As the year draws to a close, Singapore elevates its festive season with a monumental art and light display, anchoring the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Central Business District (CBD). The city-state is set to host the largest New Year countdown projection show in the ASEAN region, transforming landmark skyscrapers into a dynamic, illuminated canvas leading up to the shift from 2025 to 2026. This initiative merges public art, technological spectacle, and charitable giving, offering a uniquely impactful end-of-year experience.
CBD Landmarks Transformed into Artistic Canvas
The main feature of these elaborate celebrations is a series of nightly projection mapping displays centered on UOB Plaza at Raffles Place. These displays, running consistently from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. leading up to New Year’s, illuminate the towering structure through various artistic themes.
The initial phase, running from December 18 to December 25, showcases community spirit and artistic diversity. This segment features compelling works created by artists with disabilities, alongside selected pieces from the prestigious UOB Painting of the Year competition.
Following Christmas, the focus shifts to a dynamic countdown show, scheduled from December 26 through January 1. During this period, the 67-story UOB Plaza will present viewers with a visual journey illustrating a futuristic, visionary Singapore. This phase also integrates additional artistic contributions from the UOB Painting of the Year finalists, blending contemporary art with futuristic concepts.
Grand Countdown and Philanthropic Focus
The celebrations reach their peak on December 31. The main New Year’s Eve countdown spectacle will utilize a dual projection system, illuminating both the façade of UOB Plaza 1 and the historic architecture of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, symbolizing a grand transition into the new year. The countdown festivities are slated to commence at 11 p.m., drawing crowds to the iconic waterfront area.
A deeply moving element of the light show is its accompanying soundtrack: “Here We Are (Elijah version).” This acoustic arrangement is a reinterpretation of the National Day theme song “Here We Are,” specially created in homage to a young boy named Elijah, who succumbed to cancer and dearly loved the original song.
In the spirit of holiday giving, all proceeds generated from the specialized composition are dedicated to supporting the Children’s Cancer Foundation, tying the aesthetic celebration to a tangible humanitarian cause.
Maximizing the Viewing Experience
For spectators planning to attend the event, strategy is key for the best sightlines. The most optimal viewing locations recommended by experts include:
- Cavenagh Bridge: Offers a direct, iconic perspective of the riverfront action.
- Anderson Bridge: Provides elevated and central sightlines over the Singapore River.
- The riverfront area in front of the Asian Civilisations Museum: A spacious area offering a panoramic view of the projections across UOB Plaza and The Fullerton Hotel.
Given the significance of the countdown starting at 11 p.m. on December 31, attendees are advised to arrive significantly earlier to secure preferred vantage points. The integration of high-level technological artistry, community engagement, and philanthropy ensures Singapore’s New Year celebration offers more than just fireworks, providing a meaningful start to 2026.