11 Chinese New Year Activities To Soak In The Festive Vibes With The Fam

Say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and welcome the Year of the Snake! This Chinese New Year, Singapore is bursting with family-friendly CNY activities to help you ring in the festivities. Whether it’s giant board games, life-sized Lego adventures, or dazzling street light-ups, you won’t run out of things to do.

These celebrations are a great opportunity to combine family bonding time with cultural appreciation. Picture your little ones mesmerised by lion dances or trying their hands at crafting activities, while you enjoy soaking in the festive buzz. 

Ready to dive into the action? We’ve rounded up the best Chinese New Year events happening across Singapore in 2025. Simply bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you need a break from CNY visiting this January and February.

1. River Hongbao 2025

A yearly event since 1987, River Hongbao is back, set against the stunning backdrop of Gardens by the Bay. This year’s 39th edition features mesmerising lantern displays that are a highlight for both kids and adults. Step into a world of light and colour with favourites like the God of Fortune, promising luck and prosperity, and “The Lion City,” a tribute to Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a majestic Merdeka Lion centerpiece. Don’t miss “Joyful Years Ahead,” a nostalgic set-piece that takes you back to the old Wonderland Amusement Park days with the iconic Lion Head Roller Coaster.

As night falls on the first three days, watch the skies light up with firecracker displays to commemorate SG60. These spectacular shows will take place at 8pm on Jan 27 and 29, and at midnight on 28th January to usher in the Year of the Snake. 

Families will also enjoy amusement rides like the Double-Storey Horse Carousel, the only one in Singapore, and other thrilling rides such as the Euro Swing and Mini Viking. When hunger strikes, stroll through the food street offering local treats like Muah Chee and international delights from Turkish kebabs to Japanese Takoyaki.

When: Jan 27 to Feb 5, 2025
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
How much: Free
More info: riverhongbao.sg

2. Spring Blossoms at Gardens by the Bay

Also at Gardens by the Bay is Spring Blossoms, a floral display inspired by the Legend of the White Snake, one of China’s four great folklores. Located in the Flower Dome, the highlight of the display is a stunning 4.5m-tall floral sculpture of Madam White Snake. This masterpiece, crafted using mosaiculture, showcases intricate three-dimensional artistry with living plants. 

Adding to the splendour are over 1,000 dahlias, including five new varieties introduced this year. These vibrant flowers symbolise prosperity and fresh beginnings, making it a perfect reminder for the whole fam this Chinese New Year. So head down in your best festive outfits and cameras for a family photo with the garden’s stunning displays as your backdrop!

When: Jan 17 to Feb 23, 2025, 9am to 9pm
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
How much: Admission charges to the Flower Dome applies
More info: gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/spring-blossoms-2025.html

3. Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival

Soak in the festive spirit at the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration 2025, where dazzling lights and lively activities set the mood for a prosperous year ahead. From Jan 8 to Feb 27, the historic streets of Chinatown transform into a glowing wonderland themed "Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year."

The highlight is the Street Light-Up, with stunning lantern displays illuminating New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, Upper Cross Street, and South Bridge Road from 7pm to midnight daily. On the first day of Chinese New Year (Jan 29), the lights stay on until 6am, creating a magical late-night atmosphere.

This year’s centrepiece is a snake-themed display in honour of the Year of the Snake. Look out for a majestic snake coiled around a tree brimming with gold coins, surrounded by a bed of golden ingots. Adding to the excitement are SG60-themed lanterns along the central median and auspicious symbols like pineapples, ingots, and lucky sayings.

Don’t miss the vibrant weekend stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square, the Festive Fairs at People’s Park Square, and the grand countdown party on Jan 28 at Banda Street. 

When: Until Feb 27, 2025
Where: New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, Upper Cross Street and South Bridge Road
How much: Free
More info: chinatownfestivals.sg

4. CNY happenings at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport

Over at Jewel Changi Airport, the Canopy Park has been transformed into a festive Pop Mart wonderland! The young ones will adore meeting their favourite Pop Mart characters, including Molly, Skullpanda, and Dimoo, against a backdrop of vibrant florals and whimsical displays. Highlights include a magical forest journey with Hacipupu, a concert by Labubu, and plenty of photo opportunities with Sweet Bean and Pino Jelly at Petal Garden and Foggy Bowls.

For collectors, Jewel’s Pop Mart store offers exclusive merchandise, including the Wealthy Snake’s New Year Celebration Block Figures and a limited-edition mahjong set inspired by Pop Mart characters. Make a same-day spend of $388 to pre-purchase the mahjong set at $298, which includes a free pair of Mastercard Canopy Bridge tickets worth $27.80. This playful twist on the classic game would be perfect for reunion dinners!

