Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) has revealed its plans for the precinct’s annual light-up event – Christmas on A Great Street. This year is the 39th iteration of the event, as businesses along Singapore’s most famous shopping strip celebrate the first Christmas with more in-person experiences as the country returns to normalcy.
From Saturday 12 November 2022 until Monday 2 January 2023, Orchard Road will be transformed with glistening light displays, an array of immersive attractions, a variety of engaging pop-up activations, and endless musical entertainment. The event further strengthens Orchard Road’s position as a lifestyle destination, offering immersive experiences beyond retail to cater to different visitors.
Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), this year’s Christmas on A Great Street is significant because it is the first year that the festivities on Orchard Road can be enjoyed in-person by locals and tourists alike, with full-scale programming, since the onset of the pandemic. The celebrations begin at Tanglin Road with a spectacular teal and white arch greeting visitors as they arrive. An eye-catching ferris wheel and starry design offer the first glimpse of a carnival spirit along the 3.1km of lights. This year’s new feature is 104 trees lit up with energy-saving LED white lights to enhance the festive experience on Orchard Road.
These same lights will later take on pink hues after the Christmas season as Orchard Road ushers in Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day in early 2023. Interactive set pieces are also returning this year so that visitors can take the perfect photo with family and friends. Page 2 of 21 The focal point of the light-up, located at the junction of Orchard Road and Scotts Road, is the mesmerising main arch, with ornate Christmas trees decorated with reindeer and baubles on each side of the road to delight motorists and pedestrians as they cruise along the precinct.
The Christmas on A Great Street 2022 Community Chest Light-Up Ceremony, officiated by President Halimah Yacob, is held on Saturday 12 November 2022 and kickstarts seven weeks of festive celebrations. In partnership with Community Chest, this year’s Light-Up Ceremony theme is “Give Thanks and Rejoice”. Through this event, Community Chest hopes to raise funds to support more than 100 social service agencies which run over 200 critical social service programmes, empowering children with special needs and youths at risk, adults with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions, and seniors and families in need of support.
ORBA Chairman Mark Shaw said, “This year’s Christmas on A Great Street is very significant for businesses on Orchard Road as it marks our first Christmas since the start of the pandemic in 2020 where most restrictions have been lifted, and we are seeing the return of tourists from around the world.” “To mark the occasion, our light-up features more interactive and experiential components this year than ever. From the return of the Great Christmas Village, featuring many new elements and activations, to bringing Orchard Road’s spaces to life through augmented reality. In addition, visual projections and the sounds of festive music along the pedestrian mall will also provide something for all to enjoy as they stroll along our Great Street!”
Hitachi Asia Ltd. continues to reprise its role as a long-standing sponsor for Christmas on A Great Street for the 32nd consecutive year. Mastercard is once again the Official Card partner, marking a long-term partnership spanning a decade. Kojin Nakakita, Chairman of Hitachi Asia Ltd., said: “Sponsoring Christmas on A Great Street has become somewhat of a fond tradition for Hitachi. We are proud to be sponsoring this event for the 32nd year running and continuing to evoke spirits of joy and smiles on people’s faces. This event also symbolises our close partnership with Singapore. Over the last 57 years, we have witnessed the growth of Social Infrastructure in Singapore and are proud to have partnered with the island nation to achieve many milestones together. As Singapore progresses towards the future, we strongly intend to contribute more, especially in the areas of Green, Digital, and Innovation.”
“This year, we are equally excited to see the borders opening up and welcoming many of our global friends to come down to this iconic street to experience the festive cheer of Christmas. Staying true to our spirit of Powering Good, we have also continued our charitable contribution to Community Chest to make this Christmas extra special for the underprivileged communities in Singapore.” “We hope this year’s decorations light up everyone’s faces as they come down to experience the magic of Christmas on this Great Street.”
Guo Teyi, Director, Retail & Dining, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We welcome both locals and tourists of all ages to enjoy the magic of Christmas on Orchard Road once again while discovering the latest flagship stores, brands, and experiential offerings that it has to offer. Concepts such as Christmas on A Great Street bring a fun and differentiated experience to the Orchard Road precinct, strengthening its appeal as a must visit lifestyle destination beyond retail. We encourage industry stakeholders to continue developing innovative and experiential offerings that set Singapore apart.”
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