Lunar New Year happenings around the Island
Ready for another round of festivities? We’ve scoured and researched all about town to bring you our HoneyKids guide on where to go and what to do this Lunar New Year! We’ve even got a handy print-out for you, so just hit print, grab your friends & family, and head out for some New Year fun;
Lion Dances
Boisterous beats performed with traditional drums, cymbals, and gongs set the tone for this spirited and highly animated dance, which mimics a lion’s movements. You can catch a glimpse of the lively art in Chinatown, at the spectacular Gardens by the Bay (18-19 Jan) or a show along the Esplanade waterfront (4 Feb, 645pm) during the Huayi Festival’s Opening Ceremony. Mall rats who relish their air-conditioning will be glad to know that the following malls are organising lion dances – Vivocity (4 Feb), Suntec City (5 Feb, 12-1230pm), Katong V (6 Feb, 130pm), Westgate (7 Feb, 1230pm), IMM (7 Feb, 1030am), Forum the Shopping Mall (8 Feb, 11am).
Festivals
The revelry in Chinatown culminates with Mediacorp’s annual Chinese New Year Eve bash (30 Jan, 930pm – 1230am). Be treated to a medley of festive songs, skits, interactive games, and a spectacular display of (rare) firecrackers and fireworks when the clock strikes the hour.
Another iconic festival you need to know is the River Ang Bao (29 Jan – 8 Feb), happening on the floating platform at Marina Bay. The festivities ensue daily 12 – 1130pm, and extend from 12pm – 1am on 30 Jan. Check out the opulent displays of hand-crafted lantern, cultural acts from Yunnan Opera Theatre, and make sure you’re cam-ready when the fireworks go off against the backdrop of Singapore’s cityscape!
Pay a visit to our favourite island this New Year. Stretching from Merlion Plaza to Beach Station, Sentosa (31 Jan – 2 Feb, 11am – 930pm) will be bringing out the big guns with aerial acrobatics, adorable performances by the furry northern lions, and a luminous LED dragon dance.
Dive into a sea of celebrations at S.E.A Aquarium (31 Jan – 9 Feb) where you can greet the family of seahorses and seadragons and be entertained by a bonanza of street magic, stilt walkers, acrobatics, and other kid-friendly activities. Don’t be surprised if you spot the divers at the Open Ocean Habitat performing underwater festive greetings!
National Museum Open House
Usher in the New Year with a dose of art and culture. The National Museum will be holding its Chinese New Year Open House (31 Jan – 1 Feb, 10am – 6pm) and offering a host of free activities like storytelling sessions, face painting, and craft workshops. Best part? Free admission to special exhibitions – A Changed World: Singapore Art 1950s – 1970s and Singapore Biennale, we’re so there!
Chingay Parade
Grand intricately-crafted floats, lively dragon puppets, prancing lion dancers, stilt walkers, and street performers decked in traditional costumes – you can see why the Chingay Parade (7 – 8 Feb, 8pm) is one of the largest and most celebrated street float parades in Asia. Be down early to snag a good spot before the crowd pours in!
Street Light Up
This Lunar New Year, the rustic streets of Chinatown will be adorned with illuminated life-size horse figurines and over 2000 ‘floating’ gold coins (11 Jan – 28 Feb). Specially designed by students from Singapore University of Technology and Design and produced by skilled craftsmen from Chengdu, China, it’ll be a magnificent visual display and an absolute feast for the eyes.
Wishing Tree
Inspired by the ancient banyan tree in Lam Tsuen (Hong Kong), which draws an eager crowd who leave their special wishes, Chinatown Point will be installing its very own wishing tree (7 Jan – 14 Feb). Try your hand at tossing mandarin oranges, with your wishes tied to the fruit, onto the tree. If they manage to stay on the tree, your wish just might come true!
Festive Street Bazaar
Lunar New Year isn’t complete without a chow down on some of its famous goodies and snacks. Take a stroll down the massive festive street bazaar (10 – 30 Jan), stretching from Pagoda Street to Temple Street, and feast on the spread of delectable New Year treats on sale, from sweet cookies to roast meats, preserved fruits to traditional cakes. Bazaar is open 6 – 1030pm daily, and 6pm – 1am on Lunar New Year Eve. Be sure to soak in the brilliant lights and decorations, and pick up a few trinkets to give your home a festive makeover.
Fireworks
For the folks who are all about the fireworks, whip out your black books and take note – Marina Bay and Chinatown. Camp along the waterfront (or we recommend grabbing a spot along the Helix Bridge) to ensure you get an unobstructed view of the amazing fireworks. Fireworks go off at Marina Bay on 29 Jan at 8pm and at midnight (after the River Ang Bao party) on 30 Jan. If you’re caught in the chaos in Chinatown on Chinese New Year Eve (30 Jan), heads up when the clock strikes twelve, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular display of colour and lights!
Images: Your Singapore, Sentosa, Chingay Parade, Chinatown Festivals