Over at Changi Airport, shop for festive goodies and snag adorable Sanrio collectibles like Hello Kitty red packets and Mandarin orange bags with minimum spending. Online shoppers can enjoy exclusive Sanrio items on iShopChangi, while Changi Rewards members score double savings during the Lunar New Year.

And here’s something to take part in, especially for the zodiac signs enjoying good fortune this year - Snakes, we’re looking at you. Jewel visitors have a chance to win luxurious Starlux business class tickets to Taipei with a minimum spend of $38 at Canopy Park. What better way to kickstart a prosperous new year?

When: Until Feb 28, 2025
Where: Changi Airport (60 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819643) and Canopy Park at Jewel Changi Airport (78 Airport Blvd, Level 5, Singapore 819666)
How much: $6-$8 for entrance to the Canopy Park
More info: instagram.com/jewelchangiairport

5. Chingay 2025

Immerse your family in the vibrant celebrations at the iconic Chingay Parade 2025. Held on 7 and 8 February 2025 at the F1 Pit Building, this annual parade is a dazzling showcase of floats, lion and dragon dancers, and more. 

This year’s theme, Joy, transforms the parade into a “Food Wonderland,” celebrating Singapore’s love for food and togetherness. Families can look forward to “Family Joy,” with spaces to enjoy quality time; “Community Joy,” highlighting diverse cultural stories; and “National Joy,” commemorating Singapore’s 60th birthday with a breathtaking display of 60 lion dancers.

The parade’s immersive layout brings you closer to the action, with over 4,000 performers from 150 organisations showcasing their talents in a grand spectacle. Expect food-inspired floats, intricate costumes, vibrant performances, and possibly fireworks to end the night on a high.

Tickets range from $20 to $60, with free entry for lap-sitting toddlers aged 2 and under. PAssion Card Members can enjoy discounts, so grab your tickets early and treat your family to this unforgettable festive celebration!

When: Feb 7 and 8, 2025, 8pm
Where: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
How much: $20-$60
More info: www.chingay.gov.sg

6. Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Singapore

Amidst all the feasting and socialising, sometimes you just need a fun break from CNY visiting. Why not make full use of the public holidays to spend some time with the kids at Universal Studios Singapore? 

They'll be thrilled to meet Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda during Po's Parade of Prosperity. The duo will spread festive cheer across the park, sharing lucky fortune cookies and warm greetings along the way. Be sure to join the parade to catch all the action and excitement.

Keep your camera ready for festive meet-and-greet sessions with your favourite characters, dressed in their Chinese New Year best. And while you’re at it, don’t miss a stroll down Auspicious Cherry Blossom Street, where you’ll find vibrant blooms perfect for snapping extra-lucky pictures. It’s a serene way to soak in the festive atmosphere between rides and shows.

When: Jan 22 to Feb 12, 2025
Where: Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
How much: $59-$62 per child and $74-$83 per adult
More info: rwsentosa.com/en/play/universal-studios-singapore/chinese-new-year-2025

7. Hasbro at VivoCity

Take a trip down memory lane and celebrate Chinese New Year with Hasbro’s iconic Monopoly at VivoCity. This January, the mall’s Outdoor Plaza transforms into a life-sized Monopoly board, complete with a towering 3m-tall Mr. Monopoly in the centre. Perfect for kids and parents alike, this immersive experience combines nostalgia with fun, making it a must-visit spot this festive season.

Indoors, Vivocity’s annual Chinese New Year Fair by Tangs is back, featuring 49 booths from local and international brands. Stock up on premium seafood from Kitaguni, like sashimi-grade snow crab and Hokkaido scallops, or grab flash-frozen options from The Seafood Co. to make reunion dinner prep easier. Got a sweet tooth? Look out for Taiwan’s Sugar & Spice and August Baking Studio for delicious CNY treats.

Shop more to enjoy exclusive rewards, gift-with-purchase premiums, and bundle deals, especially if you’re a VivoRewards member (registration is free via the app). VivoCity Kids Club members can also look forward to exciting activities tailored for the little ones. But that’s not all — add to the festivities with lion dance performances and meet-and-greets with the Fu Lu Shou mascots.

When: Jan 7 to 28, 2025
Where: VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
How much: Free
More info: instagram.com/vivocitysingapore

8. Celestial: Light To Night At ACM

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Chinese New Year with the family? Celestial: Light to Night at ACM offers a magical mix of light, art, and cultural performances from Jan 17 to Feb 6. 

Start with We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth, an outdoor light installation where children can step into a kaleidoscope of reflections inspired by the elegance of pagodas. Over at the Extension Wing, the vibrant Unsung Threads animation brings the Singapore River’s history to life with colourful motifs, a visual treat for curious little minds. Both installations are part of this year’s Light to Night Singapore programming.

