As the year draws to a close, cities around the world are lighting up for the holiday season. In Singapore, Orchard Road has once again been transformed into a dazzling stretch of decorations for the festive season. 

The annual light-up, “Christmas on A Great Street”, celebrates SG60 this year with Merli, the mythical Merlion mascot, complete with garlands and bows. 

This piece was first published in The Straits Times on 24 Dec 2025.