Every great city has a favorite place to ring in the new year. New Yorkers head to Times Square, Sydneysiders gather around Sydney Harbour and Londoners will seek out vantage points looking over the Thames. In Singapore, we go to Marina Bay. We might still be about six weeks away from the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2019, but as part of Celebrate in the City—an exciting series of events and experiences—the party’s already getting started. Here’s how you can get in on it.

Join the circus

Photo credit: The Great Moscow Circus

Back in Singapore for the first time in over a decade, The Great Moscow Circus has a cast of 45 performers—acrobats, jugglers, daredevils and clowns—who captivate audiences with thrill-a-minute acts like the Wheel of Death and the Motorbike Sphere of Fear. The circus is on under the Mighty Big Top next to Marina Bay Sands now until Dec 2. Tickets are available from $35 via Sistic.

Check out two fun and festive special events at Gardens by the Bay

Photo credit: Christmas Wonderland
Credit: Gardens by the Bay

Throughout the year, Gardens by the Bay’s calendar of events makes repeat visits essential, and this is especially true come the end of the year. From now until Jan 6, 2019, pixie dust fills the air as Disney Tsum Tsum brings a touch of magic to the Poinsettia Wishes featuring Disney Tsum Tsum floral display. Admission charge to the Flower Dome applies.

​​​​​​​Photo credit: Gardens By The Bay

Over at the Supertree Grove and The Meadow, Christmas celebrations kick into top gear with the opening of Christmas Wonderland from Nov 30 to Dec 26. This edition of Christmas Wonderland—the fifth—will feature mind-blowing illusions from America’s Got Talent 2018’s Rob Lake, Asia’s largest Santa’s Grotto, “snow” in the tropics, carnival games and rides, a European-style festive market, outdoor ice skating and stunning luminarie light sculptures including a luminarie mirror maze. Admission to Christmas Wonderland starts from $4.

Say hello to Santa at ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands

Photo credit: Marina Bay Sands

Star of a million Instagram posts, ArtScience Museum’s permanent exhibition, Future World: Where Art Meets Science will have a Christmassy twist from Dec 1 until Jan 6, 2019 with Sketch Christmas, an interactive installation starring Santa Claus. It’s just the occasion to check out the new installations at the exhibition and visit the other ongoing exhibitions at the museum: Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. and All Possible Paths: Richard Feynman’s Curious Life.

Enjoy a month of free performances at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Photo credit: Esplanade

From Dec 1 to 6 and 10 to 31, the Esplanade Concourse (every day) and Outdoor Theatre (weekends and public holidays) are the places to be for a daily dose of free performances as part of the program for Come Together. And as for Dec 7 to 9? The free performances continue during Voices – A Festival of Song 2018. From jazz to acapella and musical theater, you’ll find it all here. Ticketed workshops are also available for aspiring vocalists.

Head back to the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival

Photo credit: Prudential Marina Bay Carnival

If you didn’t get your fill of the good vibes at the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival during its first run, it’s almost time to welcome it back for its second edition. On from Dec 22 until Mar 24, 2019, this upcoming carnival will have 50 games and rides.

Photo credit: Marina Bay Singapore

And of course, that gets you to the Marina Bay Countdown Singapore 2019! This year’s party at Marina Bay will see a food truck festival, a bazaar and a multi-sensory fireworks and light show by Avex Group called the Star Island Singapore Countdown Edition. Expect the works—lasers, 3D surround sound, performances and more. Early bird tickets are now available from $30 via star-island.sg.

For full event listings, visit www.marinabaycountdown.sg/citc