low GI, and Anti-bacterial (Total Activity 10+).

And knowing how the wifey loves cider drinks, Ash found the Weston Wyldwood Organic Cider which is FairPrice's only organic cider and to my understanding - meaning that I have consulted my best friend, Google - it offers an unrivalled rich and medium-dry flavour. Oh, and it is great value too, with an attractive pricing for a 500ml organic product of this quality outstanding heritage. Because in case you didn't know, Westons have been making cider since 1888!

As for Ale, I predictably found her at her favourite section - Potato chips!

If you are there, do keep a lookout for LISA'S ORGANIC POTATO CHIPS (bottom row in the photo above). From one of Germany's largest Organic Crispy producer, the chips are made from whole premium potato (with skin on) and kettle-cook them in high quality sunflower oil. Best of all, they are gluten-free.

Looking for organic vegetables, you will find one of largest selection of vegetables here too - and at a highly affordable price too!

Pasar Organic, a housebrand of NTUC FairPrice, offers a wide variety of fresh organic produce at best value and quality. The NTUC FairPrice Organic Assurance Programme (NOAP), Singapore's first organic quality assurance programme, has been developed by NTUC FairPrice which serves to ensure that the Pasar Organic produce adheres to stringent practices throughout the entire supply chain from farm to store.

And to my surprise, buying organic vegetables need not be a costly affair either.

A bag of Chinese Spinach for $2.20? You got that right!

THE KITCHEN ZONE

As its name implies, this section is where you will find all of the food produce to feed your village at home.

Want fresh sushi? Make a beeline to Mr Sushi - a sushi specialist since 1993 - where all of its sushi are handmade daily in at the outlet.

And who knows, you may just score a special deal sometimes too!

At Crea Cook Seafood, get ready to tuck into seafood favourites, including crustaceans and molluscs, which have already been cooked. How's that for convenience?

Ale immediately zoomed onto her fave seafood - live cooked prawns which are farmed in sea water, and are fresh, healthy and ready to eat.

You can also find Swee Heng Bakery at FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point too. There is a huge variety of buns and bread products sold here.

Depending on whether you have sweet or savoury tastebuds, the Coconut Almond Raisin Loaf and Smoked Chicken & Cheese Loaf come highly recommended. A cluster of 6 buns which makes it ideal for whole family, they are freshly baked daily in Singapore and are made from Japanese flour which contributes to the soft and fully nature. The loaves have 15% lower in sugar content and are Halal and ISO 22000 certified.

If you are feeling carnivorous, The Mëat Specialist is where you should be at. Here, you can find a range of freshest quality meat where minimum preservatives are used and only the best ingredients are used for productions.

Other than the above-mentioned sections, there are the usual fresh seafood and frozen sections to round up your grocery shopping needs.

THE PARENTING ZONE

Now we come to the zone where the monkies found it to be the most engaging.

With its family-oriented focus, this zone includes FairPrice’s largest range of over 1,250 baby and children related products including formula milk, diapers, toys and clothes.

The zone also features a KidsMart interactive play area that includes miniaturized shelves and shopping baskets for children to engage in imaginative play where they may shop for groceries while learning simple concepts such as managing their shopping budget and selecting items from a shopping list.

There is also an event space for children to participate in fun interactive games.

Personally, I love the idea of getting the kids involved during supermarket runs. Not only is there a strong sense of fun, it encourages kids to take the reins and get involved in the shopping experience, rather than drag their heels as they are taken on yet another circuit of the same old boring supermarket.

Oh, and I also simply adore the wider shopping aisles at the hypermarket which makes it feel so much more spacious and less claustrophobic.

How wide are the aisles? Let the monkies show you.

One of the newest inclusion is Tesco Finest - a new store-in-store grocery retail experience over 400 Tesco products including “free-from” products, such as items without gluten or trans fat.

Add the widest selection of its wines available in Singapore to that, and I think the selection speaks for itself.

I think Ayd fully agrees. :)

I then ended our supermarket experience by letting the monkies scan for our purchases at the end of it all.

But I still paid for everything in the end though. Darn.

But at least the monkies had plenty of fun shopping for groceries this time!

And because FairPrice Xtra's 10th anniversary, all shoppers who shopped at FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point will receive a $10 return voucher when they spend $100 at FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point (excluding Unity in FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point) from now to 13 Dec. *The $10 return voucher can be used with a minimum spend of $50 in the next purchase. The redemption of the voucher can be used from 7 Dec to 20 Dec 2017. Other conditions apply,

But that's not all. There are plenty of in-store events and activities for families happening for the rest of December:

Largest Brownie Christmas Tree

16 Dec 2017 | 1-5pm

Be part of a record breaking event to create the largest Christmas tree decorated with freshly baked brownies, and make our mark in the Singapore Book of Records!

Roving Magician Shows

16 & 17 Dec 2017 | 11-12pm, 2-3pm, 4-5pm, 6-7pm

Catch incredible tricks and performances by a roving magician.

Interactive Projection Games

19 Dec 2017 - 1 Jan 2018 | 9am-12am

Participate in kids- and family-friendly activities, including interactive projection games.

20 Dec, 23 & 24 Dec, 30 & 31 Dec 2017 | 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm

During this period, participate in interactive projection challenge and stand a chance to win attractive prizes!

Cupcake Workshop

23 & 24 Dec 2017 | 12-1pm, 2-3pm & 4-5pm

Learn to bake and decorate your own goodies at the Cupcake Workshop.

Busking Shows

23 & 24 Dec 2017 | 11-12pm, 2-3pm, 4-5pm, 6-7pm

Sing along to your favourite Christmas carols with entertaining buskers.

Useful Information

FairPrice Xtra Jurong Point

63 Jurong West Central 3 #03-01
Jurong Point Singapore 648331

Opens for 24 hours

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