Come down to Singapore and experience a unique way of ushering the Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year, which is also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most anticipated celebrations among the Chinese. It begins on the first day of the first month and ends on 15 January, according to the Chinese Lunar calendar.

A few weeks before Chinese New Year, families start buying new clothes and Chinese New Year goodies such as pineapple tarts and love letters. They would also decorate their houses with red colour paper-cuts and couplets usually with more popular themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”.

Chinese New Year Eve, which is also known as Chúxī in Mandarin, is the day where families gather together to have a sumptuous reunion dinner at the home of the eldest family member. Fish and chicken will always be served as they are identified as prosperous dishes by the Chinese. After a sumptuous dinner, some families head down to Chinatown to experience the festival with the crowd.

During the next 3 days of Chinese New Year, everyone would celebrate the beginning of spring in buoyant spirits. Visiting the home of relatives and friends would be the main activity throughout the 3 days as a form of celebration. This is when the host of each house will serve yummy New Year goodies accompanied with drinks. "Hong Baos", also known as Red Packets, are given as a form of good luck from married couples to non-married ones including children.

Eating Yu Sheng (Raw Fish Salad) during Chinese New Year is also another traditional practice. Before eating Yu Sheng people would gather around a table with chopsticks to toss the dish as high as possible. It is believed that the higher you toss, the more prosperity you will receive. So remember, when tossing Yu Sheng, try to toss it as high as possible!

What is in store for you during Chinese New Year?

Chinatown!

Chinatown is Singapore’s oldest ethnic district with over a hundred years of history. This is the place to be at after a scrumptious reunion dinner. One can enjoy strolling down the streets of Chinatown as it comes alive with its spectacular display of lights and dazzling stage show performances by some of Singapore's celebrities. One can also purchase New Year goodies such as sweets, chocolates, love letters and many other goodies at the bustling festive street bazaar.

River Hongbao!


The River Hongbao, held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, is an annual Chinese New Year cultural event that has been taking place ever since 1987. The magnificent display of popular Chinese mythical characters such as the God of Fortune and other colourful displays will ensure that you a memorable experience that you will never forget. In addition, there will be decorative lights on land as well as traditional and contemporary songs and dance performances. In addition, there will also be boisterous firecrackers along with many stalls selling traditional food and delicacies. So remember to go down to Marina Bay with an empty stomach to savour the various delicacies!

Huayi – The Chinese Festival of Arts!

This vibrant event celebrates the talents and diversity of Chinese artists from Singapore and around the world. Immerse yourself in the esplanade theatre with 10 exciting days of rich cultural Chinese music, dance, visual arts and many more. One of the must-watch performances is the “Adventures of the Monkey God in Journey to the West”, puppet-style. Be awestruck by how these professionals use puppets to tell a wonderful story!

More attractions not to be missed!

Jurong Bird Park!


Head down to Jurong Bird Park and celebrate Chinese New Year with the talented birds as they entertain the audience with their intelligent banter wishing one and all a Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Singapore Flyer!


Take a ride on the world’s largest observation wheel during this festive occasion and be mesmerized by the panoramic view of Singapore. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture the captivating scenery of Singapore.
So come down to Singapore and join us in ushering a prosperous year!