Kids will love Getai Glow: Music in Motion, featuring live music and a glowing mobile float, and the chance to stargaze by the river under expert guidance - a unique way to introduce astronomy. Don’t miss the lively Dance of the Dragon, where a glowing dragon weaves through the crowd in a mesmerising dance of light and rhythm.

Get your creative juices flowing with craft activities like creating pagoda-inspired decoden mirrors and exploring Chinese opera costumes, which promise to keep little ones engaged. Finally, wrap up the experience at Wormhole's Night at the Museum with a pop-up market and interactive game, perfect for an evening of family fun.

When: Jan 17 to Feb 6, 2025
Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
How much: Free admission to most activities
More info: go.gov.sg/celestial

9. Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2025

Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2025 is taking place at Safra Punggol this year, following the renovation of the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Families can enjoy a vibrant line-up of activities designed for all ages. 

The festival’s workshops are perfect for mother-child bonding, providing fun and enriching experiences. For hands-on fun, join the Parent-Child Snakelet Pineapple Tarts Workshop, where you and your little ones can create adorable snake-shaped treats under expert guidance. 

Dive into tradition at the Yuan Xiao Storytelling and Tangyuan Workshop, blending captivating tales with rainbow-hued tangyuan-making. Little performers can step into festive roles with the Children’s Lion Dance Workshop, trying on costumes and learning dance moves, or unleash their inner drummer at the Festive Chinese Drums Workshop, complete with a take-home drum to continue the fun.

Additionally, free drop-in activities add to the excitement. Kids can design Chinese opera masks, create zodiac ink rubbing art, or discover the legend of Madame White Snake through stamp printing. Meanwhile, storytelling sessions and mini-games offer even more opportunities to connect with culture.

Wrap up your visit with live performances, including the rare Hakka Qilin Dance and live Chinese music at the atrium.

When: Feb 8 and 9, 2025, 11am to 5.30pm
Where: Safra Punggol, 9 Sentul Cres, Singapore 828654
How much: Free admission with ticketed activities
More info: sysnmh.org.sg/en/whats-on/events/wan-qing-festival-of-spring-2025

10. CNY Weekend Market at Cosford Container Park

Cosford Container Park’s CNY Weekend Market is happening on Jan 18 and 19, 2025 — and it’s packed with family-friendly fun! 

Start your weekend on Jan 18 with a vibrant Lion Dance performance, bringing good fortune and plenty of festive cheer. On Jan 19, kids and parents alike will be mesmerised by a roving snake charmer, offering an up-close encounter with the animal of the year. It’s a thrilling experience perfect for snapping photos and creating memorable moments.

For hands-on fun, join the creative workshops available across both days. Kids can enjoy a free lantern-making session, while mums can design a lucky “吉” keychain for just $10, with proceeds going to the Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer.

The CNY Weekend Market is also a fantastic spot to shop for your festive needs. Stock up on delicious goodies like almond cookies and pineapple balls from Phiang Delights or Knead A Dough. Looking to accessorise your CNY outfit? Check out Haeng Bok Clay and AOIFE.U for handmade jewellery, from elegant earrings to chic hair clips.

When: Jan 18 and 19, 2025
Where: Cosford Container Park, 30 Cosford Road, Singapore 499550
How much: Free
More info: cosfordcontainerpark.com

11. Kopitiam’s Lunar New Year Celebration

You wouldn’t normally associate Kopitiam with Chinese New Year celebrations - but we’re here to prove you wrong. This January, Lau Pa Sat and Kopitiam outlets offer the perfect setting for quality bonding time, where festive fun meets delicious food and heartwarming traditions. 

At Lau Pa Sat, don’t miss the life-sized Mickey & Friends Joy of Festival displays, an ideal backdrop for family photos to capture the season’s festive cheer. For interactive fun, kids can dive into the giant Snakes & Slides game, a playful twist on a classic that’s sure to keep them entertained while bringing a nostalgic smile to parents. Add a cultural touch to your outing by discovering your family’s zodiac predictions at the Zodiac Reading Boards.

The festivities don’t stop there! Enjoy flash deals with up to 50% off on Sundays, running until 26 January 2025. Meanwhile, Kopitiam outlets have more treats in store, like the exclusive Taro Toast, perfect for a sweet snack. You can also participate in the Take A Break Festive Lucky Draw for a chance to win up to $8,000 in Linkpoints or redeem playful snake-and-ladder-themed red packets with every Signature Breakfast Set.

When: Until Jan 26, 2025
Where: Kopitiam & Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
How much: Free
More info: www.instagram.com/kopitiam.sg