While Singapore does not experience four seasons, the city’s personality is defined by its cultural diversity and heritage. There are always festivities and celebrations happening all-year-round. Shortly after the Christmas festivities and New Year’s Eve countdown celebration, once again, we’re caught up in the festive spirit.
It’s the time of the year to paint the town red and spot the zodiac of the year emblazoned everywhere – shopping mall décor, billboard ads, accessories, etc. These are the harbingers of Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival in Singapore. And we’re expecting our Instagram stories to be filled with Chinese New Year’s filters and boomerang clips of Lou Hei.
This year, Chinese New Year falls on the January 25th and the festival will last till February 8th.
Here are 8 events to mark the start of an auspicious new year!
1. Dahlia Dreams – The Heavenly Race @ Gardens by the Bay (17 Jan – 23 Feb 2020)
A visual triumph, Dahlia Dreams – The Heavenly Race, is the first-ever collaboration with Beijing Florascape Co., Ltd. in Southeast Asia, that is famous for their delicate Mosaiculture. Marvel at giant-like topiary of the zodiac animals made of dahlias and find yourself in a larger-than-life Chinese painting, featuring peach blossoms, a pavilion, and diorama cut-outs of cranes and mountains.
On a side note, not sure why but the artwork of Dahlia Dreams reminds me of Crazy Rich Asian’s film poster.
When: 17 Jan to 23 Feb 2020 Where: Flower Dome @ Gardens by the Bay 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 Hours: Daily 9AM to 9PM Admission charge to Flower Dome applies.
2. Spring Surprise @ Gardens by the Bay (27 Jan to 9 Feb 2020)
Remember Miranda Priestly’s snarky remark in The Devil Wears Prada? But nothing depicts ‘Spring is here’ better than flowers.
Apart from the gorgeous floral displays, Gardens by the Bay has a line-up of programmes to usher in Year of Rat, there’s something for everyone! There will be a fireworks display, storytelling through shadow puppetry, Chinese orchestra, and a festive bazaar.
When: 27 Jan to 9 Feb 2020 Where: Flower Dome @ Gardens by the Bay 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 Hours: Daily 9AM to 9PM Admission charge to Flower Dome applies. For more information, click here.
3. River Hongbao
Now in its 34th edition, River Hongbao is a celebration of all things Chinese New Year and an iconic festival in Singapore since 1987. Look out for the twelve zodiac animals which will display your yearly fortune predictions and taste a variety of snacks from the different major Chinese dialects groups in Singapore. There will also be thrill rides, carnival games, and even an exhibition made out of hundreds of red packets to showcase the custom of giving out red packets practised by ethnic Chinese communities all over the world. Last but not least, there will be a spectacular fireworks show at River Hongbao to put you in a celebratory mood.
When: 23 Jan to 1 Feb 2020 Where: The Float @ Marina Bay Hours: Daily 2PM to 11PM Admission is free.
4. Huat Huat Land @ Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Huat ah! A Chinese dialect expression that is commonly used to wish oneself prosperity in Singapore. What if we told you that there is such a place made for that phrase? Enter Huat Huat Land at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC).
This year, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre transforms its rooftop garden into an insta-worthy Huat Huat Land featuring thematic illuminations such as golden pineapples, neon-lit mah-jong tiles and a pile of gold. Besides striking a pose for the ‘gram, Huat Huat Land has incorporated augmented reality (AR) technology to showcase Chinese New Year customs.
Gather your families and friends for a fun night out at Huat Huat Land to soak up the festive atmosphere!
When: 1 Jan to 8 Feb 2020 Where: SCCC Roof Garden, Rooftop Hours: Daily 9AM to 9PM Free Admission.
5. Get A Zodiac Bodypainting @ Esplanade Concourse (1 & 2 Feb 2020)
If your kids or the young ones are feeling bored during this festive period, we recommend a trip to this bodypainting workshop held in Esplanade Concourse as part of the Huayi Festival also known as Chinese Festival of Arts. They can have their Chinese Zodiac animals painted on them in this workshop.
When: 1 & 2 Feb 2020 Where: Esplanade Course 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981 Hours: Daily 3PM to 7PM Limited to the 150 participants per day.
6. The Beauty of Spring @ One Raffles Place (7 Jan to 24 Jan 2020)
If you’re not up for re-watching classic films like God of Gamblers by Stephen Chow with your families and friends at home, how about meeting God of Fortune, for real?
Singapore’s God of Fortune Master Bro Alec Chia will be spreading food fortune to everyone at One Raffles Place on these auspicious dates (13, 15, 20 and 22 January). Don’t miss this opportunity to find out what the Year of the Rat has in store for you.
Also, if you’re shopping for your CNY outfits and goodies during this period from 7 Jan to 24 Jan at One Raffles Place, you can stand a chance to win shopping vouchers and exclusive red packets.
When: 7 Jan to 24 Jan 2020 Where: One Raffles Place 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981 Hours: Daily 10AM to 9PM For more information, click here. Admission is free.
7. Chingay Parade 2020 – Colours in Harmony (31 Jan and 1 Feb 2020)
Chingay means ‘the art of costume and masquerade’ and is derived from the Hokkien Chinese term 妆艺. It is Singapore’s largest street performances, Chingay is celebrated over two nights which sees different groups and races come together to put on a colourful display.
Now in its 48th edition, the theme for Chingay 2020 is ‘Colours in Harmony’ which will be expressed through the use of colours to symbolise Singapore’s cultural diversity. Marvel at street floats, dancers, acrobats, and many other electrifying performances!
When: 31 Jan & 1 Feb 2020 Where: F1 Pit Building Hours: 8PM to 9:45PM Admission charges apply. Click here for more information.
8. Chinese New Year Celebration @ Chinatown (CNY’s Eve of 24th Jan 2020)
Instead of watching the Chinese New Year’s Eve countdown celebration at home, why not experience it at Chinatown? Usher in the Year of the Rat with live performances and a rousing countdown celebration with MediaCorp artistes. There will be a medley of festive songs, skits and interactive games. We think this is a quintessential Chinese New Year experience in Singapore. You still can do your last-minute shopping as the countdown party culminates with rousing firecrackers and a spectacular display of fireworks.
Where: 24 Jan 2020 Where: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street Hours: 9:30PM – 12:30AM Admission is free.
