Mural painting, K-pop dancing, sport tryouts: New Year celebrations in 17 heartland areas

SINGAPORE – If you are looking to ring in the New Year without having to worry about a lengthy post-midnight journey home, check out options closer to home.

There are

countdown celebrations across 17 heartland locations on Dec 31,

organised by 1,700 grassroots leaders and community volunteers from the People’s Association (PA) grassroots organisations.

The PA announced on Dec 4 that there will be activities such as mural painting in Nee Soon, K-pop dance sessions in Tampines, an origami display in Hougang and sport tryouts conducted by ActiveSG.

Community participation is central to the heartland celebrations, said the PA.

In Woodlands Stadium, residents will be able to test their musical skills on at least 15 traditional instruments contributed by volunteers.

Over in Boon Lay, around 100 students from River Valley High School will be part of the planning and facilitation of engagement booths at the event.

For more information, people can approach their nearest community clubs, residents’ committees, neighbourhood committees and residents networks.

Apart from heartland locations, Singaporeans can head to key places such as Marina Bay and Sentosa on Dec 31 – which will have fireworks, live performances and movie screenings.

Here are some highlights of heartland celebrations.

Hougang (open field beside Hougang MRT station, Exit C)

Time: 10pm to 12.30am

Offerings include a night bazaar with traditional delights from various cultures, performances by local singers and a fireworks display.

Aljunied and Hougang residents have folded more than 2,000 origami cranes, detailing their good wishes for 2025. A video featuring these wishes will be played as midnight approaches.

Ang Mo Kio (hard court in front of Mayflower Market and Food Centre)

Time: 9pm to 12.30am

Partygoers can look forward to carnival games, getai, xinyao and Singapura Samba percussion performances as well as a digital message board featuring residents’ good wishes for 2025.

The celebration will culminate in a fireworks display.

Bishan Active Park, Bishan Street 23

Time: 5pm to 12.30am

Local sporting talent from Lion City Sailors FC will meet and greet residents, while Bishan-Toa Payoh and Marymount’s Got Talent will feature local artistes such as rapper Hiran Raj.

Residents will also be treated to a fireworks display.

Boon Lay (hard court in front of Block 215 Boon Lay Place)

Time: 7pm to 12.15am

The event will include an attempt to set a record in the Singapore Book of Records – with 3,000 LED clappers lit during the fireworks display.

Bukit Batok (SkyPeak central garden)

Time: 6pm to 12.15am

People are encouraged to come dressed in an outfit from their favourite era – and can expect a drone show, food trucks, carnival games and performances by artistes such as busker Jeff Ng.

Bedok Stadium

Time: 8pm to 12.15am

Graffiti artist Zero will lead residents in creating a piece of community artwork, and the event will feature a fireworks display.

There will also be a space for residents to write down their dreams for the future.

Bukit Panjang (Senja-Cashew Community Club)

Time: 9pm to 12.30am

More than 2,000 residents will light up the night with LED wristbands. There will be a drone show, movie screenings, bouncy castles, food stations, band performances and a dance party for seniors.

Jalan Besar (spaces around People’s Association HQ)

Time: 8.30pm to 12.15am

The celebration will feature a laser show, which will narrate key milestones in Singapore’s transformation over the years. Residents will also take part in waving 2,025 star-shaped light sticks to usher in the New Year.

There will also be a drone show, along with live music performances by Didicazli and The ETC.

Choa Chu Kang (hard court beside Concord Primary School)

Time: 8pm to 12.15am

Residents can look forward to live music performances by Monty Crew, Angel Vaishilee and Ryan Sufiyan, and a fireworks display.

Under the SG60 Tapestry of Hope initiative, 2,025 residents will be encouraged to contribute their good wishes for Singapore’s 60th birthday.

MacPherson (hard court opposite MacPherson Community Club)

Time: 8pm to 12.30am

The celebrations will begin with the Street-Up Up Ceremony, which will see Circuit Road lit up from New Year’s Eve through to Chinese New Year.

There will be a child-friendly bubble show, carnival rides, performances by local artistes and a fireworks display.

Marine Parade (hard court in front of Block 46 Marine Crescent)

Time: 10pm to 12.15am

There will be an exhibition and bazaar showcasing community stories that residents have contributed in 2024, as well as photos, videos and stories that highlight the past and present in Marine Parade estate. Other highlights include carnival games, stage performances and a fireworks display.

Marsiling (Woodlands Stadium)

Time: 8pm to 12.30am

At least 15 traditional instruments will be on display, for residents to learn more about them and try out. There will also be demonstrations by volunteers from the Marsiling Chinese Orchestra, Marsiling Malay Activity Executive Committees interest group Kompang Anang Sukma, and the NUS Indian Instrumental Ensemble.

Enjoy performances from artistes such as Joanna Dong and Shigga Shay, and a fireworks display.

Nee Soon (open field next to FutsalArena @ Yishun)

Time: 8pm to 12.30am

Residents can participate in mural painting and contribute to a community canvas which will highlight Nee Soon’s timeline and iconic structures.

There will also be a drone show, carnival rides and games, live performances and a fireworks display.

Punggol West Community Square (hard court beside Block 218 Sumang Walk)

Time: 8.30pm to 12.10am

The event will feature performances by The Pyro Guy, and music from Substation and T’ang Quartet.

Residents can also look forward to magic shows, game and craft booths, bouncy castles and a fireworks display.

Our Tampines Hub and Tampines Central Park

Time: 10pm to 12.30am

Dance interest groups will lead around 3,000 residents in a K-pop Random Dance event at Festive Plaza.

There will also be a skating rink and a pledge wall for residents to write down things they will do for Singapore in commemoration of SG60 in 2025.

Queenstown (Margaret Market, Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, and void decks of blocks 33 to 37 of Margaret Drive)

Time: 9.30pm to 12.30am

In honour of the Merdeka Generation, 10 seniors will be invited to ride to the event in vintage cars.

A community artwork created by residents using quilling materials, which showcases the “diverse and vibrant tapestry” of Queenstown, will be on display.

Woodlands (Spectra Secondary School and Woodlands Drive 64)

Time: 9pm to 12.15am

The event will feature street performers, pop-up stalls, kid-friendly zones with bouncy castles and games, and a fireworks display.

Home-based businesses will be selling goods, from pastries to handcrafted accessories.