There’s plenty to prepare and do when celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore. It’s best to plan your time now as the countdown to the Year of the Wood Dragon 2024 inches closer (starts on January 22nd, 2024, leading up to New Year’s Day on February 10th, 2024).
Here’s theAsianparent’s updated guide for parents to a festive and memorable family celebration:
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2024
Getting the family and house ready
1. Prepare for questions
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore: Get ready for the barrage of questions from your children | Source: File photo
As your kids grow older, their curiosity about traditions intensifies. Brush up on your knowledge of superstitions like not sweeping the floor or cutting hair, and explain the symbolism behind the abundance of oranges. Brush up your knowledge with our list of Chinese New Year superstitions before the festivities begin.
2. Schedule house cleaning
Cleaning symbolizes removing bad luck and welcoming good fortune. Book a cleaning service early as they get busy closer to the date. Alternatively, involve the family in decluttering and donating unused items.
3. Buy red, avoid black
When celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore, dressing up the whole family in red for Chinese New Year can be fun, and also bring a lot of luck | Source: Dreamstime
There’s a reason why the colour red is everywhere during the Lunar New Year – it’s the colour of prosperity! With old clothes out of the away, it’s time to refresh your children’s wardrobe. Go colour matching in all red as a family when you visit your parents, but you can also mix it up with lighter colours like blue, white, orange and pink.
Avoid darker colours as they represent misfortune and bad luck.
4. Plan for the Angbaos
Plan your “Angbao budget” accordingly, when celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore | Source: File photo
Giving out Angbaos is auspicious – the red packets symbolise prosperity and good luck. Get a head start for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations by listing down all potential recipients so you know how much to ang pow to give for Chinese New Year. Don’t forget to include all your family members, and your kids’ friends who might visit during the celebrations.
5. Decorate the house
Get creative with DIY decorations like dragon or wood dragon-themed crafts. Visit Chinatown for festive lights and ornaments.
Fun events for Singapore families this CNY
1. Visit Chinatown
The Chinatown Chinese New Year celebrations back in 2016 | Source: File photo
Experience the vibrant spirit with decorations, stage shows, lion dances, and delicious street food. Don’t miss the special Wood Dragon-themed light-up display or the festive atmosphere.
2. Bring your kids to the Singapore River Hongbao Festival
Expect the biggest fireworks show of all time at the bicentennial celebration of River Hongbao 2019 | Source: River Hongbao
Check out the annual River Hongbao festival on the 15th day of Chinese New Year. There’s fireworks to see, lanterns to take Instagram pictures with your children and performances to enjoy. Truly a coming together of Chinese culture. The River Hongbao 2023 will be held at The Float @ Marina Bay from February 8 to 17, 2024. More information and tickets can be purchased at the official website.
3. Experience the Chingay Parade together
The Chingay Parade is a uniquely Singaporean tradition every Chinese New Year | Source: Chingay Parade
Ditch the firecrackers and prepare to be wowed by the Chingay Parade! Experience a vibrant tapestry of dragon and lion dances, awe-inspiring martial arts displays, enchanting street opera, and performances by diverse communities. Catch the parade on February 23rd to 24th, 8pm at the F1 Pit Building – it’s a cultural melting pot not to be missed!
4. Learn Chinese culture at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Participate in family-friendly activities like calligraphy workshops, lantern making, and storytelling sessions. Immerse yourselves in Chinese culture at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.
5. Inspire your kids’ creativity at these Chinese New Year craft workshops
Here’s one way for your kids to learn while celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore | Source: Frasers Experience
Learn unique skills like paper dragon crafting, woodblock printing, and Chinese knotting at various mall workshops throughout January and February 2024.
We hope this updated guide helps you plan a joyful and memorable Chinese New Year 2024 in Singapore with your family. Wishing you a prosperous and happy Year of the Wood Dragon!
Huat Ah!
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