There’s something magical about shows that combine beaming lights, music and vibrant colours. In Singapore, some of these light shows come in a variety of projections and even storytelling.
We shine the spotlight on seven free and ticketed light shows that you cannot miss.
1. Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay
Free show
7.45pm and 8.45pm daily
When night falls, witness the brilliant Supertrees in “action” in a captivating display of lights and music, creating a magical symphony that blends nature and technology.
Garden Rhapsody brings life to the towering gardens through bright lights, all of which radiate to the beat of an immersive soundtrack. The soundtrack and light choreography changes regularly depending on the season or theme of the show. Best of all, the light show is free!
2. Jewel Rain Vortex Light & Sound Show at Jewel Changi Airport
Free show
Monday to Thursday: 8pm & 9pm
Friday to Sunday, public holidays & eve of public holidays: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm
The mighty cascade of the Jewel Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, is a strong enough attraction to draw people to Jewel Changi Airport. But did you know that this feature looks even more spectacular at night?
When the sky darkens, the Jewel Rain Vortex takes on a mystic splendour. That’s when the water transforms into a projected light-and-sound show. Fun fact: the Jewel Rain Vortex was engineered by Los Angeles-based design firm WET, the company responsible for the legendary Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
The Light & Sound Show can be viewed from several vantage points – from several floors above or close-up from ground level. You might even get good views while dining at the various eateries at Jewel.
3. Spectra – A Light & Water Show at Marina Bay Sands
Free show
Sunday to Thursday: 8pm & 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm
For an outdoor extravaganza displayed over the water, make your way to the Event Plaza of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to discover the magic of Spectra – A Light & Water Show.
More than just an impressive display of colours, the 15-minute show has a four-part story. Through stunning laser effects, fountain jets and the perfect combination of light, water and sound, you’ll get a fascinating visual depiction of Singapore’s growth – from the country’s humble kampung beginnings to the modern metropolis that it is today.
What makes the show even more special is that it’s set against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during the weekends.
4. Digital Light Canvas at Marina Bay Sands
$12 per person
Shows run from 11am to 9pm daily (last ticket sale at 8pm)
Discover a futuristic blend of art, nature and technology at Digital Light Canvas (#B2-50, next to Rasapura Masters food court), presented in collaboration with teamLab, the Japanese collective behind ArtScience Museum’s Future World: Where Art Meets Science.
You’ll get to watch shoals of fish gather in the ocean beneath you as crystals light up overhead and paint calligraphic art with your feet while flowers blossom with each step. Amidst all that running, remember to pay attention to flocks of colourful “birds” that casually swoop through the gorgeous 14m light sculpture overhead.
Plan to spend at least 30 minutes here.
5. Wings of Time at Sentosa
From $15.20 per person
Monday to Friday: 7.40pm
Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 7.40pm & 8.40pm
Set against the backdrop of an open sea under a dark sky, this award-winning multi-sensory light water show boasts upgraded pyrotechnic effects created by state-of-the-art Sparkular machines along with dazzling water, light and fire effects, plus a majestic soundtrack.
The 20-minute show about friendship and courage tells the story of Shahbaz, a prehistoric bird, and his friends who travel across beautiful landscapes and journey through the mysteries of time.
The show ends with a jaw-dropping fireworks display – possibly the only place in Singapore where you can see fireworks nightly.
Starting from 1 February, the 8.40pm show features a fireworks display that is four times longer!
6. Borealis at Gardens by the Bay
Free show
Monday: 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9pm
Borealis is a masterpiece created by Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher, where layers of light mingle with cloud particles to mimic the mesmerising aurora borealis.
Set against the iconic backdrop of the Supertree Grove, this installation transforms into an otherworldly spectacle that shifts with the wind and weather, ensuring no two light shows are exactly alike. Accompanied by the melodies of French composer Guillaume Desbois, the lights swirl in an ever-changing display of colours.
7. ImagiNite at Sentosa Sensoryscape
Free show
7.50pm – 9.40pm daily
Get set for a dazzling night at ImagiNite, where every step lights up a new chapter of a fantastic light-infused fairy tale. As the sun takes a bow, this epic 350m trail from Resorts World Sentosa to the sandy shores comes alive with digital wizardry and whimsical light installations that are anything but ordinary.
As you wander through, you’ll stumble upon six different gardens, each with its own quirky personality. Dive into virtual oceans at Symphony Streams, get lost in a mesmerising light beam dance at Lookout Loop, or watch the ground come alive with digital projections at Palate Playground. Over at the Glow Garden, towering flower stalks light up the night, and at Scented Sphere, you can immerse your senses in an aromatic landscape of Sentosa’s diverse and therapeutic flora.
Use your phone to unlock the full potential of this glowing adventure with the ImagiNite app. The app is your ticket to a blend of the real and the fantastic, turning a simple evening walk into an epic escapade of light, sound and surprise.
This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Get lit: 10 best light shows to catch”.
