Mural painting, K-pop dancing: Ring in New Year closer to home

Community participation central to Dec 31 celebrations across 17 heartland locations

- Sarah Koh

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.

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