Snowing in Singapore at Ice Magic

“It will never snow in Singapore unless the world is ending,” says TheSmartLocal (TSL).

The world isn’t ending, but at “Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice“, located at The Great Bay Fiesta in Marina Bay, you can experience a glimpse of how winter feels like.

It was through TSL and an insider that I caught the news about this attraction, and the moment I saw it, I was beaming with excitement.

Since I was young, I have loved winter. I loved winter so much that I spent most of my primary school life in the ice skating rink, practising my jumps, spins and routines, etc. It was the closest thing to winter back then.

Sadly, like TSL said, Singapore isn’t about to snow unless the world ends.

My dream was to experience winter when I grew up and not just ice skate but ski and experience and learn other winter sports.

My mum brought us to experience “snow” in Singapore when I was a kid. So no, it wasn’t the first time I got to experience Singapore “snowing”. But it was refreshing to experience it again. Toothless was not invited, so it wasn’t a complete family outing.

How to dress for Ice Magic?

Let’s start from the top. Don’t be a Sab. While I was confident I wouldn’t freeze over with my “usual outfit”, I ended up going in my usual sleeved pullover and ¾ pants and somewhat froze over.

It was more than what I’d usually wear when I was ice skating, but without the skating, let’s say that the cold got the better of me.

Wear warmer clothing, at least jeans and thicker sleeves, and remember socks. The temperature can drop as low as minus 10 degrees. With every ticket, you get a jacket and a couple of winter boots that provide enough warmth. (I have a similar one in my closet – red and shorter. It would have been a better fashion choice.)

You can also rent or purchase gloves for SGD 3 per pair and beanies for SGD 15 to 20.

I can tolerate the cold more than most people. Hubby was wearing thicker clothing but complained about the cold throughout and couldn’t stick around for more than 10 minutes each time.

What does Ice Magic have?

The 11.5m tent sprawled across 2,400sqm of the Bayfront Event Space. Inside, you’ll find two themed zones, a chocolate cafe, and an ice bar. Throughout, snow fell from the snow machines constantly.

“Let it go, let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore.”

The ice bar is the first stop as you enter the winter fantasy.

If you recall, years ago, there used to be an ice bar in the town area (I am trying to remember if it was Clarke Quay or Boat Quay). It’s a little similar, but the one at Ice Magic didn’t have a bartender; instead, it offers an “outdoor” experience with snow. So you can say it even out of the comparison.

You can grab an ice-cold can of Edelweiss beer for SGD 11 and some cocktails from SGD 22.50 up. Also, you don’t need the standard entry ticket to enter this particular segment of the winter fantasy. You only need to purchase a drink or soup from the Apollo Ice Bar.

If you’re freezing like my hubby, go for a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows for SGD 12.80 at the Chocolate Origin’s pop-up cafe or Rosti for SGD 7.50 from Wado. There are also other choco treats like cakes and tarts – my favourites.

Next, you have ice curling and bowling.

These were the least of my interest. I prefer the pool and air hockey table at home.

The ice cycling rink was adorable, though. I prefer ice skating, but having the hubby be my reindeer while I sat on the sledge was pretty neat. It would have been more enjoyable if I were a lot younger and smaller.

The highlight of Ice Magic had to be the 70m snow slope and 4.5m tall ice slide. It’s not like skiing, but it gave me an adrenaline rush. If skiing is something you’re hoping to experience, this would be a good teaser.

The slide was more exciting than the slope. The hubby agrees.

Before you head off, check out the igloo and ice sculptures. The Merlion was an excellent touch. If there’s not too much crowd, you could also build a mini snowman or lie in the snow to make snow angels.

I, for one, didn’t make a snowman or snow angels, but I didn’t end up laying in the snow twice from falling over – walking in the snow while typing on the phone was a bad idea.

All in all, if you haven’t experienced snow before, this would be a great experience. So I urge you to try it out. It’s not precisely like winter, but it’s probably the safest, cleanest and coldest experience you’ll get to the real thing.

Admission: SGD 45 per adult, SGD 35 per child, SGD 40 per student, and SGD 25 per senior
Date: December 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023
Time: Session 1 is from 10am to 2pm, session 2 is from 3pm to 7pm, and session 3 is from 7pm to 10pm
Venue: 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970

I was fortunate enough to get the media invite. Otherwise, I’d probably have to stand in line and sweat like crazy, as Mothership had reported. Given the setback, the organisers will better arrange the schedules in the coming days.

From now until January 1, 2023, if you have yet to experience snow before, you should check it out.