Chris AshtonSingapore’s Jewel Changi shopping mall opened in 2019. Since then, it’s become an essential stop for travellers jetting through award-winning Changi Airport – a fantastic place to spend a few hours between flights, to give your credit card a workout, and even a destination in its own right.
While its retail and culinary offerings are indeed exceptional, it’s the waterfall at its heart – officially known as the HSBC Rain Vortex – that’s arguably the main attraction.
Breathtaking from every angle, the HSBC Rain Vortex is a 40-metre (131 feet) indoor waterfall surrounded by seven-storeys of lush, terraced gardens and lookouts. Whether viewed standing at its base, where your skin is lightly dusted by spray as it falls from the vaulted glass ceiling, or from higher up at one the of the lookouts around its perimeter, it never fails to thrill.
I’ve visited Jewel Changi many times during the day, but was always curious what it’d be like at night, when subtle lighting peers out from the lookouts, illuminates the trees, and the famous Jewel Changi Light & Music Showcase – aka the Jewel Changi Light Show – unfolds.
On a recent trip to Singapore, I had a chance to do exactly that – and it did not disappoint.
My visit at the tail end of Christmas 2025 meant it was a themed light show, with ribbons and snowflakes swirling in a flurry, candy canes dancing amid the droplets, and presents projected from multiple angles onto the waterfall. It was magical – and my inner child could not have been happier.
The light show was choreographed to an instrumental version of ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’, which is the quintessential Christmas tune, known by young and old.
View my Instagram reel here.
What time is the Jewel Changi Light Show?
Like clockwork, the Jewel Changi Light & Music Showcase runs every night at 8pm and 9pm Monday to Thursday and 8pm, 9pm and 10pm Friday to Sunday and on public holidays. My tip would be to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before showtime, so you can get a good spot.
How long does the Jewel Changi Light Show last?
The show typically lasts between 5-10 minutes. It’s a short, sweet presentation that’s just enough to leave you spellbound without dragging on too long (good for families!).
Best spot to view Jewel Changi Light Show
It’s really up to you. The ground floor closest to the waterfall’s base delivers an incredibly immersive experience – though it’s also the most crowded. Higher levels all have balconies from which to view the show. I watched it from Level 3, near Tsui Wah Cantonese, and it provided an excellent view of the waterfall light show and the rail line running by at a slight angle.
Is the Jewel Changi light show free to watch?
Yes – it’s free to watch. That said, tickets are required to visit Canopy Park at the very top of the Jewel Changi structure (L5), so if you’re wanting the most elevated view possible, you will need to pay. But really, the view is still spectacular from the lower levels.
Is the show worth seeing?
Absolutely. It’s a great value-add when you’re visiting the Jewel Changi complex. Would it be the sole reason to visit? Probably not, as the light show only lasts 5-10 minutes. That said, it’s a great excuse to explore the wider retail and dining complex, and even if you’re not planning to do any shopping, the views of the waterfall and Shiseido Valley should be enough to satisfy.
Can transit passengers see the Jewel Light Show?
Yes. However, Jewel Changi is located land side at Changi Airport, meaning you need to pass through passport control/immigration and then make your way into the Jewel complex. It’s typically quick and easy to do so. I cleared passport control in just under five minutes. Accessing Jewel Changi is effortless – just follow the signs from Arrivals.
If you’ve got time to spare and want to make a night of it, YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport is a convenient hotel located on level 4 of the Jewel Changi Airport complex.
