Things to do in Singapore : Light to Night
The Light to Night festival is back in Singapore and the theme this year is ‘Here and Now’. On until 26 January, this immersive arts festival is one for the whole family with all activities and experiences located across the historic Civic district spearheaded by the National Gallery of Singapore.
Where
The whole area from the National Gallery of Singapore to the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House and Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall are lit up with light and sound shows that start from 7.30pm and finish at midnight. They run on a loop so it doesn’t matter what time you get to the festival or how long you stay. If you have little ones you might just want to pop along for an hour and if you have teens they might want to go with friends and hang out most of the night. This is a really good dip in / dip out festival that works for everyone.
Programme of Events
In addition to the light and sound spectacles (which are really wonderful) there is a programme of events that happen throughout the different buildings - allowing for a deeper interaction with art in a fun and engaging way. You will also find performances dotted around the outdoor areas as well. The whole festival feels spontaneous and fun. On the Empress Lawn in front of the Victoria Theatre there is the Art x Social Festival Village with art and craft market stalls and activities for kids.
What do I need to bring?
You can access all of the different areas by simply walking around as everything is connected and the roads are closed to allow for pedestrian thoroughfare. Take a picnic blanket and set up on the Padang or on the Empress lawn - or simply turn up and have a wander around. On the Empress Lawn there are hammocks, low level crate tables for sitting on the grass as well as picnic tables and benches so some proper seating exists if that’s your preference.
Food and Beverage Options
There are two outdoor food markets - one in front of the National Gallery and the other on the Empress Lawn - with food trucks selling everything from posh alcoholic drinks from Smoke & Mirrors, to Vietnamese bahn mi, burgers, satay, waffles and ice cream. The queues for food and drink move pretty quickly and there are outdoor tables and benches under twinkling string lights on the pedestrian area in front of the National Gallery of Singapore.
GETTING THERE
We drove and parked in one of the many multi story car parks nearby but you might wish to take a Grab, taxi or public transport to get there. The nearest taxi stands are located at the Gallery’s Coleman Street Entrance and Fullerton Hotel. The City Hall MRT station is a 5 minute walk away or it’s 10 minutes from Esplanade and Raffles Place MRT stations. Some of the roads in the area are closed for pedestrian access so if you drive you will want to park near Funan Digital Mall or at least on that side (behind the National Gallery of Singapore).
What does it cost?
The event is free to attend and there are no tickets. There may be some specific activities or events that have a cost, but in general this is a free event.
For all details on programmes and to plan your visit head to lighttonight.sg
