In case you haven’t noticed all the decorations popping up around town, Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Bring out the pineapple tarts and bak kwa, get dressed in your finest cheongsam and dive into the spirit of CNY with all the events celebrating the Year of the Ox.
Chinese New Year events in Singapore
Chinatown Street Light-Up
23 Jan – 12 Mar
Chinatown comes to life with lanterns featuring oxen, gold coins, golden ingots, flowers and greetings. The official light-up and opening ceremony takes place on 23 January, 8pm, with lion dances alongside cultural and acrobatic performances. Catch it live-streamed on Chinatown Festivals’ Facebook page. Psst: More online activities include CNY short films, a virtual festive goodies workshop and a virtual heritage trail.
Chinatown Street Light-Up, daily 7pm – midnight, various locations including Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road; or watch online
Chingay Parade 2021
20 Feb
Everyone’s favourite CNY parade is back this year with a “Light of Hope” theme featuring more than 2,000 performers for its 49th edition. But don’t expect to see it in person – the festival is going digital for the first time, which means you can tune in from home to watch it on TV, online or social media. Highlights include the 100-lion dance and high-tech elements from traditional ethnic performances. You can also get involved by designing your own Chingay float or costume online. Plus, browse through e-retailer Chingay Mama Shop to check out local crafts and goods.
Chingay Parade 2021, 8pm – 9pm, watch online
Spring Fair at Capitol Singapore
Now till 26 Feb
For your CNY goodies and decor needs, get shopping at Capitol Singapore’s Spring Fair. Expect an abundance of delicious treats, auspicious ornaments, artisanal buys and other CNY highlights to get you in the mood. Plus, you can try your hand at making your own festive flower arrangement, leather red packet holder, Chinese New Year couplets and more at one of the many workshops available. Also, don’t miss the chance to dine within the domes at Capitol Singapore by simply ordering any yu sheng set from participating restaurants! Swing by Capitol Singapore’s website for the full deets.
Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
Usher in the Fun at Universal Studios Singapore
Till 28 Feb
Universal Studios Singapore’s Chinese New Year celebrations include events such as a Majestic Dragon meet-and-greet and appearances by Sesame Street friends, King Fu Panda’s Po, the Minions and Shrek characters in their festive threads. Oh, and keep an eye out for Optimus Prime and Megatron offering Mandarin greetings!
Usher in the Fun, Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2021
Till 28 Feb
If you really want to get into the CNY spirit, Wan Qing Festival of Spring has just the right line-up for you. Usher in the Year of the Ox with family-friendly fun: we’re talking about lion dance and festive drum workshops, a Balestier heritage walking trail and craft activities. Plus, you can’t miss the Double Prosperity outdoor installation, which features two large ‘foo dou’ guardian lions and represents ‘double’ blessings for Singapore. Online activities are available, too!
Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2021, 10am – 7pm, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay
15 Jan – 21 Feb
Gardens by the Bay pulls out all the stops every year with its CNY displays in the Flower Dome, and 2021 is all about blooming dahlias amidst the backdrop of an elaborate Chinese garden. Keep a lookout for auspicious elements and symbols among florals such as azaleas, chrysanthemums and cymbidiums. You can bet everyone will be doing their #OOTD shots here… you’ve been warned.
Dahlia Dreams, 9am – 9pm, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Spring in the Sea
Till 2 Mar
S.E.A. Aquarium is all about bountiful blessings this year, with a Trail of Fortune for visitors to hunt for hidden gold ingots while coming face-to-face with marine creatures like the scrawled cowfish and the shoulderbar soldierfish. Oh, and don’t forget your camera for the Sea Dragon Surprise, a series of dragon dance-inspired photo installations. When you visit during the festive period, your admission ticket will also come with a treat such as corndogs, popcorn or manta ray cut-out cookies.
Spring in the Sea, S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
CNY events at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
22 Jan – 28 Mar
There’s plenty to discover at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, including online programmes, “talking” red packets brought to life by augmented reality technology and a cool exhibition. The drive-through display, Asia’s first, transforms the carpark space into an art experience that spotlights Chinese culture. Moo Moo Park features the works of eight local artists, crafted using a mix of AR tech and visual arts. Plus, check out other activities that focus on local treats and CNY traditions. There’s also the “Singapo 人” exhibition that tells you all about the customs of CNY and calls attention to Chinese Singaporean culture in the form of food, music and festivals.
CNY events at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
Sounds of Spring at One Raffles Place
14 Jan – 10 Feb
This Chinese New Year event features a Zodiac Forecast showcase with detailed predictions of what each zodiac sign should expect from the Year of the Ox. And let’s not forget the CNY Festive Bazaar filled with goodies like pineapple tarts and love letters – stock up early!
Sounds of Spring at One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Huat at City Square Mall
15 Jan – 25 Feb
Check out the mall’s classic Lunar New Year decor, as well as illuminating lights at City Green on the first floor for festive photo backdrops. Oh, and don’t miss out on CNY deals for everything from fashion and beauty to food and shopping.
Huat at City Square Mall, daily 6pm – 11pm, L1, City Green, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
Time to ring in the Year of the Ox with these fun-filled Chinese New Year events across town!
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