Christmas at Changi Airport has been awesome every year with its themed decorations and activities. The kids still remember the Spongebob themed one in 2013, and of course last year’s Star Wars theme.
This year, with the craze started by the augmented reality game, Pokemon Go, Pokemon at Changi Airport has struck the right chord. At Terminal 3 Departure Hall (located at Level 2), a 7m-tall Pikachu stands, the largest character installation at Changi Airport so far. Next to the installation, there is a Gingerbread House where passengers and airport visitors may come up close and personal with Pikachu during the weekends, until Jan 1 2017.
We went for the Pikachu parade on November 18 in the evening and it was pure madness with people chanting “Pika Pika” as the ten life-sized Pikachus made their way to the gingerbread house.
My favourite Pokemon character is not Pikachu (you already know it’s Snorlax from my social media photos), and I’ve not found it to be particularly cute, but I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched the Pikachus dance and prance around.
Ok, I have to admit now, Pikachu is cute.
If you missed the Pikachu parade (it was only on Nov 18), Pikachu will make an appearance at Terminal 3 Departure Hall Row 11 near the game kiosks for a meet-and-greet session at 6pm and 8pm on all Saturdays and Sundays until Jan 1, 2017, with the exception of Dec 3.
For photo opportunities, you can head to the Snorlax Garden at Terminal 2, where three life-sized Snorlaxes can be found. Perfect for Snorlax-lovers like us.
Other activities include face painting kiosks where visitors can have their faces painted onscreen and transformed to look like Pikachu, and share these videos with friends and families through social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter. Narikiri Face Painting kiosks are available at T2 Central Hoarding and T3 Opposite Row 11.
Z-Moves activity kiosks have also been placed at T1 Transit Central Piazza (near Shilla), T2 Central Hoarding and T3 Opposite Row 11.
Pokemon trainers and visitors can also embark on a Poke trail to hunt for 26 Pokemon characters at various locations across Changi Airport. Snap and share at least three selfies with different characters using #PokemonatChangi for a chance to redeem a giveaway at Terminal 3, Departure Hall (first-come first-served basis, while stocks last).
The installations and activities will run from now until Feb 11, 2017.
Besides the installations and activities, you can also bring home Pokemon plush toys:
We got the Charmander and Squirtle ones early during our media invitation. These are our next favourites so we are really blessed. Hoping to buy Pikachu when we travel in December!
Disclosure: We were invited by Changi Airport to check out the year-end festivities and activities it offers. No monetary compensation was received.