Hard to believe it, but it’s been a whole year since the Marina Bay area was alive with thousands of Singaporeans flocking excitedly to the island’s largest carnival. Out of nowhere, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival landed with 40-odd Uncle Ringo-style games and rides, transforming the waterfront into the place to be. Well if you find you’ve been pining for those festive feels, great news: the colossal event is back this Dec 22.

Last year’s inaugural edition ran for a whopping four months (Dec 2017-Apr 2018), and this year’s carnival will largely be the same, going from Dec 22-Mar 24, 2019 at the Bayfront Event Space. Look forward to 50 rides and games from Europe and around the globe, with new additions joining last year’s hot favourites. Spanning over 23,000 sqm, the event remains as OTT as ever.

Star Flyer. Photo credit: Prudential Marina Bay Carnival

Prudential Marina Bay Carnival 2018

In addition, to keep things fresh, the carnival will progressively roll out three themes—Crazy, Loving, and Epic—of activities and promotions that’ll make it worth your while to go more than once. There will also be monthly Best Dressed contests, where visitors dressed most in theme can score perks like skipping the queues and winning bonus credits.

You’ll be pleased to know that as per last year, admission to the carnival grounds remain gloriously free. Plus, the carnival has promised that prices for the individual rides and games will be made more accessible this year, with fast-track passes available at selected rides. Starting today (Nov 27), you can even get a 15% early bird special on prices if you sign up for their newsletter. Otherwise, feel free to just amble around and take in the sights and vibes of a genuine, large-scale carnival on our shores. We may not have a permanent fairground like California’s Santa Monica Pier or Sydney’s Luna Park, but this comes pretty darn close.

Prudential Marina Bay Carnival 2019 runs Dec 22-Mar 24, 2019 at the Bayfront Event Space. More information available here.