An early welcome for 2021 at Jurong Lake Gardens’ A Better Tomorrow Festival of Lights.
This was an unexpected delight! With Christmas over and New Year celebrations downscaled, I didn’t expect there to be any more festive light-ups this year.
Seems, though, Singaporeans’ fondness for illuminations triumphed. A Better Tomorrow Festival of Lights takes place at Jurong Lake Gardens, an unusual location for such events but perhaps it’s part of the drive to promote local tourism. And to end a sour year on a better note.
With over ten lantern dioramas and various other festive lights, this is hands-down the most elaborate 2020 light-up event at one spot too, beating even the ones at Gardens by the Bay.
I had a lovely time visiting in the early evening yesterday. The oriental sets were, to me, also a great prelude for what comes next on our festive calendar. That, of course, being Chinese New Year.
Naturally, the wishful message behind all the lights made me look forward a little more to the coming year too.
Public Transport PSA: Access from Lakeside MRT Station
As the Chinese and Japanese Gardens are closed for upgrading, there’s no shortcut through those to reach the festive grounds. In other words, if you’re going by MRT, the station to alight at is Lakeside.
It’s quite a walk too to the lanterns. Fortunately, the route is straightforward and (still) adorned by Christmas motifs.
World Landmarks Galore
We have all been denied the opportunity to travel this year, haven’t we? Well, this light-up “addresses” that by presenting the most iconic sights in international tourism.
Prelude to Chinese New Year 2021?
Interestingly, the tail-end of the one-way “landmarks route” had two massive Chinese auspicious mythological creatures displays.
BTW, what’s I’ve shared so far is but HALF of the displays. There’s also a Western Zodiac section which I had to skip because I was pressed for time. Just do a search online and you will find several sites featuring those.
Charity at A Better Tomorrow Festival of Lights 2020
On a final note, there’s a charity drive at this delightful illumination event. You can hang a sky lantern or release a water one, and make wishes. All proceeds go to the President’s Challenge Charity Fund.
As we are, sadly, still not out of the pandemic jungle, do spare a coin for the needy if you’re visiting this light-up!
A Better Tomorrow Festival of Lights is ongoing till Jan 3, 2021.
The world landmark displays return with Lights by the Lake 2022.
Read my other Festive Celebrations in Singapore posts.
