Treats, taboos and traditions... Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore!
Chinese New Year is a pretty big deal in Singapore, and it’s happening from 17 to 18 February 2026. Lights and decor get ramped up in Chinatown, every shopping mall declares a mega sale, and there’s a mad rush to get festive snacks like bak kwa and pineapple tarts as if there’s a national food shortage. If your CNY prep is getting overwhelming, or you need a cheat sheet to survive the celebrations, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the festivities at Chinese New Year events in Singapore!
How to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore
1. Toss yusheng for a prosperous Year of the Horse
Nobody wants to look like a total newbie during the Chinese New Year tradition of tossing yusheng – that’s why we’re here to help you look like a pro. In case you didn’t know, yusheng is the dish, and lo hei is the act of tossing the dish.
- These are all the lo hei sayings and phrases you’ll need to know for Chinese New Year
- Want to know where to get the best? Keep tabs on our list of CNY yusheng in Singapore
- These Chinese New Year greetings will come in handy before each meal
2. Have family feasts at reunion dinners
A big part of this festival revolves around food, and we’re not complaining. Every year, families look forward to countless rounds of epic Chinese New Year reunion dinners featuring classic dishes like pen cai and yusheng. But, if every restaurant on your list is fully booked, we’ve got your back with more recommendations!
- Book a table at the best Chinese New Year menus for reunion dinner in Singapore
- Order Chinese New Year food delivery and takeaway in Singapore for all your home parties
- Indulge in the best pen cai in Singapore
- Gather at the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore
- Where to try the best steamboat in Singapore
- Go for the best dim sum in Singapore
- Find out which restaurants in Singapore are open during CNY
3. Load up on the tastiest CNY snacks
Chinese New Year snacks can make or break a house visit, so you’ll want to stock up on classic versions, alongside unconventional flavours and creations to show that you’re the “cool aunt”. From hot favourites like pineapple tarts and bak kwa to modern renditions of CNY tidbits, these are our top picks.
- Stock up on the best Chinese New Year snacks in Singapore
- Or go for unique, non-traditional CNY goodies
- Looking for the best pineapple tarts in Singapore? You’ve come to the right place!
- Let the battle for the best bak kwa in Singapore begin!
4. Decorate your home for CNY
Want to usher in good fortune for the year? Deck your home with auspicious decorations and lovely 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!
- Buy Chinese New Year plants in Singapore to welcome a year of prosperity
- Adorn your place with Chinese New Year decorations from these shops in Singapore
- Get ready for the festive season with help from spring cleaning services in Singapore
5. 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.
- Chinese New Year traditions: The do’s and don’ts to understand
- Check out the 2026 Chinese New Year ang bao rates before you prepare your red packets
6. 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.
- Enjoy fun times with the family at Chinese New Year events in Singapore
- All the best things to do in Chinatown to immerse yourself in the festive spirit
7. Buy CNY 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.
- Where to buy Chinese New Year hampers and gifts in Singapore
- Chinese New Year beauty products to shop for
8. Look your best in classy CNY outfits
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.
- Where to shop for cheongsams in Singapore
- Check out these batik shops in Singapore
- Look fashionable in the coolest CNY clothes in Singapore
- Add to cart: the new CNY collections from blogshops in Singapore
9. CNY games and movies for festive fun at home
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. Or put on a classic CNY flick for good old laughs!
- Chinese New Year games for family fun
- Chinese movies in Singapore to watch
That’s everything you need to know about celebrating Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore. Gong xi fa cai!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore?
Chinese New Year in Singapore will be observed on 17 to 18 February 2026 and is a two-day public holiday.
What are the key traditions and customs for Chinese New Year in Singapore?
Celebrations include tossing yusheng (lo hei) for prosperity, family reunion dinners, red packet (ang bao) etiquette, decorating homes, visiting friends and families, and observing cultural taboos and superstitions to usher in good luck.
What major Chinese New Year events and festivities are there in Singapore?
Expect vibrant Chinatown light-ups and festive fairs, River Hongbao lantern displays, the Chingay Parade, lion and dragon dance performances, and family-friendly activities across the city.
How do I participate in Chinese New Year celebrations as a newcomer to Singapore?
Plan ahead! Book reunion dinners early, explore Chinatown’s decorations, attend cultural events and respect local customs, such as greetings and visiting temples during the festive period.
Are shops and attractions open during Chinese New Year in Singapore?
Many restaurants and malls remain open, though some smaller businesses and Chinese-owned stores may close on the first day of CNY; hotels and major attractions will still welcome visitors.
