Top Activities to Do on Chinese New Year in Singapore 2026

In Singapore, the Chinese New Year is a lively celebration loaded with tradition, culture, and colour. It’s thus just about the most thrilling time of the entire year to check out the city. Every age group will discover something to appeal to them as streets, gardens, and shopping malls turn into lanterns, concerts, and festive displays.

Families can participate in lively parades, stroll through themed installations, or engage in cultural activities that highlight the significance of the season.

Whether you are looking for high-energy entertainment or more relaxed experiences that concentrate on togetherness and heritage, the festive period provides several ways to celebrate.

In this guide, you will find out about the activities to do on Chinese New Year, along with the event and venue details, and more. So, let’s find out.

1. Chinatown Light-Up & Lion Dance Competitions

In Chinatown, spot shiny lanterns, busy markets, and enjoy lion dance battles at Kreta Ayer. The bright light-up bursts to life on 30 January, with art fun and a big countdown party soon after. This spot is great for families who want rich, lively things to do during the Chinese New Year. You can click photos and soak in the red-and-gold glow while learning about the old ways.

2. River Hongbao 2026 at Gardens by the Bay

Celebrate the 40th year of River Hongbao with glowing lanterns, spinning rides, CNY fireworks, and fun shows at Gardens by the Bay. This big event lights up the nights from 15–18 February. Families can bite into tasty snacks and cheer for performers while they wander through the sparkling Supertree Grove. If you’re looking for free, fun activities to do during Chinese New Year, then this event fills your day with joy, color, and Chinese traditions.

3. Chingay Parade 2026 at F1 Pit Building

Singapore’s biggest parade jumps back with bright floats, dancers, fireworks, and more than 3,000 performers. The Chingay Parade lights up the stage on 27–28 February at the F1 Pit Building. This year’s theme, “Wish,” shines with dreams and cultures for SG60. The prices of Tickets start at SGD20. This is one of the top Chinese New Year family activities that mixes pride, color, and action into one night.

4. The Istana Open House

At The Istana and taste history, music, and fun during its CNY Open House. You can ride along heritage tours, grab bites from food trucks, and buy goodies that help others. Locals get in free, and tours share cool facts about the building. The exact date is coming soon, but it’s usually in February. If you’re looking for calm, thoughtful activities to do on Chinese New Year, then this one brings together peace and tradition.

5. Mofusand CNY Pop-Ups at CapitaLand Malls

The sweet Mofusand cats jump back in time for CNY! You can spot them in costumes at places like Plaza Singapura, Bugis+, and Funan. Families can click photos, try out AR filters, and pick up cute items. These pop-ups stay until 22 February. If you’re out shopping, this is one of the cutest and easiest Chinese New Year family activities to pause for joy during your busy day.

6. JOGUMAN Dinos at 313@Somerset

The JOGUMAN dinos roar into 313@Somerset with fun scenes of lanterns and oranges. Don’t miss the lion dance show on 27 February at the front doors! You can also grab goodies, collect red packets, and snap pictures. This is one of the coolest, casual activities to do during Chinese New Year, great for little ones who love color, fun, and dinosaurs — all in one place!

7. Prosperity BrickLand at Marina Square

Kids can zoom through this brick-built playground packed with slides, games, and shows at Marina Square. Prosperity BrickLand spins up the fun with CNY cheer, perfect for busy little feet. It runs from 12 January to 24 February and starts at $20. Families who want hands-on, moving fun will find this one of the most active Chinese New Year family activities that builds up joy, learning, and creativity.

8. Lion Dance Heritage Exhibition at SCCC

Peek into the world of lion dancing at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. The “Tradition in Motion” exhibit shows off over 50 cool items like lion heads, toys, and posters. It runs until 30 April and is free. You can learn how lion dance grew in Singapore over the years. If you’re finding new, quiet things to do during Chinese New Year, this one opens your eyes to a fun and strong tradition.

9. Spring Blossoms at Gardens by the Bay

Step into a sea of flowers and soft lights at Spring Blossoms in the Flower Dome. Look out for glowing horses, red trees, and classic pavilions. This peaceful spot blooms from 16 January to 1 March. Tickets start at $12 for adults and $8 for kids. If you’re craving calm and beauty, this is one of the most relaxing things to do for Lunar New Year, and it’s super pretty for pictures too!

10. POP MART Trail at Resorts World Sentosa

Hunt for cute POP MART displays across Resorts World Sentosa! Spot PUCKY and LABUBU in CNY outfits and fill your trail card with stamps to win prizes. This fun trail runs until 15 March and is free. If you love fun walks and characters, this is one of the newest activities to do on Chinese New Year that mixes fun and play in one bright adventure.

While exploring CNY festivities, consider stepping into another cultural enclave. Exploring things to do in Little India, like mural hunting, sampling sweets, or visiting temples, can offer a cross-cultural twist to your holiday experience. It’s a great way to show the kids Singapore’s multicultural harmony and add something different to your festive itinerary this Chinese New Year.

Final Thoughts

With limitless ways to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 across Singapore, there are unlimited ways to get together. You can enjoy lantern-lit gardens, enjoy parades, visit cultural events, or simply enjoy adorable themed installations, which enhance your shopping experience.

Families searching for quiet moments can browse through floral displays, visit museums, or simply enjoy a traditional reunion dinner, which is probably the most heartfelt part of the season.

Whether you decide on only a couple of significant highlights from your days or even carry your days with activities, these experiences capture the spirit of relaxation, good fortune, and togetherness.

Take pleasure in the festivities, create brand new memories, and also greet the Year of the Horse with pleasure as well as abundance.