Whether you’re looking for a Christmas photo opportunity, fun family-friendly activities or an unforgettable holiday experience right here in Singapore, Changi Festive Village at Changi Airport is the place to be during this year-end holiday season.
Read on for the best things to see and do with the fam or friends at the Festive Village.
BEST PHOTO SPOTS
Avatar: The Way of Water-inspired Marui Pod
• Terminal 3, Departure Hall (in front of Immigration Hall)
• 11am to 10pm daily, with photo sessions from 11am–7pm
• Spend $50 ($80 for supermarkets and Jewel Changi Airport) in a single same-day receipt from any participating retail or F&B outlet at Terminals 1 to 4 or Jewel Changi Airport to redeem an exclusive photo opportunity or purchase a photo pass at $5 each
Start your festive adventure and activities with a visit to the home of the water-dwelling Na’vi clan, the Metkayina, at the Terminal 3 Departure Hall. Be transported to the spectacular world of Avatar at the towering 7m-tall Marui Pod, where you can get up close and take Insta-worthy photos with life-sized replicas of the Na’vi natives.
To up your Instagram game, snap and commemorate your day with photos taken by the pros! Simply spend $50 to redeem an exclusive photo opportunity or purchase a photo pass at $5 each.
Wrap up your visit to this attraction by watching the evening light, sound and projection show that will bring these displays to life.
After viewing the Na’vi, take a piece of Pandora home with you from 18 November when you visit the Avatar pop-up store situated next to the Marui Pod. Walk through the luminescent tunnel entrance and emerge to shop for an array of Avatar toys, figurines and glow-in-the-dark t-shirts.
Tip #1: As the Marui Pod opens to the public after 7pm, go for your photo session before 7pm to get an empty, stunning backdrop of the Na’vi and their home.
Tip #2: Visit the other attractions in Terminal 3 before rounding back in the evening for the awesome projection shows at the Marui Pod.
The World Of Jellyfish Installation
• The Great World, Terminal 3 Basement 2, Carpark 3A
• Wednesday to Friday: 5.30pm to 9.30pm
• Weekends, school holidays & public holidays: Noon to 10pm
• 5 carnival credits
Few creatures on earth are as otherworldly as jellyfish. With their amorphous bodies and translucent tentacles, they seem to inhabit a realm beyond our own. Over at Changi Airport, it’s possible to enjoy the beauty of these sea animals without ever venturing into the ocean, thanks to The World Of Jellyfish attraction.
Submerge yourself and snap beautiful photos with luminescent “jellyfish” floating around – a truly ethereal and mesmerising sight. The experience is made even more magical by the beauty of their lights, which seem to dance in the darkness of the room. The jellyfish are actually clever light installations, the first-of-its kind in Singapore.
Heritage Photo Zones
• The Great World at Terminal 3 Basement 2 Carpark 3A
• Till 2 April
• Wednesday to Friday: 5.30pm to 9.30pm
• Weekends, school holidays & public holidays: Noon to 10pm
• Free admission
Be transported back in time at the Heritage Photo Zones which offers a tantalising glimpse into the past and will get you feeling nostalgic for the good old days. Strike your poses at various familiar, old-school spots in Singapore such as the Record Shop, Mama Shop and Kopitiam.
You’ll also find a row of colourful shophouse windows with larger-than-life mementos of yesteryear you can pose with including a five stones game set, multi-coloured kueh lapis and childhood staple Haw Flakes.
After taking your photos, visit and explore the operational Mama Shop where you can even buy traditional snacks and games, including San Zha (hawthorn sweets), Ring Pops, Slinkies and Foam Aeroplanes. Look out for the traditional “cash register”, made up of a large Milo tin and a weighted bell.
Exclusive Light & Sound Show Inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water
• Shiseido Forest Valley
• Till 2 January, 8.30pm and 10.30 pm daily
• Additional shows on:
– 23, 25 & 30 December, 1 January: 11pm
– 24 & 31 December: 11.55pm
• Free entry
This festive season, catch one of Jewel’s most iconic attractions in a whole new light. Be transported to the world of Pandora with an exclusive Light & Sound show inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water. Against the backdrop of cascading water, watch as the blue, green and teal colours dance in time with the ebbs and flows of the ethereal music in the darkness.
Keep your eyes peeled for spectacular Avatar: The Way of Water creatures like the Ilu and Tulkun that will also be featured.
Canopy Park
• Level 5, Jewel Changi Airport
• Monday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm
• Friday to Sunday, eve of public holiday & public holiday: 10am to 11pm
• Purchase a Canopy Park ticket to enter
As night falls, Canopy Park transforms into an oasis of blue, pink, purple and teal sparkles. Begin your magical marine adventure by heading into the entrance tunnel with special ceiling lights, frosted refractive flooring and water effects all around that make you feel like you’re underwater.
