As the year winds down, it’s time to kick off the holiday festivities. For The Pokémon Company, the cheer is only ramping up, following a slew of celebrations for and coinciding with its 30th anniversary, including the opening of PokéPark Kanto in Japan and, closer to home, the refurbishment of the Pokémon Center at Jewel Changi Airport.
The evolution doesn’t stop there, with PokéXciting! turning the space into a large-scale spectacle from now until 3 January 2027. Marking its debut in Southeast Asia, a mascot parade featuring all 27 Starter Pokémon from the current nine generations of video games and two Pikachus will take place at Jewel’s Forest Valley on 7 and 8 November at 1pm and 3pm, where they march in tune to the music. Admission is free, but on-site registration is required before entry, and each session operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Across both days, the PokéXciting! Stage will also treat visitors at Terminal 3 to an electrifying electronic dance music (EDM) performance, complete with upbeat dance instructors, groovy Pikachu mascots, a breakdancing highlight, lighting effects, and the star of the show – PokéXciting! Pikachu, a variation of the Electric-type critter who comes decked out in colour costumes unique to each city. From 9 November to 3 January 2027, it transforms into a winter wonderland with shows daily at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, plus an additional 9.30pm show from Fridays to Sundays.
Swing by on weekends, and meet-and-greet sessions are out in full force. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are due to appear four times each day on 7 and 8 November (12pm, 2pm, 8.30pm, and 9.30pm), followed by Pikachu, Eevee, Gengar, Mimikyu, Piplup, and Snorlax from 9 November to 20 December. Further specifics are listed below, with allocated time slots at 2pm, 3pm, and 6.30pm:
- 14 and 15 November – Pikachu, Eevee
- 21 and 22 November, 19 December – Pikachu, Snorlax
- 5 and 6 December – Pikachu, Piplup
- 12 and 20 December – Pikachu, Gengar
- 13 December – Pikachu, Mimikyu
Additionally, Pokémon Trading Card Game enthusiasts can test their mettle in a quiz rally and redeem a limited-edition anniversary postcard after completing a questionnaire based on enlarged displays of individual cards, each focusing on one of the 27 Starter Pokémon. The tabletop action will continue into the Pokémon Experience Lounge at Terminal 3, which houses open-to-all hands-on demos of Pokémon Pokopia and Pokémon Champions, as well as Pokémon TCG tutorials.
No matter the location, fans should keep an eye out for their favourite Pokémon in special photo opportunities and themed decor scattered all around Changi Airport, with Jewel’s Forest Valley playing host to more than 30 installations across four themed zones, spotlighting Mewtwo, Pikachu, Snorlax, and Eevee Evolutions (or Eeveelutions). For the young and the young-at-heart, Pokémon animation screenings will also be held at ST3PS, the free, public event atrium in the basement of Terminal 3, adorned with the fiery flames of Charizard.
Rounding out PokéXciting! are various shopping experiences, starting with official pop-up stores across Changi Airport that offer a range of anniversary merchandise. The PokéXciting! Pikachu bag charm, featuring Pikachu in a blue costume, is available at the Pokémon Center on 7 and 8 November, while exclusive premiums include a travel blanket, an insulated tumbler, a 30th Anniversary plush, a cabin-sized or check-in luggage, and an umbrella.
With the same qualifying spend of S$60, visitors can also purchase a Pokémon cap or Poké Ball bag and customise it at the Personalisation Station – located at B2 of Terminal 3 – with name embroidery and a charm. Spending a minimum of S$100 in a single receipt from participating outlets across Changi Airport, meanwhile, unlocks the Memory Game Challenge, where medallions, Funko Pop figurines, trading card packs, and more are available as prizes.
The PokéXciting! takeover runs from now till 3 January 2027.
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.
Kevin Low
