Have you been thinking about activities to do this Chinese New Year 2024? Are you still wondering what to do with the kids? Then, you have plenty of time to plan your family outings to enjoy a prosperous and joyous Lunar New Year!
Embrace the vibrant spirit of the upcoming Chinese New Year 2024 by immersing yourself in many exciting family activities. As we usher in the auspicious occasion, it’s time to set the tone for the year ahead, surrounded by your loved ones. From traditional festivities to modern twists, this listicle brings you a curated collection of 13 must-try, family-friendly activities that promise to make your Chinese New Year celebrations memorable.
Get ready to start the year right with these engaging and joyous experiences that blend tradition with a touch of excitement, creating cherished moments with your nearest and dearest.
13 Fun Ideas On What To Do On Chinese New Year 2024
1. Join the festivities at this year’s River Hongbao
River Hongbao, the prominent Lunar Chinese New Year event, showcases awe-inspiring displays of Chinese cultures and traditions. The term ‘Hongbao,’ meaning Red Pocket, symbolizes a New Year monetary gift believed to bring good luck to children and unmarried adults. Gardens by the Bay transforms into a magical garden with over 18 enchanting lantern sets, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
The event features diverse entertainment programs on the main stage, including dance and musical performances by Chinese cultural troupes, Getai singers, and Mediacorp artists. The Greetings and Blessings exhibition also highlights Chinese New Year cards from the 1950s to 1970s in Singapore, depicting past scenes and reflecting social trends, Chinese traditions, culture, and values.
Food stalls with highly anticipated treats and a fun-filled carnival atmosphere provide opportunities to enjoy family time. Don’t miss the annual showcase of big, bright lanterns, symbolizing wishes for a brighter future and an auspicious year in Chinese culture. Join the festivities at River Hongbao to be at the heart of the action.
2. Dive into Spectacular Marine Wonders at S.E.A. Aquarium
Image from S.E.A. Aquarium
Embark on an extraordinary Lunar New Year journey at the renowned S.E.A. Aquarium, which houses over 100,000 marine animals from 1,000 diverse species. This immersive experience invites you to usher in the Year of the Dragon amidst an awe-inspiring oceanic realm.
Explore the wonders of four spotlight species, such as the intriguing weedy sea dragon, drawing parallels to the mythical Chinese dragon, each marine animal boasting unique traits that resonate with the Lunar New Year’s auspicious greetings.
Join the daily underwater dragon dance presentation held in the expansive Open Ocean Habitat at 3.30 pm from Jan 26 to Feb 25, captivating audiences with a mesmerizing display of marine life against vibrant festivities. Dive into the festive spirit with ocean-themed décor and exchange hearty Chinese New Year greetings with the adorable manta mascot Manja, creating delightful memories and capturing Insta-worthy moments.
Seize the opportunity to win two coveted S.E.A. Aquarium VIP Experience tickets (worth SGD396) through a thrilling contest located after the Shark Seas habitat. Uncover the traditions of Chinese New Year as you discover the symbolic significance of marine life, including the archerfish, lyretail anthias, and sand tiger shark, imparting knowledge with an engaging touch.
This enchanting event, tailor-made for families with young kids, promises an educational yet entertaining escape into the depths of marine wonders. Enjoy exclusive SG Resident rates starting from SGD41/adult, and book with Resorts World Sentosa for a 7-day ticket validity.
3. Experience the CHINGAY 2024 Parade
Activities To Do This Chinese New Year 2024 | Image from CHINGAY 2024 website
Chingay Parade Singapore 2024, themed “Blossom,” invites audiences to immerse themselves in the captivating theme of individuals’ and communities’ growth, transformation, and flourishing. The parade aims to unite like-minded people and partners to blossom as one community.
The enchanting blooming flowers scattered throughout the event reflect the spirit of unity and togetherness among the people, showcasing different talents. The six mesmerizing acts promise a spectacle with colourful costumes, special effects, and flowers as a central motif. Highlights include Singapore’s longest floor projection, PAssionArts Street with art installations, and the Chingay National Education (NE) – Blossoming Art Installation near/around the F1 Pit Building.
The parade is scheduled for Fri, 23 & Sat 24 February 2024, at 8 pm, at the F1 Pit Building, with ticket prices ranging from $60 to $20 (excluding booking fees). PAssion Card Members can enjoy a 20% discount.
4. Soar into Longevity at the Resorts World Sentosa
Activities To Do This Chinese New Year 2024 | Image from Resorts World Sentosa
Embark on a journey of longevity and celebration in the Year of the Dragon with extra-lucky festivities. Families are invited to come together and indulge in decadent feasts, fostering a sense of togetherness and warmth. At Universal Studios Singapore, individuals can delve into the art of being a Dragon Warrior, adding a touch of adventure to the festivities. Raise a toast to great times with creatively crafted Bai Jiu cocktails, igniting the spirit of joy and prosperity.
As the sun sets and night falls, spectators can join the enchanting Starlit Dragon in a mesmerizing dance, symbolizing the auspicious beginning of a prosperous year ahead. The event spans from January 26 to February 25, 2024, offering an extended period for everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant and fortunate celebrations.
5. Get into Fun at Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations
Image from Visit Singapore
Celebrate the Lunar New Year amidst the rich cultural backdrop of Singapore’s renowned heritage enclave at the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2024. Experience an array of workshops, captivating programs, a vibrant street light-up, an exhilarating countdown party, weekend stage performances, and a delectable array of food offerings.
Event Duration: January 19 – March 9, 2024
Location: Chinatown
6. Celebrate at the Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024
Attendees are invited to celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall during the Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024. From January 16 to February 25, 2024, visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with a weekend full of diverse programs and activities suitable for all ages.
