January 31, 2026 | 10:16 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore are always a spectacular festivity beloved by many. With the promise of warm family reunions and island-wide festivals, this occasion is more than just a centuries-old tradition.
It is a time when the city slows just enough to honor its heritage while bursting into color, sound, and shared celebration that draws generations and communities together.
To fully indulge in the experience of the special celebration, here’s a local guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore according to Honey Combers and Visit Singapore, including key traditions, must-see celebrations, and more.
Things to Do during Chinese New Year in Singapore
1. Decorate Your Home
In Singaporean homes, Chinese New Year preparations begin with intentional decoration meant to welcome luck and ward off misfortune. Red couplets, lanterns, and the upside-down Fu character are carefully placed as visual prayers for prosperity. The ritual is often completed with auspicious plants, turning living rooms into quiet symbols of renewal and hope.
2. Prepare CNY Snacks
The exchange of Chinese New Year snacks in Singapore is a social ritual that carries both tradition and quiet competition. Usually, homes are judged, lightly but unmistakably, by the quality and creativity of their festive spread.
3. Buying New Clothes
During Chinese New Year in Singapore, buying new clothes ahead of the festivities is a time-honored tradition symbolizing renewal and a fresh start. Modern cheongsams, batik outfits, and bright festive colors reflect how ready you are to ring in the CNY.
4. Enjoy Family Dinner
As Chinese New Year approaches, reunion meals become the centerpiece of celebration, bringing generations together over shared dishes and stories. This makes securing a table at the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore an essential part of the festive preparations.
5. Toss the Yusheng
One of the most recognizable Chinese New Year traditions in Singapore is the lively tossing of yusheng. Known as lo hei, the act brings diners together as they lift the ingredients high while voicing wishes for luck and prosperity.
Must-See Celebrations during Chinese New Year in Singapore
1. Chingay Parade
For many years, the Chingay Parade has stood as one of the most anticipated Chinese New Year festivities in Singapore, bringing communities together through spectacle and performance. This year, the function is set to turn the city into a vibrant showcase of floats, costumes, and high-energy performances. Under the theme “WISH,” it reflects a shared spirit of hope and unity.
2. River Hangbao
River Hongbao remains a cornerstone of Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore, drawing crowds with its scale and spectacle. Held at Gardens by the Bay from February 15 to 24, 2026, the event features giant lanterns, cultural performances, and festive food. The return of fireworks this year adds a celebratory flourish to an already vibrant tradition.
3. Chinatown’s Street Light-Up
The Chinatown Street Light-Up is a highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore, which spans South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road, and Eu Tong Seng Street. Running from January 30 to March 18, 2026, the display is anchored by an 8.8-meter golden horse symbolizing momentum and collective progress.
Ultimately, Chinese New Year in Singapore is a season where tradition and modern life meet in meaningful ways, from intimate family rituals to grand, city-wide celebrations. It is this balance of heritage, community, and celebration that continues to make Chinese New Year one of Singapore’s most cherished times of the year.
Read: Must-See Chinese New Year Celebrations in Hong Kong
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