Where to enjoy 'snow' in S'pore

Where to enjoy 'snow' in S'pore

Dreaming of a white Christmas? You are in luck.

"Snow" is falling in four locations around Singapore this festive season, some with Santas, snowmen and sub-zero temperatures, so you do not have to shell out thousands of dollars to travel overseas.

The coldest attraction is 2Degree Ice Art 2013-2014, an ice art exhibition at Marina Bay Sands till May 15.

Snow falls three times a day in the playground section and the entire 35,000 sq ft hall is kept at a frigid minus 10 deg C.

About 30,000 people have visited the exhibition, which features 29 ice sculptures of world landmarks such as Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, since it opened on Nov 20.

Those who prefer the look but not the feel of snow can head to Tanglin Mall, where artificial snow foam has fallen for the holiday season since 1996.

Housewife Pat Tan, 42, has been taking her three children, aged eight, six and five, to Tanglin Mall's outdoor snowfall for the past four years.

"It's a treat for them. It's better than driving down Orchard Road to see the lights," she says. "They love playing in the snow bubbles and even though it's not cold, it makes them feel like they're handling real snow."

vlydia@sph.com.sg

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

The theme park is hosting its second annual snowfall as part of its Christmas At Universal Studios Singapore celebrations.

Snow, made of non-toxic snow foam, will fall seven times each night: for about five minutes after each live Sesame Street Saves Christmas show (6.30, 8 and 9.30pm), a new, 19-minute original show which is available only at the attraction; and another three- to four-minute snowfall, will occur after the Christmas Dancing Lights show on the steps of the New York Public Library replica (7, 7.30, 8.30 and 9.50pm). Show times are subject to change.

The snowfalls cover almost the entire length of the theme park's New York Street, where there will be a meet-and- greet session with Santa (7.10, 8.40 and 10pm).

Where: Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa

When: From today to Dec 30, snowfalls on New York Street every 10 to 30 minutes between 6.30 and 10pm

Admission: Evening tickets for park admission after 6pm cost $40 a person, inclusive of $5 F&B voucher; day admission passes cost $74 an adult, $54 a child, $36 a senior

Info: www.rwsentosa.com

TANGLIN MALL

Hundreds of children and their parents gather at Tanglin Mall's Christmas display to play in the foam snow every year. It starts with an "avalanche" of foam, which carpets the ground in white. After 15 minutes of "avalanche", the snowblowers point up and project a veritable blizzard of snow flakes into the air.

The foam snow is thick and the "snowfall", which lasts for 15 minutes, blankets the trees and anyone standing nearby.

Experienced snow revellers wear bathing suits or pack a change of clothes if they plan to roll around for long. The nightly snowfall complements the mall's decorations this year, which include a two-storey-tall Christmas tree. There is also Christmas carolling around the mall on Saturday and on Sunday, from 5 to 5.30pm and 6 to 6.30pm.

Where: 163 Tanglin Road

When: Weekdays from 7.30 to 8pm, and weekends and public holidays from 7.30 to 8pm and 8.30 to 9pm

Admission: Free

Info: Go to www.tanglinmall.com.sgor call 6736-4922

2DEGREE ICE ART 2013-2014

For an authentic slice of winter, complete with minus 10 deg C temperatures, icicles and real snow made of ice, head to the 2Degree Ice Art 2013-2014 exhibition at Marina Bay Sands.

Among the 29 ice sculptures is one with three slides, each about 13m long. Two are made of ice, which visitors can slide down on their own, and the other is made of snow, which visitors slide down using rubber inner tubes.

Where: Corner of Sheares Link and Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands Hotel

When: 10am to 10pm till May 15 daily, snowfalls three times a day, between 11.30am and 1.30pm, 3 and 5pm, and 7 and 9pm. There is no set time for the snowfalls.

Admission: $32 an adult, $26 a child, free for children under nine or below 1.2m tall if accompanied by an adult; $5 for a coat rental

Info: www.facebook.com/iceart

SNOW CITY

Snow City, which opened in 2000, is best known as a place for snow tubing, where people slide down its 60m-long slope in rubber tubes. It also has daily snowfall every hour, for 15 to 20 minutes each time. The fake snow is made of a mix of non-toxic chemicals which fall in foam flakes. Its three-storey-tall snow hall is kept at minus 8 deg C, and its snow play area has room for about 50 people at a time. Say hello to Santa, who will make an appearance from 3 to 3.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays this month, and from Monday to Wednesday.

Where: Snow City Singapore, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road

When: Snowfalls daily on the hour, from 10am to 6pm; public holidays from 10am to 7pm; last admission is one hour before closing time.

Admission: $23 a child (age three to 12), $28 an adult for two hours of snow play. Admission includes winter jacket and boot rental, but gloves and waterproof pants cost extra ($1.60 to $2.10 for gloves, $3.20 to $4 for pants). Socks are available for purchase at $3 for adults and $2.60 for children

Info: Go to www.snowcity.com.sg or call 6560-2306


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