December is a joyous time for us because not only do is it the school holidays, it is also a month packed full of birthday parties, gatherings and Christmas celebrations. We were very thrilled to start off this festive season on a high note by visiting one of our happiest places - Universal Studios Singapore!
I always look forward to the Christmas highlights in USS because with all the themed shows, mascots, carolling, snowfall, hands-on activities and interactive opportunities, it is a great way to get together as a family, feel the festive mood and at the same time, have a ball of a time on the exciting rides too.
This year, the theme is A Universal Christmas and the events take place from 1 Dec 2017 to 1 Jan 2018. During this period, the park hours are extended to 9pm so you will be able to experience an entire day, and night, of fun at the park. All the Christmas special activities are also extended to park visitors at no extra cost, so make sure you check them out during your visit. I'll be sharing with you the highlights that you can look forward to and also tell you more of our experience. There will also be a video at the end of the post, so do check it out too!
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Santa Claus is recruiting for elves to join his entourage and everyone can sign up for the training! All you have to do is to help him complete simple tasks, collect all stamps and you will 'officially' become an elf - and even get a certificate to prove it! Well, which kid can possibly resist, right?
Each workshop takes about 15-20 minutes and at the start, you will be asked to sign up at one of the stations where the friendly elves will be there to assist you. Once you are done, you can play with snow, take a picture with the snowman, ride on the sleigh and enjoy the light-up ceremony before proceeding to the next room.
The kids were very thrilled to receive their elves certificates from the lead elf and they were told that they had to complete a series of tasks before they could pass the test. To turn us into 'tiny' elves, we were then ushered through a small blue door which led us to the next room. Yes, basically you just go from room to room to complete a task in each of them.
I was hoping for more hands-on activities but time wasn't on our side so the tasks were kept very simple and straightforward. For instance, you have to search for the missing parcel in the Mail Room, help to look for missing ingredients in Mrs Claus' kitchen, see a robot being assembled in the Toy Factory. With each completed task you will receive a stamp which has the letter 'F' (not for fail but for Find, Fun, Follow, Festive and Finish) on it.
The finale has to be the most exciting part because we got to come up close with who else but.... Santa Claus himself! This amiable Santa makes a hearty "Ho, Ho, Ho" and the kids were thrilled to get his stamp of approval and a photo opportunity too!
Search for a Christmas Star
Showtimes: 7:30pm & 8:45pm
I remember how much we enjoyed watching the Christmas show put up by the Toy Soldiers a couple of years ago, so I was very much looking forward to this highlight show - which only takes place at two timings a day. In fact, we arrived early so that we could get front row seats and the best possible view. Thankfully, the show didn't disappoint and the first part with the graceful aerial acrobatics by Airy Fairy and the beautiful light-up ceremony already took my breath away.
I was half thinking that we would be literally searching for a star until the performers came on stage and it struck me that it was actually a star search contest where contestants, who were dressed as Christmas ornaments, battled it out to win the Golden Star Trophy. Complete with Christmas hit songs, hip hop dance moves, projection mapping and pyrotechnics display, the show was a delight to watch and even my toddler, who by the way had skipped his nap, was cheering, applauding and clearly enjoying every moment of it.
The surprise element came in the finale where we were greeted with not one, but two Gingerbreads! Yup, bet you never saw Gingerbread Man and Gingerbread Girl dancing together, right? You have to see it in my video later! Everyone went "Sooooo cute!" when they came on stage and when the snow began to fall on us, it was just a magical feeling that makes you love Christmas even more. The show ended on a high note and it was a reminder that Christmas is not a time to fight but a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy each other's company and be thankful to have one another in our lives.
Oscar’s Grouchmas Show
Showtimes: 1:30pm, 4:00pm, 6:30pm & 8:00pm
We would have loved to watch this show but alas it was raining in the afternoon and we were either in a "Lost World" or too "Far Far Away" to make our way back to the theatre in "New York". If your kid loves Sesame Street, then be sure to plan your timings accordingly so you can make your way for the show. It revolves around Oscar who transforms from a Christmas
grouch to the holiday’s #1 fan and includes upbeat songs and special appearances
by the Sesame Street friends.
Oh, one important tip is to remember to bring your ponchos along! I was so glad we did because it meant we didn't have to hide from the rain for too long and could continue to explore the park despite the wet weather. They came in really handy during the Water World show (the kids wanted to be in the Soak Zone) and Jurassic Park Rapids ride too!
Santa's Snowy Sleigh Ride
Parade Times: 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm & 8:00pm
We were told that Santa would ride in his sleigh along the Hollywood stretch and also put up a dance routine with his elves for this event. So, we planned it such that we were in time to catch the last show at 8:00pm. Alas, the staff then told us that the sleigh and dancing only takes place in the earlier sessions and we could only manage to take a photo with Santa and his elves at the gigantic Christmas tree. Still, it was a great way to end off our night! If you would like to watch him in more action and ride on his sleigh, do be there for the earlier sessions in the day.
Check out this video to see more of our experience in A Universal Christmas, including the adorable Gingerbread Man and Girl!
******
Calling all Hello Kitty fans
The Hello Kitty Studio, which sits along the Hollywood stretch near the main entrance, is officially open! You can find a wide range of Hello Kitty merchandise here including apparel, accessories, bags, plushies, mugs, water bottles, souvenirs and more. My girls were happy just to take a photo with the beautiful Hello Kitty sitting at the entrance (yes, you won't miss the shop!) who dons a pink gown, pink gloves, pink shoes, pearl necklace and a huge glittery bow.
As part of the Christmas special, all guests can shop this year's hottest gifts at any of the park’s retail store and have their gifts delivered straight to their loved ones for free with a minimum spend ($80 for attractions passholders, $90 for Mastercard holders and $100 for general public). This includes one free postage to a Singapore address only.******
We had so much fun at A Universal Christmas and as expected, we left the park only when we had to at 9pm! Yes, the kids thoroughly enjoyed all the rides too and I've a feeling we will be back again very soon next year. Every of our trip to USS is filled with awesome memories and lots of fond videos to look back on, and that is why I'm pretty sure it will continue to be one of our happiest places to visit for a long time to come.
Disclosure: We were invited by Universal Studios Singapore to check out A Universal Christmas and received complimentary admission into the park. All opinions, photos and videos are our own.
Thanks for sharing it.
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