Treats, taboos and traditions... Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year 2024 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 2024 in Singapore
1. The lowdown on CNY 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 sweep the house? For real: you need to get acquainted with Chinese New Year dos, don’ts and 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.
2. Toss to a prosperous Year of the Dragon
Nobody wants to look like a total newb during the Chinese New Year tradition of tossing yusheng. And FYI: yusheng is the dish, lo hei is the act of tossing the dish. Watch our video that decodes the lo hei prosperity toss 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 Dragon.
3. Celebrate a roaring Chinese New Year in Singapore
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, Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay and more.
4. Give the gift of luxurious hampers
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.
5. Family feasts and sumptuous spreads
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.
6. Look your CNY 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 into 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.
7. 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 film picks for Chinese New Year. (We’ll admit, we occasionally use this as an excuse to avoid more awkward conversations with the extended fam.)
8. Test your luck with 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.
And that’s everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year 2024 in Singapore. Gong xi fa cai!
