Have you been bored lately? Craving some spontaneous excitement? Then take a peek at our list of ‘Things to Do’ — a series dedicated to showcasing what you (and your family and friends) can experience in Singapore for the upcoming month!
With the new year rolling in, there’s no better time to hit the reset button. Whether you’re revving up for the Singapore Motor Show, immersing yourself in the art scene, or swaying to some soulful tunes, there’s something for everyone to start 2025 on the right note. So, why not hop on the bandwagon with some activities you fancy? Let’s open the doors to 2025 with a bang!
- Singapore Motorshow 2025
- ARTBOX SINGAPORE 2025
- Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2025
- ART SG
- comma 2025
- CNY Family Fun 2025
- Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival 2025
- Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake
- Light to Night Festival 2025
- Candlelight Concerts in January
- The Music of Andre Lloyd Webber – A Symphonic Gala Concert
- Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play
Singapore Motorshow 2025
Motorheads, listen up! The Singapore Motorshow 2025 is set to take over the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre! This year’s event shifts into high gear, expanding across three levels – Halls 401 to 406 on Level 4, with additions on Level 3 and the Level 1 Atrium Convention! All in all, the event covers a sprawling 14,000 square metres of pure automotive bliss!
The show promises a bumper-to-bumper showcase of innovation, featuring over 29 brands, including industry stalwarts and fresh new faces. Expect a spotlight on electric vehicles (EVs) and cutting-edge automotive technology, with interactive booths and hands-on experiences highlighting in-car connectivity and AI-driven safety features. Feeling lucky? Don’t miss the chance to win a brand-new Nissan LEAF or Subaru Forester i-S EyeSight e-Boxer Hybrid in the event’s lucky draw.
🗓️Date: 9 January – 12 January 2025
📍Location: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039593
💲Price: S$10
⏰Time:
- 9 January: 5pm – 9pm
- 10 January: 11.30am – 9pm
- 11 January: 10.30am – 9pm
- 12 January: 10.30am – 8pm
If this has your engine fired up for more information, you can visit the official Singapore Motorshow 2025 website, and make sure to follow their Instagram, as they’ll be releasing more information as the event date draws closer!
ARTBOX SINGAPORE 2025
ARTBOX SINGAPORE is back again as ARTBOX EVERYDAY! Inspired by the idea that art is present in everyday life, this year’s ARTBOX features over 190 local and overseas brands, 90+ F&B brands, and all kinds of activities and art installations. Based on the teasers they’ve been posting, attendees can expect mouthwatering goodies and retail options like artisanal tea and perfumes.
A new highlight of this year’s ARTBOX is Trade Day. With Southeast Asia’s creative scene steadily growing, Trade Day aims to bring together industry stakeholders and creatives. Through a series of panels, breakout sessions, and flash mentoring, ARTBOX Trade Day aims to inspire the next generation of young creatives with valuable insights and networking opportunities from industry professionals!
🗓️Date:
- Main Admission: 17 – 19 January 2025, 24 – 26 January 2025
- Trade Day: 16 January 2025
📍Location: Singapore Expo Hall 4, 1 Expo Dr, Singapore 486150
💲Price:
- General Admission: S$5 (no trade day admission)
- Everyday Pass (7 Days): S$100
⏰Time: 12pm – 11pm
So whether you’re in the mood for some shopping, some solid food or just wanna get out of the house, ARTBOX is the place to go! Check out their website to grab your tickets and for more information. Stay tuned to their Instagram to see if any of your favourite vendors are taking part!
Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat
If you’re an art fanatic, you know Jean-Michel Basquiat. But what if you could step beyond the canvas? Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat is a portal into the life and intellect of one of the most iconic creatives of our time. Full of interactive installations, rare archival materials, and multisensory experiences, this is a tribute to an artist whose expressive works not only revolutionised contemporary art but continue to influence pop culture to this day.
Peek into The Unknown Notebook, featuring 160 original, framed pages filled with Basquiat’s raw sketches in ink, markers, and oil sticks. Then, enter Basquiat’s Den, an exclusive recreation of his legendary creative space, where you can create and take home your own Basquiat-inspired digital portrait. And don’t miss the Video Room Experience, with dynamic installations that bring his Downtown Manhattan neighbourhood to life, offering a vivid coup d’œil at his creative process and spirit.
