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LET IT SNOW IN SINGAPORE
Lighting up the Holiday Season
by Madelyn Miller

Everyone has their own favorite holiday memory. Perhaps yours in dashing through the snow. Or unwrapping gifts by the fireplace. But mine will always be watching the Christmas Light-up in Singapore. Despite the 113 F weather, dozens of darling little girls dressed in gloves and tights rushed onstage to sing, "Let it snow, Let is snow, Let it snow."

It was hot enough that I almost agreed with them.

But it is exciting to watch the gigantic Christmas Light-up that is a tradition on Singapore's shopping street, Orchard Road. And looking at all the artificial snow and decorations does something to make it seem cooler.

"TOYLAND CHRISTMAS" was the theme of the 1998 light-up which transformed Singapore into a fairytale wonderland, with a toy train chugging along an arch track at the junction of Orchard Road and Patterson Road.

"The entire length of Orchard Road is lit and lamp posts festooned with decorative figures. The light-up gladdens the heart and brings some cheer to one and all," said the Singapore Tourism Board's Chief Executive , Mr. Yeo Khee Leng.

The event is a fundraiser for the Community Chest and this year's sponsor was Hitachi.

Children loved the Tweety Toy Carnival comprised of 50 kiosks selling Christmas merchandise and toys as well as food and beverages, game booths and carnival rides. Young children loved mingling with Tweety, Dafffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and other favorite Looney Tunes characters and watching the performances.

There are also contests for the best decorated building with categories for offices, stores, shopping centers and malls. Over 75 buildings have participated in this competition since its inception in 1984.

I just wonder what Santa Claus wears to this event.

For More Information:

Singapore Tourism Board
http://www.newasia-singapore.com 
http://www.singapore-usa.com  
http://www.stb.com.sg

Best view of Orchard Street Lights
Hilton Hotel
581 Orchard Street
737-2233
fax 732-2917
http://www.asianconnect.com/sha/hilton.shtml

For Travel to Singapore
Malaysia Airlines http://www.malaysiaairlines.com

SUGGESTED GUIDEBOOKS
Malaysia & Singapore
by Joshua Eliot

Singapore Handbook
By Carl Parkes

Maverick Guide to Malaysia and Singapore
By Len Ruthledge

Photos by Dave Shultz

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