Get up close and personal with various aquatic animals like dolphins, seals and manta rays on interactive screens. With the help of motion sensors, play with these adorable creatures and trigger lively responses from them using your body through jumps, waves and stretches!
Exit the cave and head towards the Source Pool and Foggy Bowls where you’ll have plenty of enchanting photo ops.
Next, head to the Petal Garden and watch bubbles fall from a 4m-tall tree and pop with a smoking effect, or peer down and check out how your footprints leave glowing blue bioluminescent waves on the interactive floor screen.
End of your journey by snapping pictures at the stunning exit arch, adorned with magical fairy and neon lights.
Tip: If you missed the snowfall at Shiseido Forest Valley, catch it at hourly intervals in the Canopy Park between 7pm to 10.30pm. Also, Singaporeans can enjoy 30 percent off Standard Individual Tickets including Jewel-rassic Quest. Enjoy 7 percent GST-absorption for all PlayAtJewel memberships.
Prudential Singapore Jewel Christmas Tree at Shiseido Forest Valley
• Shiseido Forest Valley
• Snowfall runs till 2 January at 7.35pm, 8.35pm, 9.35pm & 10.35pm daily
• Additional snowfall on:
– 23, 25 & 30 December, 1 January: 11.05pm
– 24 & 31 December: 11.59pm/midnight
• Free entry
Towering at over 16m tall, the Prudential Singapore Jewel Christmas tree at Jewel is truly a majestic sight to behold. Snap Insta-worthy pics with the tree that is adorned with shimmering lights, glittering baubles and festive ornaments.
Under the Prudential Singapore Jewel Christmas tree awaits not presents, but a special tunnel that allows you to break away from the hustle and bustle of Shiseido Forest Valley. Step through the tunnel to discover various tips on mental wellness with underwater visual projections and audio.
As you emerge from under the Christmas tree into Shiseido Forest Valley, experience snowfall at half-hourly intervals from 7.35pm to 10.35pm daily.
Dino Glow
• Changi Airport Connector
• 6 December to 31 January, 7pm to 1am
• Free entry
When talking about photo spots, who can forget about the adorable dinosaurs along the Jurassic Mile?
This festive season, walk, cycle or skate along the Changi Airport Park Connector that is transformed into a magical world of light and colour when night falls. Inspired by the upcoming Avatar: The Way of Water movie, the 3km-long connector is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a mystical fantasy world.
Feeling peckish before your night-time stroll? Fuel up with steaming fluffy burgers and ice-cold freshly churned ice cream from the food trucks at the start of the Changi Airport Park Connector. Nibble on your snacks as you walk along the amazing light-up with family and friends, against the backdrop of magnificent, life-sized dinosaurs for a roaring fun Jurassic experience.
BEST ACTIVITIES TO TRY
Different Carnival Activities From the Past, Present & Future
• All three worlds are located at Terminal 3
• The Great World – Basement 2, Carpark 3A
• The Modern World – Basement 2, Opposite Kopitiam and near Carpark 3A
• The Future World – Basement 3, Carpark 3A
• Till 2 April
• Wednesday to Friday: 5.30pm to 9.30pm
• Weekends, school holidays & public holidays: Noon to 10pm
Step into a time-travelling carnival and discover three different worlds: The Great World, The Modern World and The Future World.
Best Rides & Games at The Great World
• Rocking Ride – Left becomes right and forward becomes backward on this mind-boggling ride.
• Boat Ride (for kids or adults below 50kg) – Be greeted by a towering dinosaur and experience the joys of water – on land!
• Gravity Drop – Grab the falling bars before they hit the floor to show off your lightning quick reflexes.
Best Rides & Games at The Modern World
• 3D Shooting Range – With many scenarios, enemies and levels to choose from at this shooting range, grab your family and friends for some multiplayer fun!
• King of Hammer – Put your strength to the test at the King of Hammer. The harder you hit, the higher your score!
• Dart Balloon – Test your aim and pop as many balloons as possible and you could take home some fantastic prizes!
Best Rides & Games at The Future World
• Wonder Wheels – Dodge and bump into others as you whizz around on bumper cars of the future!
• Pirate Ship – Hang on tight! This swinging pirate ship ride will ensure you have a swashbuckling good time.
• Dino Kart 3.0 – This go-karting circuit will get your adrenaline pumping (more details below).
Tired out after having a go at all the activities? Refuel with old school treats like Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Kacang Puteh and Potong ice cream at The Great World’s Mama Shop.
Tip 1: Purchase your tickets via the iChangi App for more carnival credits. Alternatively, an early bird discount is available via payment by Mastercard from now to 17 November. Spend $100 to get 130 credits.
