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 2019
Welcoming The Year Of The Pig
- Chinese New Year Light Up - January 20 - March 6, 2019
- Chinese New Year Countdown Party - February 4, 2019
- Festive Street Bazaar - January 18 - February 4, 2019
- Lion Dance Competition - January 26, 2019
- Chingay Parade in Chinatown - February 17, 2019
River Hongbao Carnival - February 3-10, 2019
Chingay Parade - February 15 - 16, 2019
Chinese New Year Fireworks - Midnight New Year's Eve February 4, 2019 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 20 - March 6, 2019
Where: Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge
Chinese New Year Countdown Party
When: February 4, 2019 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 18 to February 4, 2019 - 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 26, 2019 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Where: Kreta Ayer Square
How Much: S$10
And the Chingay Parade (see below) also makes an appearance this year in Chinatown.
When: February 17, 2019 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 2019
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: February 3 - 10, 2019 - 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 2019
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 2019: Dreams Funtastia
When: February 15 - 16, 2019 - 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 2019 in Chinatown
When: February 17, 2019 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Singapore Chinese New Year Fireworks 2019
Spectacular fireworks displays will lit up the Singapore skies in grand style to welcome the Year of the Pig at midnight on New Year's Eve which this year will be on February 4, 2019. 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 10:00
Chinese New Year Celebrations Around The World
filling each day with peak of health...
abundance of happiness...
bountiful prosperity...
and Zen like serenity...
Let's Celebrate!
You can decorate easily with traditional or battery-operated lanterns, paper cuttings, lucky coins and banners to add a splash to the celebrations!
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