Almost every corner of the streets is filled with bright red festive decor as you join in the mad rush to stock up boxes of mandarin oranges and jars of goodies to usher in the Chinese New Year (CNY).
But beyond the shopping and jostling with the crowd, there are many amazing places that you can take your kids to soak up the festivities in Singapore.
Check out our list below for some exciting festive activities that are taking place around Singapore in the weeks leading to Chinese New Year 2015!
1. Official light-up and opening ceremony at Chinatown
Chinese New Year 2015 Singapore: Official light-up and opening ceremony at Chinatown
The official light-up and opening ceremony at Chinatown marks the start of the Chinese New Year 2015 celebrations in Singapore.
Be prepared to take in the sights and sounds of the festivities with amazing visual effects and lively stage performances consisting of skits, songs, dance, acrobatic performances and martial arts performed by talented local performers and performing troupes from China.
Date: 31 January 2015
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Venue: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
2. Chinatown street light-up
You’ll have over a month to enjoy the festive light-up at Chinatown.
Following the official light-up and opening ceremony of the Chinese New Year 2015 celebrations at Chinatown, you’ll have over a month to head down here to enjoy the festive street light-up.
This year, the theme for the light-up is “Abundance of Joy & Prosperity.” It features an innovative Goat-themed design which was conceptualised by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
Date: 31 January to 19 March 2015
Time:
- 7pm to 6am (18 & 19 Feb 2015)
- 7pm to 2am (Friday & Saturday)
- 7pm to 12 midnight (Sunday to Thursday)
Venue: Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge
3. Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar
Chinese New Year 2015 Singapore: Take a walk down the festive street bazaar at Chinatown
What’s Chinese New Year without the rows of brightly lit stalls taking over the streets of Chinatown? Head down here for a stroll to feast on your favourite Chinese New Year snacks and cookies, and buy some to take home with you.
You can also shop for festive decorations, new clothes for the whole family and other must-haves during the festival such as waxed duck, preserved fruits, and more!
Date: 30 January to 18 February 2015
Time:
- 6pm to 10.30pm (Daily)
- 6pm to 1am (Chinese New Year’s Eve)
Venue: Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Terengganu Street
More family-friendly activities to do during Chinese New Year in Singapore on the next page.
4. Chinatown Walking Trail
Don’t miss this free walking trail tour at Chinatown.
Get the kids into a festive mood while learning a thing or two about Chinatown’s cultural heritage by joining the Chinatown Walking Trail. This walking trail will cover Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street, and New Bridge Road.
Get your camera ready to capture amazing shots of the decorated street light-up, and make sure not to miss the nightly cultural shows at Kreta Ayer Square.
This free walking trail is conducted in English, and is limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For enquiries and registration, please email chinatownfestivalsg@gmail.com
Date: 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 Feb 2015
Time:
- 2pm to 3.30pm
- 5pm to 6.30pm
Meeting Point: Information booth in front of stage at Kreta Ayer Square
5. Chinatown Wishing Tree
Close your eyes, and make a wish in front of the wishing tree!
Got an important wish to make for the New Year? Head down to the lucky banyan tree that’s been set up at Chinatown Point to try your luck at making your wishes come true!
Get a mandarin orange wishing charm for $2 and try tossing it onto the tree. If it stays on the tree, it is said that your wishes will come true. All proceeds will be donated to the Kreta Ayer Seniors Activity Centre.
Date: 27 January to 18 February 2015
Time: 11am to 9pm
Venue: Chinatown Point
6. Nightly stage shows at Chinatown
There will be stage shows to catch every night at Kreta Ayer Square in Chinatown.
Take a break from your festive shopping at Chinatown and head over to the Kreta Ayer Square to catch the dazzling line-up of performances every night, leading to Chinese New Year.
Try to secure a spot for your whole family nearest the stage and be entertained by lively Chinese cultural performances, festive songs, as well as music and dance performed by local entertainers and travelling troupes from China.
Date: 31 January to 18 February 2015
Time: 8pm to 10.30pm
Venue: Kreta Ayer Square
7. River Hongbao
Celebrate Chinese New Year in a big way at the not-to-be-missed River Hongbao event!
The River Hongbao takes place every year during Chinese New Year, and has been an iconic event for most families in Singapore. This is where kids will truly get to soak up the festivities and celebrate Chinese New Year in a big way.
Look forward to seeing giant lanterns depicting the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, ‘live’ demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy, a colourful display of handicrafts and ethnic costumes, and an overflowing spread of yummy delicacies served at the largest outdoor food street in Singapore.
And of course, what would Chinese New Year be without fireworks to end off the night?
Tip: Look out for the ‘God of Fortune’ who will be handing out pieces of paper bearing auspicious numbers. Many will be crowding around him to receive these lucky digits.
Date: 17 to 28 February 2015
Venue: Floating Platform @ Marina Bay
8. Chingay Parade
Join in the Chingay parade of colours!
The Chingay parade may be held during the Chinese New Year period, but this spectacular event never fails to bring together people and performances across the various cultures in Singapore.
This loud and cheerful parade was first introduced in Singapore over four decades ago as a way to compensate for the ban that had been placed on firecrackers. Today, the Chingay parade is the largest, most colourful street performance and float parade in Asia – and a top favourite of Singapore families and visitors alike.
Date: 27 & 28 February 2015
Venue: The Pit Building
Know of other events that are worth checking out during Chinese New Year in Singapore this year? Let us know by leaving a comment below!