Treats, taboos and traditions... Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore!
If you didn’t already know, Chinese New Year is a pretty big deal in Singapore. Lights and decor get ramped up in Chinatown, every shopping mall declares some sort of mega sale, and there’s a mad rush to get festive snacks like bak kwa and pineapple tarts as if there’s some sort of national food shortage. If your CNY prep is getting a little overwhelming, or you need a cheat sheet to survive the celebrations, read on…
How to celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore
1. Toss to a prosperous Year of the Snake
Nobody wants to look like a total newbie during the Chinese New Year tradition of tossing yusheng. And FYI: yusheng is the dish, lo hei is the act of tossing the dish. Read our lo hei guide and you’ll be looking like a pro in no time. Rivers of gold! Psst: want to try something out of the ordinary? We’ve got you covered with exquisite yusheng platters this Year of the Snake.
2. Have family feasts at reunion dinners
Like everything else in life, a big part of this festival revolves around food – and we’re not complaining. It’s countless rounds of epic Chinese New Year reunion dinners featuring classic dishes like pen cai, followed by pineapple tarts, bak kwa and even unique CNY snacks on repeat in Singapore. Plus, sumptuous CNY feasts for takeaway and delivery to elevate your home gatherings.
But, if every restaurant on your list is fully booked, we’ve got your back with more recommendations for dim sum, Sichuan cuisine, steamboat and exquisite Chinese food.
3. Decorate your home with CNY plants
Want to usher in good fortune for the year? Deck your home with auspicious Chinese New Year plants for the season. From peonies and orchids to bamboo plants and pussy willows, you’ve got plenty to choose from. You can even look for money trees, marigolds and citrus plants for more festive vibes!
4. Understand the Chinese New Year traditions
This is an auspicious time of the year and you don’t want to tempt fate by committing a CNY faux pas. Can you wash your hair? Can you clean the house? For real: you need to get acquainted with Chinese New Year superstitions. You’re welcome. We’ve unravelled red packet rates and etiquette for you, too. Oh, and don’t forget that you can gift e-ang baos – that means you can skip queueing at banks for new notes. Eco-friendly and efficient? We love it.
Doing major decluttering at home before CNY? Pass on your pre-loved stuff responsibly. Don’t just throw it out if it’s in good condition because someone else can give it a second life. Here’s where to donate your gently used clothes, furniture and more to charities in Singapore.
5. Celebrate with festive events
You’ve gotta celebrate the Lunar New Year with a bang! The easiest way to get into the festive mood? Tick off all the CNY events on your list. Highlights include the Chinatown street light-up, River Hongbao, Chingay Parade and more.
6. CNY hampers and gifts for family and friends
Looking for gift sets and CNY hampers stuffed with goodies galore? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up our top picks so all you have to do is browse through ’em and hit order for your friends and business associates. From festive snacks to bottles of booze, our selection has it all.
7. Look your best in classy cheongsams
Traditionally, new threads symbolise a new start. And with all the family reunions and CNY gatherings going on, of course, you need to look your best! Bright colours are an obvious choice, but if you’re going for a bolder look this season, try on a modern cheongsam or sashay in your relatives’ homes donning batik clothes and fashionable CNY clothes. To go the earth-friendly route, check out sustainable labels or look to circular fashion brands.
8. Play CNY games
Wanna keep the festivities going strong? Gather your family and friends for rounds of popular Chinese New Year games. They’re entertaining and thrilling – and they’ll add a good dose of boisterous laughter to your reunion dinners. Try your hand at mahjong, baccarat, blackjack, and even CNY trivia.
9. Snuggle up for a Chinese movie marathon
If you want a breather after stuffing yourself silly and avoiding small talk with distant relatives, hit the couch and indulge in a movie marathon with our fave Chinese movies. (We’ll admit, we occasionally use this as an excuse to avoid more awkward conversations with the extended family.)
And that’s everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore. Gong xi fa cai!
