Gong Xi Fa Cai! 🧧
Chinese New Year just around the corner, and Singapore is ready to welcome the Year of Snake with grandeur and festivity.🐍
It’s an undeniable fact that Singapore is one of the best places to spend the Chinese New Year as the city brings vibrance to everyone. Streets are adorned with dazzling decorations, vibrant events fill the calendar, and the festive cheer brings families together for a memorable celebration.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to experience the richness of Chinese culture this Lunar New Year, here’s a guide to the top spots and events in Singapore to add to your itinerary:
1. Chinatown
The heart of Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore lies in Chinatown. Every corner is alive with vibrant colours, tantalizing aromas, and exciting cultural activities.
- Street Light-Ups: Admire spectacular light installations inspired by the Year of the Snake along Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road. 🏮
- Chinatown Bazaar: Shop for festive essentials such as traditional goodies, decorations, and handicrafts. 🥮Check out stalls selling bak kwa (barbecued meat), pineapple tarts, and auspicious trinkets.
- Walking Tours: Indulge yourself in the district’s heritage with guided tour that uncover the significance of CNY.
2. Chingay Parade
The Chingay Parade is Singapore’s largest multicultural event and a highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Here, you get to indulge yourself in so many interesting activities including:
1. Food-Themed Floats: Marvel at floats inspired by Singapore’s culinary heritage.
2. Lion Dance Showcase: Enjoy a roaring showcase of 60 lion dancers embodying the energy and spirit of Singapore. 🐲
3. All-New Immersive Layout : Experience the parade like never before, bringing you closer to the dazzling performances and eye-catching inflatables. 🏮
4. Grand Performances: Witness over 4,000 performers from 150 organisations, showcasing the vibrant energy and breathtaking acts that Chingay is known for.
Date: February 8 – 9, 8pm
Address: F1 Pit , Marina Bay Street Circuit, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975
Admission: From $20, visit chingay.gov.sg. for more details
3. River Hongbao Festival
Held annually at Marina Bay, you simply couldn’t miss the River Hongbao Festival that offers is an iconic event brimming with cultural significance and entertainment.
- Lantern Displays: Enjoy larger-than-life lantern sculptures depicting traditional Chinese legends and zodiac animals.
- Cultural Performances: Watch live music, opera shows, and martial arts demonstrations.
- Carnival Rides and Fireworks: Perfect for families, this event also features a food street and nightly fireworks displays.
Date: January 27 – February 8 (firework: January 27 – 29)
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Admission: Free
4. Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay
Take your family along to explore the breathtaking floral displays of in-house grown Dahlias at the Flower Dome. This attractive flower exhibition looks alive, with the main decoration being a 7m tall and stretched 15m long dragon statue. This dragon statue is made from more than a thousand dahlia flowers of various sizes, colours, and shapes. 🐉
Date: January 19 – February 25
Address: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Admission: From SGD 8, visit gardensbythebay.com.sg for more details
5. Iconic Temples in Singapore
Temples are a must-visit, being the hub for worshippers to pray for health, wealth, and happiness in the year ahead. The new year is also a time to get in touch with your spiritual side.
- Thian Hock Keng Temple: A historic temple beautifully decorated for the festivities and offers insight into Chinese Taoist culture.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: This temple hosts special rituals and blessings in the heart of Chinatown.
6. Universal Studios Singapore
Celebrate a Chinese New Year at the USS where thrilling rides meet festive fun! Join Po and Tigress on their parade as they spread prosperity throughout the park with lucky fortune cookies. Capture pictures among cherry blossoms and create special memories as you meet with your favourite characters in their festive attire.
Date: January 22 – February 12
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Admission: From SGD62 (child), SGD83 (adult)
7. Lunar New Year Istana Open House
The first Istana Open House of 2025 celebrates the Chinese New Year with exciting live performances, activity booths, and guided tours of the Istana Main Building and grounds. Explore the historic building, enjoy diverse performances, and shop for culinary delights and exclusive merchandise.
Date: TBA (for more information, visit thenewageparents.com/istana-open-house)
Address: The Istana, Orchard Rd, Singapore 238823
Admission: Free for Singaporeans and permanent residents
Chinese New Year in Singapore is more than just a celebration; it’s an immersive experience of culture, community, and festives. Remember to dress in red, the colour that symbolises luck and prosperity. Head over to Zalora Singapore for stunning options of CNY outfits while you explore ZALORA CNY Sale to make a stylish statement in this year’s CNY! 🐉