Tip 2: Want to get 10 extra tokens to maximise the fun? Receive five free carnival credits when you spend a minimum of $50 in a single receipt at public areas of Changi Airport and on Changi Eats ($80 at supermarkets or Jewel). Earn an additional five free carnival credits when you pay by Mastercard or Changi Pay. Spend and redeem carnival credits will be auto credited into iChangi Account Page, and will expire after seven days.
Dino Kart 3.0
• The Future World at Terminal 3, Basement 3 Carpark 3A
• Monday to Thursday: 2pm to 10pm
• Friday to Sunday: 2pm to 11pm
• Direct Purchase: $28, Spend & Redeem: $23 from Monday to Thursday; Direct Purchase: $33, Spend & Redeem: $28 from Friday to Sunday, public holiday & eve of public holiday
• Carnival Credits can be redeemed for Dino Kart entry on-site, subject to slot availability – 33 credits for $33, 28 credits for $28
• Entry requirements:Minimum 13 years old as of race date, covered shoes must be worn at all times and no loose clothing allowed
Keep the action going and race your friends and family to the finish line at Dino Kart 3.0 go-kart circuit! Satisfy your need for speed on the electric karts that can go up to 30km/h!
The track is designed to challenge both novice and experienced drivers alike, with up to 10 twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Be sure to strap in, hold on tight and enjoy this thrilling ride amidst flashing neon lights and upbeat music for company.
After your spin around the track, capture memories of your adventure with the big dinos located at the registration booth.
Tip: Spend a minimum of $50 in a single receipt ($80 at the supermarket or Jewel) at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 public areas to redeem a $5 discount.
Glampcation and Glampicnic in the Clouds
• Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5, Jewel Changi Airport
• Till 1 January
• Glampcation: 6pm to 10pm (next day)
• Glampicnic: Noon to 4pm
• Glampcation: Monday to Thursday – $400; Friday to Sunday, public holiday & eve of public holiday – $450
• Glampicinic: Monday to Thursday – $200; Friday to Sunday, public holiday & eve of public holiday – $225
Glamping in the clouds at Jewel Changi Airport is back for another round! Why not celebrate Christmas by choosing a luxurious Glampcation, relaxing Glampicnic, or both?
For the Glampcation, check in to your cosy Avatar-inspired marine-themed tent that comes with two comfy queen-size air beds. Each glamp tent can accommodate up to four guests and offers plenty of picture-perfect photo moments. The package also comes with limited-edition festive merchandise, credits for T3’s Underground Carnival, as well as tickets to Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s River Wonders.
For the Glampicnic, kick back and relax in your glamp tent adorned with holiday decorations. Enjoy your tea party set on the tables (comprising macarons and tea) laid with intricate centrepieces and dining ware for up to six guests.
Tip: Both the Glampcation and Glampicnic come with a $10 Changi Eats discount code (with a minimum spend of $50). Use this to pre-order from Changi Eats, Changi Airport’s food delivery service, where you can mix and match your favourite food and drinks from Jewel and Changi. Pick up your meals and enjoy them in the comfort of your cosy glamp tent.
“A Night at the Airport” Family Camp
• Changi Experience Studio, Level 4, Jewel Changi Airport
• 19 November to 23 December, 9am to 8am the following day
• $78 per adult, $88 per child
Embark on an intriguing amazing race all around the airport to learn about its sustainability efforts. Parents and children will also have the chance to create eco-friendly festive ornaments using recycled items.
As night falls, snuggle up and camp in tents with a one-of-a-kind sleepover at the cosy Changi Experience Studio.
Tip: Get a $5 Changi Pay e-Voucher when you book from 10 November onwards (T&Cs apply). Also, get two experiences for the price of one – the camp package includes a Singapore Zoo ticket for each participant.
“A Day in the Life of a Changi Trolley” Design Thinking Workshop
- Changi Experience Studio, Level 4, Jewel Changi Airport
- 25 & 26 November, 3 December, 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Recommended for children aged 9 to 14
- $58
Looking for activities to entertain your kids during the holiday season? Sign them up for the “A Day in the Life of a Changi Trolley” Design Thinking Workshop.
Your kids will have the chance to learn all about various design processes and hone their problem-solving skills in this three-hour-long workshop. The kids will be challenged to think of what airports could one day become and create prototypes of an airport of the future.
What’s more, the workshop gives kids the opportunity to check out Changi Experience Studio, one of Jewel’s best attractions.
Tip: Get a $5 Changi Pay e-Voucher when you book from 10 November 2022 onwards (T&Cs apply).
Photos courtesy of Changi Airport Group
This article has been adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Ultimate guide to Changi Festive Village 2022: Top things to see & do”
