Singapore is a riot of colors and lights during the Chinese New Year festivities.
You can soak it all up at the Chinatown Street Light Up where lively performances, lion dances, and bazaars complement fantastic decorations, colorful lanterns and stunning arrangements.
Besides the events held in Chinatown, Lunar New Year highlights in Singapore also include the iconic River Hongbao Carnival, the Chingay Parade and of course the Fireworks!
Celebrations run for several weeks, so if you happen to be in town around January or February, chances are you will catch some exciting event or festival. So take note, there is lots happening, here's what's on this Chinese New Year in Singapore!
Singapore Chinese New Year Celebrations 2020
Welcoming The Year Of The Rat
- Chinese New Year Light Up - January 4 - February 22, 2020
- Chinese New Year Countdown Party - January 24, 2020
- Festive Street Bazaar - January 3 - 24, 2020
- Lion Dance Competition - January 11 - 12, 2020
- Chingay Parade in Chinatown - February 2, 2020
River Hongbao Carnival - January 23 - February 1, 2020
Chingay Parade - January 31 - February 1, 2020
Chinese New Year Fireworks - Midnight New Year's Eve January 24, 2020 and nightly at 10:00 pm at River Hongbao Carnival
All events are free to the public unless stated otherwise.
Chinatown Celebrations and Chinese New Year Light Up
Thousands of handcrafted lanterns are prepared months in advance for the coming celebration.
The festival light up normally runs along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge and it is a fantastic display of lights and a flurry of colors.
The colorful displays are inspired by the upcoming year's Chinese Zodiac animal...
...The Year of the Horse...
...The Year of the Goat...
...As well as many traditional symbols...
One of the highlights is the official Light-Up Opening Ceremony that launches the Chinatown celebrations which features performances by local and Chinese troupes of acrobats, cultural acts and lots of noisy firecrackers and fireworks.
When: January 4 - February 22, 2020
Where: Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge
Chinese New Year Countdown Party
When: January 24, 2020 from 9:30 pm onwards
Where: Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road
A Festive Street Bazaar opens a couple of weeks before the New Year so everyone can prepare and buy decorations, small presents, flowers and plants, red envelopes, etc.
When: January 3 to 24, 2020 - 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm On New Year's Eve open throughout until 1:00 am New Year's Day
Where: Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street
Also prior to the kick-off celebrations is the Lion Dance Championship competition, lots of drumming, dancing, jumping and twirling action.
When: January 11 - 12, 2020 6:00 pm
Where: Kreta Ayer People's Theatre
How Much: S$15, both days S$25
And the Chingay Parade (see below) also makes an appearance this year in Chinatown.
When: February 2, 2020 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Wait, there's more... wishing trees, nightly stage shows... For this year's full line up of events in Chinatown, check the official site http://chinatownfestivals.sg/
River Hongbao Carnival
The River Hongbao Carnival is another tradition during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Singapore. With its stunning setting in the Floating Platform at Marina Bay, this epic festival celebrates with a flood of lights and colorful lanterns...
...live performances, lion dances, acrobats, cultural and folk shows...
...and this being Singapore, of course fantastic street food!
For kids, the rides, crafts and games are a great magnet!
River Hongbao Carnival 2020
Highlights are the God of Fortune towering 18m high and showering the crowds with gold confetti... star-studded music festival... overseas performing groups... and several fireworks sessions every night. See times here.
When: January 23 - February 1, 2020 - 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm, extended to 1:00 am on New Year's Eve
Where: The Float @ Marina Bay
How Much: FREE
More Info: www.riverhongbao.sg.
Chingay Parade 2020
Not uniquely a "Chinese" event, the Chingay Parade embraces Singapore's iconic multicultural heritage and soul and has traditionally been held during the Lunar New Year festivities bringing together Chinese, Malays, Hindus... and the many lands that make up the country's identity.
It is a fantastic display of colorful floats, dragons, dancers and performers, clowns, acrobats... It is Asia's largest street performance and float parade.
Chingay 2020:
When: Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1st, 2020 - 8:00 pm
Where: F1 Pit Building next to the Singapore Flyer
How Much: S$28.50 - S$60.00 Ages 2+, infant-in-arm is discouraged
More Info, Tickets and Parade Route: www.chingay.org.sg.
Chingay 2020 in Chinatown
When: February 2, 2020 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Singapore Chinese New Year Fireworks 2020
Spectacular fireworks displays will lit up the Singapore skies in grand style to welcome the Year of the Rat at midnight on New Year's Eve which this year will be on January 24, 2020. Catch a fantastic show at:
- River Hongbao Carnival at The Float @ Marina Bay
- Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party at Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road
And if you missed it on New Year's Eve, River Hongbao Carnival will stage the fantastic synchronised fireworks and lasers show every night during the carnival at either 9:00 pm or 10:00pm. Check the schedule here.
Chinese New Year Celebrations Around The World
Let's Celebrate!
filling each day with peak of health...
abundance of happiness...
bountiful prosperity...
and Zen like serenity...
You can decorate easily with traditional or battery-operated lanterns, paper cuttings, lucky coins and banners to add a splash to the celebrations!
More Chinese New Year Traditions and Celebrations
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