As part of Singapore Art Week 2025, this is a celebration of art’s power to transcend boundaries. So even if you aren’t a longtime fan of Basquiat, come immerse yourself in his universe! You’ll leave with a newfound love for his artistry.
🗓️Date: 16 December 2024 – 6 March 2025
📍Location: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Level B2, Exhibition Hall D, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
💲Price: Starting at S$43
⏰Opening hours: Daily from 10am – 8pm (Last admission at 7pm)
Run, don’t walk, to snag your tickets! For more details, hop over to the exhibition’s official page. The world of art awaits you with open arms!
Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2025
Everybody, start your engines for the return of the Aliwal Urban Arts Festival (AUAF)! This edition’s fresh highlight is TAILORED: Bore & Stroke, an exhibition that explores the concept of customisation in the automotive world. Feeling a creative spark? Join the airbrushing and poster design workshops to channel your inner Picasso!
Outside the Aliwal Arts Centre (AAC), graffiti artists will bring the walls to life with stunning street art – you can even grab a spray can yourself with RSCLS’s graffiti try-outs! And for just S$5, their D’TOUR explores Kampong Gelam with new eyes.
Over in the carpark, it’s all about skateboarding. Whether you’re a pro ready to show off your skills or a beginner keen to learn some tricks, there’s a space for you – gear included, so no excuses! And be sure to check out the SkateSG competition too, featuring obstacles made by local skaters.
End your day at the Creators Marketplace for some one-of-a-kind finds, and maybe even win big in the raffle! And of course, there’s no shortage of entertainment with live DJ sets and dance acts that’ll keep the energy pumpin’ all day.
🗓️Date: 25 January 2025
📍Location: Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St, Singapore 199918
💲Price: Free admission
⏰Time: 12pm till late
Down to make a pit stop here? Check out our article on AUAF 2025! For more updates, visit their official page and follow the Aliwal Arts Centre’s socials on Facebook and Instagram.
ART SG
Looking to satisfy your art addiction going into 2025? Then listen up! For four thrilling days, the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre will transform into a leading global art destination as ART SG returns bigger, bolder, and more mind-blowing than ever! With over 56 top-tier galleries from across the globe, this art fair is where the elite of the art world come to flex their creative muscles! From Ian Davenport’s mesmerizing puddle paintings to Waddington Custot’s East-meets-West collection featuring William Turnbull and Chu Teh-Chun, the GALLERIES sector is pure magic for art lovers.
But that’s just the start. If you’re into experimental and boundary-pushing art, the FOCUS sector is the place to be – think exotic AI-created pieces, social critiques through floral arrangements, and works that’ll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about art. Add to that jaw-dropping large-scale installation in the PLATFORM sector, and the curated FILM program exploring art in motion, and you’ve got an unmissable cultural experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned creative, a total newbie, or just someone who appreciates a good work of art, ART SG 2025 is the perfect way to start the year!
🗓️Date: 16 January – 19 January 2025
📍Location: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956, Floor 1 Marina Bay Sands Singapore
💲Price:
- Vernissage: S$80 (4 Day Pass) (Admit One)
- General Admission: S$19 (1 Day Pass)
⏰Time:
- Private View (by invitation only)
- Thursday, 16 January, 2pm – 5pm
- Vernissage
- Thursday, 8 November, 5pm – 9pm
- General Admission
- Friday, 17 January, 12pm – 7pm
- Saturday, 18 January, 11am – 7pm
- Sunday, 19 January, 11am – 5pm
For tickets and updates, visit the official ART SG website, and be sure to follow their Instagram! Trust us – you won’t want to miss anything when it comes to this event!
comma 2025
With a whole host of events lined up for you, comma is here with its 2025 edition. Get ready to be mind-blown with immersive theatrical experiences, exciting dance-offs, a cultural playground, as well as an exciting collaboration with ARTBOX Express! Celebrate these emerging artists and spotlight Singapore’s budding creative scene at the Somerset Belt.
This year’s theme presents the equation “PAST x PRESENT = FUTURE”, inviting those who take part to contemplate and wonder just how much the past and present resonate, creating and shaping what the future looks like. In this dive into interconnectedness, forgotten narratives and evolving perspectives, come along as inspiration is pulled from tradition, heritage and ritualism, all while the unconventional is encouraged!
