Passengers arriving at Changi Airport during the holiday season are set for a grand welcoming by Hello Kitty & Friends. Comprising eight characters, the Sanrio friends – Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, Gudetama, Little Twin Stars Kiki and Lala, My Melody and Pompompurin – will greet visitors every weekend during the festive period.
From November 18 to January 5, passengers will be treated to daily drones and light and snow shows at the Mystical Garden, which features Sanrio characters within a gazebo and treehouse. On weekends, travelers and airport visitors will also have the chance to meet their favorite Sanrio characters.
The first evening of celebrations featured an indoor drone show at terminal 3, when 40 drones lit up the ‘sky’ and formed festive shapes such as a snowflake and Christmas tree. Hello Kitty and friends then broke into song and dance in the specially-designed Mystical Garden.
Jayson Goh, managing director for airport operations management, Changi Airport Group, said, “With many fans looking forward to the annual year-end festive celebrations at Changi, we wanted to create something unforgettable for them. Having 40 drones ‘perform’ in an indoor setting was challenging, but we are really happy to be able to bring the Changi festive experience to a new high with this interplay between art and technology.”
Over at the event space at the T3 departure hall, curated games and activities also await travelers and visitors throughout the holiday season. At the Tree House Catcher, a human ‘controller’ can direct a human ‘crane’ suspended in mid-air to pick up a gift from the gift pool, with the top prize being a 1m-tall Sanrio character toy.
Visitors can also ‘fish’ for water balloons at the Yoyo Tsuri Fountain, and redeem their prizes at the mini ferris wheel. Sanrio fans will also have the opportunity to enjoy themed face painting or decorate tote bags. At T3 basement 2, children can play at the new Sanrio-themed playground, a first in any airport in Southeast Asia.