There will be no fireworks at Marina Bay on New Year’s Eve this year. Instead, the Marina Bay Countdown 2021 festivities will take on a different form this time, and it starts as early as Dec 1.

While there won’t be any sparks flying, literally, at Marina Bay on Dec 31, the fireworks displays will take place at different heartland locations across Singapore instead. This, of course, is to prevent large crowds from gathering in the Marina Bay precinct on NYE, since we are still living in the midst of a pandemic.

There are no details about the locations yet, though the National Day fireworks this year also took place in the heartlands at these 10 locations: Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Buona Vista, Jurong Lake Gardens, Marina Reservoir, Punggol, Sembawang, Tampines, Woodlands and Yew Tee. Will the NYE fireworks take place at similar locales? Your guess is as good as ours.

But even if you don’t get a view of the fireworks from the comfort of your own couch, you can catch it on Mediacorp’s countdown show, Let’s Celebrate 2021, which will be broadcast on Ch 5 and streamed online. The show will feature international and local talents, and will also include the heartland fireworks displays.

If you're among those who can’t wait to bid 2020 adieu (isn't that all of us?), you don’t have to wait until Dec 31 — there are Marina Bay Countdown 2021 festivities happening from as early as Dec 1.

The first is a snazzy display called ‘Shine a Light’ at The Promontory, where 60 light beams will be projected to form the notches of a clock face. These light rays will illuminate the Marina Bay skyline every night from Dec 1 to 31.

Also happening is ‘Share the Moment’, projection mapping on the facades of three iconic Marina Bay landmarks — The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, ArtScience Museum and the Merlion — featuring student artworks. This takes place nightly from Dec 25 to Dec 31.

More info at https://www.marinabaycountdown.gov.sg/