The lunar new year festivities are in full swing and we’re extra thrilled this year because it’s the first time in two years that we’ll be able to gather without COVID-19 restrictions. As you shop for festive goodies and plan your visiting outfits, why not make a beeline to these fun celebratory events? Perfect for family bonding and quality time with your better half, these Chinese New Year activities will make the Year of the Rabbit your most memorable yet.
1. Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Celebrations
After a two-year hiatus, Chinatown’s Chinese New Year celebrations have returned in full force, including street light-ups, weekly stage shows, and a shopping bazaar with a whooping 280 stalls. This will all culminate in a countdown party on the eve of the Lunar New Year, while the festivities will continue to run until February 19. Presented under the overarching theme of “Leaping into the Prosperous Year of the Rabbit, the light-up will feature photo-worthy dioramas along New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, and Upper Cross Street. A must-see is a 10m centerpiece of a multi-generational rabbit family coming together for the Lunar New Year season.
More information here.
2. Bunny-ful Blessings at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Usher in the Year of the Water Rabbit by checking out these adorable daruma dolls shaped like bunnies at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall from now until February 19. Created in collaboration with Hong Kong illustrator and designer Chan Siu Kau, the outdoor installation features two 2.5m tall daruma dolls that represent blessings of good fortune, luck, and happiness. Other complimentary festive activities include a lion and dragon dance performance, as well as a God of Fortune visit. Families with little ones can also sign up for a tangyuan workshop and free activities including colouring, origami folding, and storytelling sessions.
More information here.
3. Chingay Parade at F1 Pit Building
Set to the theme of “Embrace Tomorrow”, the highly-anticipated festive parade will be returning on February 3 and 4 after two years of hybrid and digital celebrations. The weekend will feature vibrant Chingay floats alongside 17 community co-created mini floats, as well as a street-style container art installation designed by homegrown artist Sam Lo and 480 youths. Happening at the F1 Pit Building, the show will also be taken to several residential estates, allowing heartland residents to enjoy snippets of the main parade and its performances.
More information here.
4. Haidilao Hot Pot pop-up at Ice Magic
Make your reunion dinner extra special this year by enjoying Haidilao hotpot at Ice Magic, Singapore’s biggest pop-up winter wonderland at the Bayfront event space. The popular hot pot chain from Sichuan, China will be popping up from January 13 to 29, with sets available for groups of two, four, and six (from $248 for two pax). Guests can pick from either the Hi Magic Beef or Hi Magic Pork set, each inclusive of the signature prawn paste, sliced fish, chicken, cheese tofu, and vegetables platter. While the pop-up is only available for dinner bookings, each package includes entry to Ice Magic and all of its activities, allowing guests to enjoy a 70-metre snow slide, snow curling, and more.
More information here.
5. Dahlia Dreams at Gardens By The Bay
Immerse yourself in the enchanting sights of vibrant dahlias, as part of Gardens By The Bay’s annual floral display. Happening from January 13 to February 26, the display pays homage to the Year of the Rabbit with 100 incarnations of cute rabbits including figurines, lanterns, and even a 1.5m artistic sculpture made of driftwood. Admire 40 varieties of dahlias from Europe, nurtured to bloom locally from tubers thanks to the Gardens’ horticulturists, as well as staple festive blooms like chrysanthemum, cymbidium, guzmania, marigold, oncidium, and pussy willow. The highlight is a centrepiece featuring a 6m-tall River Hongpao display that pays homage to the Aesop fable tale “The Hare and the Tortoise.”
More information here.
6. River Hongpao at Gardens By The Bay
Happening alongside Gardens By The Bay’s festive floral display, this year’s River Angpao will feature 30 giant lanterns, amusement rides, and live performances by local talents. Best of all, entry is free and visitors will be able to enjoy both physical and virtual events without pre-booking tickets online. Visitors can look forward to seeing lanterns of Chinese deities such as the God of Fortune and the 12 zodiac animals, along with luck and love predictions in the new lunar year. Meanwhile, amusement rides include a double-storey carousel, a giant inflatable playground, and bumper car rides.
More information here.
BLACK FLY BIRD 