The number of lights is the same as last year's - but they have been stretched over a larger area as new roads have been added to the Christmas light-up. On Nov 16, this year's lights were switched on, and they will remain till Jan 1.

Some shoppers also miss the lights that usually arch over Singapore's main shopping belt.

Mr Wilmer Tay, a 27-year-old digital designer, was among those disappointed this year.

"I expected a lot more lights. Over the past few years, they extended the lights across the street and that was quite nice for people driving through," he told The Straits Times.

"Last year's (light-up) was more special and memorable with the Disney theme; this year's feels quite generic."