The festive season is all about celebrating with the people who matter, and Suntec City is embracing the spirit of the festive period with an attraction of its own – Pokémon-themed installations, experiences, and activities from now until 28 December at Suntec City Atrium (Tower 1 & 2), to embrace the holiday joy in its own style.
Instead of the usual festive decorations, the vast offerings make it ideal for different visitor types, from longtime franchise fans to those simply looking to soak up the experience, and even visitors in Singapore, to create new memories together with their loved ones. For aspiring Trainers, the Holiday Cabin is a fun, mixed reality interactive experience that invites them to step into the shoes of a true Pokémon Trainer – by pitting them in a thrilling race against time. Groups of 15 players must uncover beloved Pokémon like Pikachu, Snorlax, and Eevee. Suntec+ App members will enjoy the perk of free entry, but non-members don’t need to fret, for registration is quick and comes at no extra cost.
Swinging by the Dance Patio on a weekend opens up the opportunity to catch the trio in the flesh at 5pm, as they rotate through a meet-and-greet lineup that also includes the Generation 9 starters of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. On 15 and 22 November, and 13 and 20 December at 3pm, high-energy dance performances by Pikachu and friends are set to light up the space, with inflatable installations of Tepig, Chikorita, and Totodile (the starter trio of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest game in the series) situated here on other days for photo-taking moments.
Pokémon encounters are only part of the training life, however. After all, it’s through exploring uncharted territory that new bonds and experiences are forged, with this spirit of discovery translating to the New Trainer Journey initiative, available to Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG) newcomers. Located at the Trading Card Game Zone, it serves as the first step into the world of the highly popular Pokémon TCG, where beginners are assigned a same-day slot for their training session after registering for and collecting their physical tickets. A fair word of warning – slots will be limited daily from 22 November, so be sure to act fast!
Upon completing the 30-minute playthrough, each participant will receive a starter kit comprising a deck case, a deck shield, a demo deck of 30 cards, a playmat flyer, and a voucher. As for seasoned players, get ready to face the heat as the space transforms into a gathering ground for casual battles, so remember to bring along your strongest deck, or put the other ones to the test.
Marking a departure from turn-based tradition, Pokémon Legends: Z-A features full real-time combat that fans can get a taste of in a trial experience on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. These tryouts, open to all visitors, follow the same dates as the Trading Card Game Zone, serving as a two-in-one invitation to participate in some hands-on fun and embark on a new journey this season.
The thrills don’t stop there, as Pokémon Go players get their blood pumping further by taking on the Gym with their strongest team, or join forces to participate in Raid Battles to gain experience points (XP). Rewards aren’t just reserved for the battle-hungry, though – those who stop by Event PokéStops scattered around Suntec City or complete Timed Research tasks will walk away with rewards ranging from more XP to higher chance encounters with the starter trio of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Back at the Atrium, daily fun puzzles based on “Who’s That Pokémon?” will also be unveiled on the three-metre Advent Christmas Tree from now to 25 December, inviting visitors to put their knowledge to the test and stand a chance to win a Pokémon Trading Card Game Fun Pack and S$30 Suntec City e-Voucher. Longtime fans, it’s time for you to shine!
Don’t forget to visit the retail pop-up to grab some Pokémon keepsakes and take home a part of the experience, with the selection ranging from trading cards to collectibles and more.
Before heading off, snap a photo or two at the other themed installations around Suntec City, including a six-metre Pikachu inflatable at the entrance of Esplanade MRT, a 12-metre Christmas tree and snowfall show at Suntec Plaza, and Pokémon-themed photo zones featuring festive AR filters on the first and second floors of the mall.
And just like how the holiday joy is spread throughout the mall, there will be no shortage of festive shopping excitement. Whether it’s for yourself or others, spending is its own reward, with different tiers offering delightful redemptions that include a Holiday Edition Pokémon Gift Bag Set and Holiday Edition Pokémon Rug, Suntec City e-Vouchers, and more, as detailed below (limited to one single same-day receipt):
- Minimum spending of S$60
- Holiday Edition Pokémon Gift Bag Set (2-pc)
- S$3 Carpark Dollars
- Retailer’s e-Voucher
- Minimum spending of S$120
- Additional S$5 Suntec City e-Voucher
- Additional HSBC Cards Exclusive: S$10 Suntec City e-Voucher
- Minimum spending of S$180
- Additional Holiday Edition Pokémon Rug (available from 1 December)
- Accumulated S$1,000 spend from now to 30 November
- Additional S$80 Suntec City e-Voucher+
With a variety of digital-led and physical experiences, installations, and charming merchandise in store, Suntec City looks set to make this a special November and December to remember. The Pokémon cheer will make franchise veterans and casual enthusiasts feel right at home, but everyone else can take comfort in a sense of warmth and joy, as new memories are forged with their loved ones. Be sure to check out Suntec City’s Catch the Holiday Magic website for the full lowdown on all the fun-filled activities and special rewards from now till 28 December!
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Destro
Kevin Low
