Singapore’s Orchard Road came alive on Christmas Eve as thousands gathered for the third annual Great Christmas Eve Street Party. The event, which began stirring with anticipation the night before Christmas, drew revellers, shoppers, tourists, and residents eager to celebrate the holiday season.
A Festive Gathering
By 6pm, crowds had already assembled near Wisma Atria, anticipating the start of the festivities at 8pm. The party stretched between the Paterson Road junction near Ion Orchard and the Bideford Road junction close to Ngee Ann City, with several roads closed to accommodate the growing number of attendees. Music filled the air, blending with the sights of Christmas decorations and twinkling lights.
Entertainment included street performers, a magician near Ion Orchard, and a puppet master, captivating audiences of all ages. Food trucks lined the route, adding to the festive atmosphere with enticing aromas. Attendees like Ms. Bernadette Neo, who attended with her seven-year-old daughter Isabelle, described the event as lively, despite the initial crowds.
The event held particular significance as it emerged in 2023 following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. On February 13, 2023, Singapore lifted mandatory pre-departure testing for non-fully vaccinated travelers and removed the requirement for travel insurance, paving the way for larger gatherings like this one.
Community and Celebration
The street party drew a diverse crowd, including Ms. Mary Lim, an Indonesian resident, who attended with her two sisters, Minah and Monika, who had travelled from Indonesia to join her. The sisters enthusiastically embraced the festive spirit, stating, “During Christmas, we must wear red and green!”
Mr. Matthew Koh, an interior project manager, embodied the spirit of the event, cycling from Serangoon Central dressed as Santa Claus – a tradition he has maintained for the past two years. Zachary Sze, a 16-year-old Malaysian national, returned for a second year, noting improvements in the decorations and music.
Authorities anticipated large crowds and deployed police, auxiliary police, and security officers to manage the flow of people. A digital map was also made available to attendees, providing real-time information on crowd levels and road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Great Christmas Eve Street Party begin?
The Great Christmas Eve Street Party first took place in 2023, as Singapore and the world began to recover from the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic.
What measures were taken to manage the crowds?
The police deployed police officers, auxiliary police officers and security officers to manage the crowds in the Orchard Road area. Attendees were also encouraged to use a digital map displaying real-time crowd levels and road closures.
What did attendees say about the event?
Attendees like Ms. Bernadette Neo found the event lively, while Mr. Zachary Sze noted improvements in the decorations and music compared to the previous year. Mr. Matthew Koh continued his tradition of dressing as Santa Claus to spread festive cheer.
As the night progressed, despite initial concerns about a possible storm, partygoers continued to enjoy the festivities, dancing and celebrating the season. Will the event continue to grow in popularity in the years to come, and what new elements might be added to enhance the experience for attendees?