🗓️Date: 31 December 2024 – 26 January 2025
📍Location:
💲Price: Various prices
⏰Time: Various timings
For the complete list of events, make sure to check out their official website as well as the info on the ticketed events. Keep up with any updates on their Instagram!
CNY Family Fun 2025
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the heart of the Central Business District with your family as CNY Family Fun 2025 returns again with a whole slew of activities! With a snake-themed 蛇prise rooftop art installation, a life-sized Snakes & Ladders game, as well as a spring bazaar, there’s something for everyone!
This classic event sees the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre joining hands with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra to bring about performances and max out the CNY spirits! Activities, exhibits and workshops galore; we can guarantee that two days are not enough to explore them all. Seen any events that strike your fancy? Then be sure to celebrate Chinese New Year with a fresh new activity!
🗓️Date: 17 January – 19 January 2025
📍Location:
- Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
- Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way, Singapore 068810
💲Price: Free admission with ticketed programmes
Inviting the Year of The Snake with your family? Then, be sure to check out the CNY Family Fun 2025’s website for the full details and programmes during this event!
Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival 2025
The Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival 2025 is set to dazzle Singapore once again! This annual extravaganza transforms Chinatown into a vibrant tapestry of lights, sounds, and flavours, celebrating the rich Chinese cultural heritage we have here, and the excitement of the coming year!
Highlights include the iconic Chinatown Street Light-Up, where the streets are adorned with thousands of colourful lanterns and intricate decorations, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Additionally, the Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party on 25 January 2025, promises an electrifying evening with live performances, music, and a countdown to usher in the Year of the Snake! Finally, the festive bazaar offers a smorgasbord of traditional snacks, festive goodies, and unique souvenirs!
🗓️Date: 30 December 2024 – 27 February 2025
📍Location: Various locations
💲Price: Free admission
⏰Time: Various timings
If you’re ready to usher in the Year of the Snake alongside fellow Chinese New Year revellers, be sure to stay up to date by checking out their website and the official Chinatown Singapore Instagram!
Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake
Yet another festive experience awaits us for Chinese New Year! Over at the world’s largest glass greenhouse, the Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake showcase adds a sprinkle of romance to the celebrations. Inspired by the Chinese tale of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, the snake spirit, this floral display beautifully celebrates their love story with the charm of traditional Chinese gardens in its gorgeous blossoms.
With colourful flower arrangements at every corner, this is the spot to snap some pics for the gram. So dress your best and get those angles ready! Oh, and just a little heads up. We suggest getting your tickets early, as this one’s bound to rope in a crowd – and understandably so!
🗓️Date: 17 January – 23 February 2025
📍Location: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
💲Price: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies
⏰Time: 9am – 9pm
Ready to bag your tickets? Head over to Gardens by the Bay’s official page. And be sure to follow their socials on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with all their latest happenings!
Light to Night Festival 2025
Back to dazzle your nights, Light To Night Singapore is here again! Beyond just pretty lights against the darkened backdrop of the night, this year’s theme of “Do You See Me?” encourages audiences to reflect on the diversity of identities, especially in the context of Singapore’s multifaceted nature.
Featuring over 70 artworks and programmes, this festival is not only a marquee event of Singapore Art Week but also coincides with the Gallery’s 10th anniversary and SG60. Look forward to large-scale projection mappings, incandescent art installations and thought-provoking pieces as you wander through the festival. Indulge in delectable treats at the Art X Social: Festival Street and relish in live performances at the Padang Atrium only on festival weekends as well!
🗓️Date: 17 January – 6 February 2025
📍Location: Civic District
💲Price: Free admission with ticketed programmes
⏰Time: Various timings
Ready to set your night alight? You’ll be glad to know that, with the exception of a couple of events, everything else is free! Check out their official website for the full details, as well as their Instagram for upcoming teasers!
Candlelight Concerts in January
As we enter 2025, the Candlelight Concerts are ready to set the mood, as always! From classical to rock music, we’re almost certain there’s a concert for you. If you’re feeling spoilt for choice, here are some upcoming performances that caught our eye!
Imagine gazing at the serene marine life at the S.E.A. Aquarium as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons fills the air. The gentle flicker of candles against the aquatic backdrop might just be the perfect harmony between fire and water!
