Great Christmas Village 2025

With the kids, Christmas is never really complete without a bit of carnival fun (like how the Caucasians celebrate it). And Great Christmas Village does it best. This year, Kiztopia is the main vendor. It was split between outside Ngee Ann City and Shaw House (like prior years). In terms of affordability, this year is much better priced at 6 credits per ride/ game. If you get it via the right platforms groupbuy, each credit is around $0.50

Even if you are not there to spend, there is quite a number of free photo areas which you can stop by to catch some photos and christmas spirit. My little girl was so impressed with the realistic fireplace, she almost tried to touch it. Haha. Both areas either have a tentage up or is within sheltered area. So it's a rain or shine event.

Every year, they would split the attractions between the areas. I prefer the selection at Ngee Ann City. The kids were crazy about the Bouncy Castle and the rides such as the Turbo Twister and Rudolf's Express were really more of my thing. I went around the early afternoon. There was a lesser crowd and because there wasn't anyone mending the rides (I thought they weren't open and went home empty handed).

There were also an area for food and lots of game booths. There were some obvious will-win booth (which are my favourite). I just can't bear going home empty-handed. At the other end, the jolly cruisers and the jolly jumps were favourites with my kids. For the claw machines fanatics, you will find them there. I had great fun and so did they, I might just hit another round there because I've got a great deal (and I will be sharing with you too!)

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Great Christmas Village 2025: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/182104-great-christmas-village-2025/

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Trying to be Cultured: All about Impressionism

In a bid to be more cultured, we made our way to the National Gallery to catch the largest French Impressionist Exhibition in collaboration with Museum of Fine Arts Boston. To be frank, before going, I don't even know what is Impressionism. Seeing it for myself up close, I realised I am not much of a fan. I prefer a lot more details in my art as compared to vagueness. I do agree with some art critics that some pieces look so much more like sketches than complete pieces.  

In the past, I have only heard of Monet. But interestingly, after seeing his works, I am a bigger admirer of Daubigny and his sea/ ship/ port pieces. I absolutely hated Renoir's masterpiece. Haha. I just didn't like the fused, unrealistic portraits. Though the style was distinct, I felt some were borderline sloppy. And the "anime" eyes just didn't sit well with me. 

If there is one thing I learn about art, it is that beauty truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. Comments by other attendees sometimes amuse me. There was a lady who was gushing over a piece of art which I totally hated. Lol. Apart from Monet, you will get to explore some of the iconic works by other artists such as Manet, Degas etc. Although I am in no way trained in art, you can still kinda realise that some "water", "peaches' and "roses' etc. are better drawn than the rest. 

A guided tour (or bringing a friend who is into art) isn't a bad idea if you are not into self-exploration/ self-realisation. A blind following the crowd, some of the appreciation techniques I have learnt include seeing the art up close, from the side and afar to notice the paint strokes and layering to create different effects. It is also interesting to notice the colour palette use to create different effects (i.e. some artist would use pink instead of white for water/ clouds).

Overall, I would still recommend making a trip down because it is not everyday we get to experience such masterpieces conveniently. For once, you don't have to travel to Europe etc. just to get to see these. Also, it is priced so affordably to encourage local attendance. It will only be in town from 14 Nov 25 to 1 Mar 26. Catch it while it is here!

National Gallery: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1256-national-gallery-singapore/

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** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.