The Flower Dome has come alive with the sound of miniature trains chugging along as part of the Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show floral display, running from 2 December 2024 till 5 January 2025. View these model trains alongside seasonal blooms such as poinsettias and holly within the Flower Dome.
Gardens By The Bay Christmas Train Show at the Flower Dome
This year, the year-end floral display at the Flower Dome makes a departure from the usual themed display of Poinsettia Wishes. In its place is the first ever Gardens by The Bay Christmas Train Show.
1. Model Miniature Trains
While you may have seen train sets running around the base of Christmas trees in pictures, the train display at Gardens by the Bay is of a different scale.
In fact, you will find model trains running past miniature version of well known American landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building.
With these American landmarks on display, it should come as no surprise that the Gardens by The Bay Christmas Train Show is being presented in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States in Singapore.
In fact, there is a tradition of garden railroading that exists overseas. This started in the 19th century when steam powered miniatures were built for the wealthy. These were built to be run outdoors.
At the Flower Dome, you can enjoy the model trains running indoors.
It is a sheer delight to be able to watch the trains running around and around. The sight of the trains will bring out childhood wonder amongst visitor. There is something about the simple joys of watching trains run past and the romance of old-school rail travel that evokes warm and fuzzy feelings.
2. Singapore Rail Journey
On a more local level, Singapore’s own rail journey is also commemorated at Gardens by The Bay Christmas Train Show.
One prominent feature on the rail network is the Raffles Place MRT Station. Opened on 12 December 1987, the MRT station, which also function as a busy interchange, has a façade inspired by the grand pillars and intricate mouldings of John Little, Singapore’s oldest department store. This is the display that welcomes visitors as they enter inbto the Flower Dome.
You can take a journey across the timeline of Singapore’s rail development. Today’s rail network is a far cry from the two lines when the MRT passenger serves first started running on 7 November 1987. Follow the various milestones of the timeline that have led to the rail network developing to what it is today.
At the end of the display, there is a mock MRT train that you can climb into and imagine that you are off on your own journey.
3. Step into a Swedish Railbus Y7 1113
Transport enthusiasts will also be thrilled by the Swedish Railbus Y7 1113, which adds further international flair to the Gardens by The Bay Christmas Train Show. The railbus is powered by a Scania “straight 8″ diesel engine and a turbocharger and served with the Swedish State Railways since February 1959.
She was later used at a railway school in Ängelholm, where she trained drivers for Banverket, Sweden’s national rail administration.
You can step inside to take some pictures or to admire the many different model train sets that are on display within.
The trainbus is a prelude to a series of displays that feature Swedish icons including gnomes. The display helps to make the entire Christmas train show an international affair.
There are also other Christmas themed displays around the flower field.
4. Poinsettias at the Flower Dome and Other Seasonal Plants
It has become a bit of a tradition to view the seasonal flowers at the Flower Dome during the year end.
This year is no exception as the Flower Field is beautifully decorated for the Christmas holiday season.
Admire the red poinsettias with their vibrant bracts.
Another Christmas classic plant is the holly with their glossy and spiny leaves and bright red berries.
You can also find the Norway spruce, a fast-growing conifer that soars up to 40 meters with a triangular form and evergreen, diamond-shaped needles.
There is also Japanese skimmia, a shade-loving evergreen shrub that is native to East Asia that has fragrant white spring flowers and vibrant red winter berries on female plants.
On the whole, you will get a Christmasy feel that will get you into the holiday mood while visiting the Flower Field at the Flower Dome.
5. Complimentary Impressions of Monet: The Experience at the Flower Field Hall
While you are at the Flower Dome, if you haven’t yet, be sure to pay a visit to the Impressions of Monet: The Experience exhibition at the Flower Field Hall. Included as part of the admission into the Flower Dome, Impressions of Monet: The Experience provides a look at the major artists of the Impressionist movement and culminates in a multimedia experience that takes you into their works.
We thoroughly enjoy visiting this experience and are glad to know that it will continue to be shown all the way till 18 February 2025.
Other Holiday Experiences around Gardens by the Bay
With it being the year end season, there are plenty of other activities going on around Gardens by the Bay.
Christmas Wonderland, with its dazzling lights and carnival atmosphere will be taking place at the Supertree Grove all the way till 1 January 2025. You can read our full review of what to expect at Christmas Wonderland 2024.
Disney Garden of Wonder is taking place at Floral Fantasy. While Floral Fantasy is one of the smaller attractions at Gardens by the Bay, the large scale topiaries will charm Disney fans. We also think that the Disney pop up gift shop is a great place to shop for gifts. Find out more about what to expect at Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy.
Gardens By The Bay Christmas Train Show Details
When: 2 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Admission charges to the Flower Dome apply. Singapore Resident admission tickets start from $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and $8 for children.
Website: Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show