Then there’s the tribute to Joe Hisaishi, the genius behind the scores for Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces. A 17-piece orchestra will take you on a whimsical journey through the worlds of Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. How could you not get goosebumps?
Metalheads, you’re included too! Yes, Metallica’s hits will be transformed into elegant string arrangements, complete with a warm, soothing atmosphere. Who knew metal could turn so graceful?
And that’s just scratching the surface! There’s a whole lineup of incredible Candlelight Concerts waiting for you to discover, so take a peek and see what strikes a chord with you!
🗓️Date:
- 17 January and 21 February 2025 (Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at S.E.A. Aquarium)
- 10 January and 23 January 2025 (Best of Joe Hisaishi 久石 譲)
- 22 January 2025 (Tribute to Metallica)
📍Location:
- Ocean Gallery at S.E.A. Aquarium (Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at S.E.A. Aquarium)
- Chamber, The Arts House (Best of Joe Hisaishi 久石 譲 and Tribute to Metallica)
💲Price: Various prices
Curious to see what else is in store? Check out the Candlelight Concerts page and explore the glimmering performance lineup. No matter which performance you pick, you’re in for a good time!
The Music of Andre Lloyd Webber – A Symphonic Gala Concert
Musical theatre fans, this is your cue to mark your calendars! The Music of Andre Lloyd Webber – A Symphonic Gala Concert is about to grace the stage. Relive the tunes of iconic productions like CATS, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, and more, as timeless hits come alive in this symphony.
West End stars Josh Piterman and Amy Manford, known for their fabulous performances in The Phantom of the Opera, are about to mesmerise you with their spectacular vocals – accompanied by a live orchestra under the skilful baton of conductor Jessica Gethin. Come on, this is a recipe for an enchanting evening!
🗓️Date: 10 January – 11 January 2025
📍Location: Sands Theatre, 10 Bayfront Ave, B1-69/70 The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018971
💲Price:
| Category | Price |
| Premium | S$148 |
| A Reserve | S$128 |
| B Reserve | S$88 |
| C Reserve | S$68 |
| UOB Exclusive Dress Circle | S$128 |
| UOB Exclusive VIP Box (4 seats) | S$592 |
| C Reserve Grand Circle | S$68 |
| A Reserve Box (4 Seats) | $512 |
*Dynamic pricing applies for this production. All prices shown exclude booking fees.
⏰Time: 7.30pm (Approximately 110 minutes with a 20-minute intermission)
Don’t miss this opportunity! Grab your tickets via the SISTIC website and let the music play on.
Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play
Step into a world of playful nostalgia at the National Museum of Singapore’s Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play! This immersive pop-up exhibition showcases over 250 toys from the 1980s to the present, featuring iconic brands like McDonald’s, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Tamagotchi. The museum’s facade is adorned with large-scale artworks by local artists, setting the stage for an engaging journey through the evolution of play.
Inside, the exhibition is divided into three sections. First up is It’s a Small World, which highlights miniature character figurines, including a series of local McDonald’s toys – such as the popular Mr Kiasu figurines – from avid collector Tay Swee Hock!
Next is Drive-Through Time. Featuring classic toy vehicles, this section showcases a range of Hot Wheels cars and other vintage toy automobiles that have captured the imaginations of children and collectors alike. Finally, we have Batteries Included! Showcasing retro digital games and consoles, visitors can reminisce about the early days of handheld gaming devices and electronic pets like the Tamagotchi!
🗓️Date: 5 July 2024 – 5 January 2025
📍Location: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
💲Price: S$5 (1 digital avatar and 3 game credits)
⏰Time: 10am – 7pm
Visitors can also engage in interactive digital experiences, including creating personalised toy avatars called a Play:Mate, and participating in gamified activities! If you’re inspired to get out there to have some fun, make sure to check out their website for all the details, and follow the National Museum of Singapore on Instagram for the latest updates!
Like any of the selections we have for you this month, or have others we should include in this list or the next? Let us know at [email protected], or slide into our DMs on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. See you next month!
Cover Photo by Izzah Ilyana of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of ART SG, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, National Gallery Singapore, INVADE, Arts House Limited, Marina Bay Sands, Fever and Gardens by the Bay.
