What to Do on Chinese New Year in Singapore?

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant holiday celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. In Singapore, it is a public holiday and is an opportunity for people to celebrate with their loved ones and participate in a variety of cultural activities.

If you are in Singapore during Chinese New Year, there are many things you can do to join in the festivities and experience the rich culture of the Chinese community. From attending temple fairs and lantern festivals to trying traditional foods and participating in lion dances, there are endless ways to celebrate this special holiday.

7 Things to Do During Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in Singapore and is celebrated by people of Chinese descent. It is typically celebrated over several days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending on the 15th day.

During this time, many people in Singapore participate in a variety of traditional activities to mark the occasion. Here are some things you can do to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore:

1. Attend a Temple Fair

   

   One of the most popular activities during Chinese New Year in Singapore is the temple fair, which is held at various temples throughout the country. Temple fairs are typically held in the days leading up to and during the Chinese New Year period, which falls on a different date each year according to the lunar calendar.

   Temple fairs in Singapore are traditional events that feature a variety of activities and attractions, including food stalls, games, entertainment, and cultural performances. Many temple fairs also include traditional Chinese rituals and religious ceremonies, such as prayer sessions and the burning of incense.

   Temple fairs are open to the public and are a great way to experience the culture and traditions of the Chinese community in Singapore. They are typically crowded and lively events, and are a great opportunity to try different types of traditional Chinese food, watch cultural performances, and participate in games and activities.

2. Participate in Lion and Dragon Dances

   

   During Chinese New Year in Singapore, it is common for lion and dragon dances to be performed as part of the celebrations. Lion dances involve a team of performers dressed in elaborate lion costumes, typically with one performer controlling the head of the lion and others controlling the body and tail.

   The performers mimic the movements of a lion, often to the accompaniment of drums and other musical instruments. Dragon dances, on the other hand, involve a team of performers carrying a large, elaborate dragon costume through the streets, typically accompanied by music and the sound of drums.

   The performers manipulate the body of the dragon to create a sense of movement and bring the dragon to life. Both lion and dragon dances are popular attractions during Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore and are often accompanied by fireworks and other festive activities.

   They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who witness them, and are an important part of Chinese cultural traditions.

3. Enjoy Festive Food
   

   

   Chinese New Year is a time to enjoy delicious food with friends and family. You can simply reserve a spot in a traditional Chinese restaurant or stroll the street food area during the Chinese New Year. Some traditional dishes that are commonly served during the holiday include fish, yusheng, spring rolls, dumplings, noodles, and nian gao (sticky rice cake).

4. Go on a Lantern Walk
   

   

   During Chinese New Year in Singapore, it is common for people to participate in lantern walks as a way to celebrate the holiday. These walks typically take place in the evening and involve walking through the streets or neighborhoods with lanterns that are traditionally made of red paper and decorated with Chinese symbols and designs.

   The lanterns are often carried by hand or mounted on poles, and they are lit up with candles or small light bulbs. Many neighborhoods in Singapore decorate their streets with colorful lanterns during the Chinese New Year. Going on a lantern walk is a great way to take in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the beauty of the lanterns.

5. Exchange Red Envelopes
   

   

   Exchanging red envelopes, also known as hongbao, is a way to wish others good luck and prosperity. In Singapore, it is common for people to give red envelopes to children and younger family members as a symbol of good fortune and to celebrate the new year. Red envelopes are typically given during the Chinese New Year period, which lasts for about two weeks.

   Red envelopes are usually filled with a small amount of money, and are given as a way to show appreciation and respect, as well as to bring good luck for the new year. They are often given to children and younger family members as a way to celebrate the holiday and to wish them a happy and prosperous new year.

6. Watch the Fireworks
   

   

   Fireworks are a traditional part of Chinese New Year celebrations and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. In Singapore, there are typically several fireworks displays held during Chinese New Year, including one at Marina Bay and another at Orchard Road.

   These displays are usually well-attended, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot. You can also try finding a higher vantage point, such as a building or bridge, to get a better view of the fireworks. Don’t forget to follow any safety guidelines or rules that are in place.

7. Decorating Homes and Streets with Red Lanterns and Paper Cuttings
   

   

   Red lanterns are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and are often hung outside homes and businesses during Chinese New Year. Paper cuttings, also known as “jianzhi,” are intricate designs cut out of colored paper and are used to decorate windows, doors, and walls.

   In addition to these decorations, it is also common for people in Singapore to clean their homes, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts with friends and family during the Chinese New Year.