Great Christmas Village

One of the best ways of spending Christmas in Singapore is to catch the lights and beautiful deco at Orchard Road. Over the years, there have been many different variations of Christmas pop-ups but somehow I always feel Christmas needs to be celebrated at Orchard Road. Maybe it is nostalgia at play, but it just hits me differently. :P

This year, we brought the kids to the Great Christmas Village outside Ngee Ann City and Shaw House. It has been a while since we saw such carnivals and it was truly so much fun for both the adults and kids. I thought I will create a guide because this was some thoughts that cross through my mind. We went twice during the day, hence a clothes change HAHAHA. I think it may be more beautiful and less warm at night, but I am not a huge fan of crowds. 

Rides that we are all here for - Mainly at Shaw House

There are some rides which definitely caught our eye because it either didn't exist during our time or we knew it was great fun when we rode them as kids! Although the 2 locations are not very far from each other, I thought it was a waste no one highlighted where each ride was so that families could better strategise their time there. Most of the these rides - European Swing, Cycle Jet, Space Shuttle Ride (Brand New!) except for Robotic Ride (Ngee An City) are at Shaw House. 

We took all of them and some twice except for Cycle Jet because the kids' legs are too short to cycle. The #2 just turned 2 YO and she could go on most of the rides.  Special shout-out to Space Shuttle Ride which I think we took so many times because it was so fun and somehow the competitive streak in me came out. Oops. 

Carnival Games that promises a toy - Mainly at Shaw House

If you are here with kids, you know sometimes you can't go home empty-handed. For some, the toy is a must to complete the carnival experience. For guaranteed toys, go for the fishing game (Shaw House) or the Spin the Wheel (Ngee Ann City). To win big, you need to make your way to Ngee Ann. I tried a few but I am absolutely skill-less or luckless, probably the former so I won nothing. 

The claw machines are at Shaw House, but lady luck wasn't on my side, I forced some possible catches to become impossible. Oops. The games at Shaw House allows you to accumulate points so that you can redeem something. The children love the mini arcade and the Space Shuttle Ride. 

Credits Maximising Tips

To get the bang for your bucks, I would suggest setting a budget maybe S$150 and top it up at one shot so that you can get the bonus credits. The credits can be used at other J'Kids organised carnivals. Space Shuttle is my ultimate favourite because it allows you to both have a ride and accumulate points to redeem something. Accompanying parents are half the credits. If your kids are young like mine, you don't really have a choice to save the parent's credit. But I always believe it is better to experience fun together for the playtime to be more purposeful. 

If you want to maximise your fun, then just do whatever you want to do with your budgeted credit. My kids just wanted to go on the ferris wheel, bouncy castle + ball pit. To me, these rides aren't entirely exclusive. But whatever floats their boat, look at how bright their smiles are. A budget of $150 with its extra bonus credits should be able to keep the family entertained for 1.5 to 2 hours.

And you know what, I think we might still be making another trip there ~!~