Admission is free with tickets for activities. Families can enjoy attractions like lion dance and festive drumming workshops, informative temple tours and heritage trails, engaging storytelling sessions, creative craft activities for the little ones, and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to capture Lunar New Year outfit photos at the spectacular lawn installation.
7. Spot Gorgeous Blooms at Gardens by the Bay
Image from Gardens by the Bay
The Year of the Dragon unfolds spectacularly in the vibrant landscape of Dahlia Dreams 2024 at Gardens by the Bay. The centrepiece steals the spotlight—a majestic dragon, nearly 7 meters tall and over 15 meters long, gracefully rises amidst a splendid array of over a thousand dahlias in various shapes, sizes, and hues. The dragon’s scales, meticulously adorned with cut and preserved flowers in vivid yellow and red, testify to the meticulous craftsmanship that brings this mythical creature to life.
Adding to the enchantment, four dragon lanterns grace the scene, each representing the elements of metal, water, fire, and earth. Beyond mere visual splendour, the floral display carries deeper meaning, embodying the Chinese saying 鱼跃龙门—”carps leap over the dragon gate,” a powerful metaphor for courage and the pursuit of greatness.
To further weave the dragon theme into the tapestry of Dahlia Dreams, a towering dragon sculpture emerges, crafted from hardwood and recycled steel. This remarkable creation by British-born sculptor James Doran-Webb stands tall in the Flower Dome, marking the latest addition to his zodiac character series. As visitors immerse themselves in this captivating display, they are invited to experience the rich symbolism and artistic mastery that define Dahlia Dreams 2024.
Opening Hours: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 – Sun, 25 Feb 2024, 9.00am – 9.00pm
Admission Ticket Prices: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies
Location: Flower Dome
8. Go in Search of Unique Red Packets at the 2024 Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign
The 10th edition of the Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign is back, showcasing a delightful and versatile Dragon design crafted uniquely for each of the 43 participating museums, heritage institutions, and galleries. Taking place from January 12 to February 9, 2024, this island-wide celebration offers free admission to the public at these diverse cultural venues.
During this period, visitors can explore the participating museums, heritage institutions, and galleries to collect a set of eight red packets, each featuring the distinctive design of a specific museum. Enthusiasts can also anticipate the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Collector’s Box Set, showcasing all 43 unique red packet designs.
For a chance to win the coveted Collector’s Box Set or a complete set of red packets featuring all 43 Dragon designs, online giveaways will be hosted on the ‘I Love Museums’ Facebook page. Don’t miss out on this special celebration that combines art, culture, and the spirit of the Lunar New Year!
9. Try Some Family Reunion Dinner Cooking Class
This Chinese New Year, elevate your family reunion dinner to a whole new level by turning it into a unique and interactive experience through enrolling in a Chinese cooking class. As the aroma of festive dishes fills the air, there’s no better way to foster a sense of togetherness than by collectively diving into the art of Chinese cuisine.
Enrolling in a cooking class offers not just a chance to learn culinary skills but also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds.
10. Enjoy a Quality Time with Lunar New Year Movie Marathon
Transform your home into a cinematic haven this Lunar New Year by organizing a movie marathon that entertains and educates. Curate a selection of family-friendly films that spotlight the richness of Chinese culture and traditions. This creates a cosy atmosphere that beckons everyone to relax and spend quality time together.
Extend the movie marathon into a full-fledged Chinese film festival at home. Create a schedule, plan themed snacks, and even add a touch of competition with family film trivia or movie-themed games. This turns your cinematic celebration into a memorable and interactive event.
Document the Lunar New Year movie marathon by capturing candid moments and reactions. Take photos, create a scrapbook, or film short family reviews after each movie. These mementoes will serve as cherished memories, preserving the joy and togetherness experienced during this cinematic celebration.
11. Introduce your family to the art of Chinese tea ceremonies
Amid the bustling Lunar New Year celebrations, take a moment to slow down and embrace tranquillity with a traditional tea appreciation session. Introducing your family to the art of Chinese tea ceremonies is not just about sipping on fragrant teas; it’s a cultural experience that fosters a sense of calm and connection.
Elevate the tea appreciation session by pairing different teas with traditional Chinese snacks. Consider delicate pastries, sweet rice cakes, or even savoury dim sum to complement the tea flavours. This enhances the tasting experience and adds a culinary dimension to your cultural exploration.
Extend the impact of your tea appreciation session by making it a family tradition. Schedule regular tea sessions, allowing family members to revisit the serene ritual and share the experience with others. This nurtures a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and creates a meaningful tradition for future generations.
12. Indulge in a bountiful family reunion dinner
Activities To Do This Chinese New Year 2024 | Image source: iStock
Whether you plan to dine in a restaurant or just lay out a feast at home, there are many Chinese New Year set menus and takeaways for you to enjoy this year. For what is a family reunion without some delicious food?
Usher in the Lunar New Year with a happy and content stomach while also catching up with your loved ones over an intimate dinner.
13. Engage in a Family Craft Day by Making Chinese New Year Decorations
This Chinese New Year, transform your home into a festive haven by engaging in a delightful family craft day. Dive into the world of creativity and tradition as you decorate your Chinese New Year. From personalized red lanterns to intricate paper cuttings and auspicious door couplets, infuse your living spaces with a unique charm that reflects your family’s creativity and the spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Collaborate on a family banner with good wishes and positive affirmations for the New Year. Use a long strip of red paper or fabric, and have each family member contribute a message or drawing. Display this banner prominently in your home as a heartwarming reminder of the collective positivity within your family.
ALSO READ:
11 DIY Chinese New Year Decorations You Can Make Using Red Packets