The year of the Rat is going to make its appearance on January 25, and according to the Chinese zodiac, it signifies wealth, success and surplus. To ring in this auspicious new year, Singapore is pulling out all the stops to celebrate one of the most important holidays that the nation observes.
Singapore’s street parades, light shows, lion dances and fireworks displays promise to be even more impressive for Chinese New Year 2020. Not many other countries commit to celebrating the new year with as much aplomb, grandeur and revelry as Singapore does, so if you happen to be visiting, you’ve come at the right time! This year’s festivities, which start on January 25 and run till February 8, are looking to be bigger and brighter than ever.
With the celebratory period fast approaching, it’s time to plan your calendar of activities. Get excited—Singapore is full of amazing events for you, your family and your friends to welcome in the year of the Rat with a bang.
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations
Chingay Parade
Besides being one of the most awaited events of Chinese New Year in Singapore, the Chingay Parade is also one of the largest street performances and float parades in the whole of Asia. It represents Singapore’s famous multicultural heritage, bringing together Chinese, Malays, Hindus and others alike in celebration.
Chinese New Year would not be the same without the parade’s incredible displays—dramatic floats, dancing dragons and street performers of all kinds (we’re talking clowns, dancers, even acrobats!)—and shows of fireworks, lights and pyrotechnics.
Website: https://www.chingay.org.sg / Dates: Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 / Venue: F1 Pit Building / Address: 1 Republic Blvd., Singapore 038975 / Price: From S$28.50
Chinese New Year at Universal Studios Singapore
Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2020
River Hongbao Carnival
On Chinese New Year in Singapore, it’s part of celebratory tradition to visit the amazing River Hongbao Carnival at the Floating Platform at Marina Bay. It’s an epic celebration of live performances, cultural and folk shows and fantastic street food—plus rides, crafts and games for the whole family.
The Floating Platform at Marina Bay will be decked out in full Chinese New Year decorations, with dazzling light displays and colourful lanterns. Some must-see events at the River Hongbao Carnival include the 18-metre God of Fortune, a star-studded music festival with artists from all over the world, and daily fireworks displays.
Website: http://www.riverhongbao.sg/ / Dates: Jan. 23 – Feb. 1 / Venue: The Float at Marina Bay / Address: 20 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039805 / Price: Free
Spring Surprise
The ever-beautiful setting of the Gardens by the Bay has its own array of events and performances for welcoming in another year of happiness and prosperity.
Bask among the flora in the gardens and participate in the New Year festivities. There will be Chinese orchestra performances, traditional lion dances, shadow puppet shows, a festive bazaar and meet-and-greets with the God of Fortune.
As part of Spring Surprise, there will be performances of The Story of Nian (featuring music, puppetry and drama) will as well as the Golden Pyro Dragon Dance.
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html / Dates: Jan. 27 – Feb. 9 / Venue: Gardens by the Bay / Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr., Singapore
018953 / Price: Various prices
Huat Huat Land
Appreciate the illuminated murals of Chinese New Year celebrations at Huat Huat Land, designed by creative illustrator Lee Xin Li. There is an augmented reality (AR) display of a red packet that delivers sights, sounds and even smells of longtime Chinese New Year traditions.
Website: https://www.singaporeccc.org.sg/ / Dates: Now – Feb. 8 / Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) / Address: Raffles Place, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906 / Price: Free
Abundance in the Sea
Surround yourself with a kaleidoscope of colours at S.E.A. Aquarium this Lunar New Year. Step into the aquarium as it transforms into an Instagrammable cave adorned with festive décor and displays. Meet eight iconic marine animals commonly connected to wealth, prosperity or even customary CNY essentials including the spotted mouse grouper and the yellow-hued pineapple fish. But don’t leave without catching the Underwater Dragon dance where 40,000 marine inhabitants delight you with a spellbinding show at the Open Ocean Habitat.
Website: https://www.rwsentosa.com/seaa-cny / Dates: Now – Feb. 9 / Venue: SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa / Address: Sentosa Island
8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269 / Price: From S$41
/TISG