Dick Lee Voices Concern Over Orchard Road’s “Too Disney‑y” Christmas Lights
Singapore’s own musical icon, 62‑year‑old Jacky Dick Lee, has weighed in on this year’s Orchard Road light‑up, arguing that the festive glow is “too insignificant to be noticed” after being handed to Disney’s creative machine.
The Disney Dilemma
When asked if the bright bulbs were making the space feel like a Disneyland parade rather than a Christmas market, Lee said:
“Maybe we put too much emphasis on Disney and not enough on Christmas.”
The street’s arranged by the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and the show is a three‑year partnership with Disney and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
What Lee Thinks Christmas Should Look Like
- “Christmas has classic icons: gift boxes, the nutcracker, tinsel. These should shine in their full glory.”
- “Trying to remix these symbols complicates the holiday spirit.”
Looking back: 2015’s spectacle (co‑designed by Dick Lee and Yang De Rong) had a 4‑m‑high gift box, bright trees, and little arches dotted the strip.
Brand Participation – Hitachi Only
Lee reveals that Hitachi was the sole corporate brand involved. They got their logos on lampposts, not on the “real” lights or tree ornaments.
Reaction from the Church and Community
The National Council of Churches (NCCS) sent a letter to STB on November 19 expressing concern that the Disney focus was severing the ties to the Christmas season.
After a phone call between STB’s chief executive, Keith Tan, and Reverend Dr. Ngoei Foong Nghian of the NCCS, they agreed to meet early next year for further discussions.
Public Opinions Vary
- Julia D’Silva (66) says, “Our Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Chinese New Year lights are amazing. I wish Christmas lights could match that spirit of love and giving.”
- Andy Zheng (44, Chinese tourist) adds, “This year’s Christmas & Disney combo is refreshing. Having only trees is boring.”
From the Chinatown Festivals Organising Committee
Mr. Philemon Loh (49), head of marketing, notes that the committee typically steers clear of brands that don’t align with festival traditions.
- He recalls the 2008 Year of the Rat event, where Disney’s Mickey & Minnie carried the Chinese character for “prosperity.” Some viewers didn’t love it.
- “People still adore tradition. They love inventive displays but expect honesty in core meanings,” says Loh.
- For Mid‑Autumn Festival, lanterns are the mainstay; they swap styles and centerpieces every year.
- Next Chinese New Year will be marked by pig‑themed lights for the Year of the Pig.
Bottom Line
Singapore’s bright Christmas lights are a tug‑of‑war: Disney’s pop‑culture charm vs. the earnest joy of the holiday season. Whether this balance will swing back to traditional vibes remains to be seen, but the conversation is undeniably lively.
