Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore with festive events and things to do for the Year of the Horse!
Chinese New Year events in Singapore are the highlight of the festive season, featuring numerous things to do like parades, light installations, and family-friendly activities. After you’re done shopping for cheongsams in Singapore and hunting down the best pineapple tarts in Singapore, it’s time to dive into the spirit of CNY. P.S. check out our ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore for everything you need to know!
Chinese New Year 2026 events in Singapore
1. Chingay Parade
Chingay Parade, the most highly-anticipated Chinese New Year event in Singapore, returns in 2026 with the theme of “Wish”. Look forward to exciting artistic performances, stunning floats, illuminated costumes, and Chingay’s first-ever circular parade route with a transformable multi-tier stage that lights up at night. This majestic cultural celebration is the best way to enjoy the festive CNY season!
P.S. you can use your $100 SG Culture Pass credits to get tickets for the Chingay Parade.
Best for: Families who want to be dazzled by a grand CNY celebration
When: 27 & 28 February 2025, 8pm
How much: Tickets from $20 – $60
Where: Chingay Parade 2026, F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975
2. Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity
If you’re wondering what to do during Chinese New Year, we’d recommend checking out Spring Blossoms at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome. Gaze at eight magnificent, life-sized horse lanterns handcrafted by Chinese artisans as they’re nestled amidst plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo in a landscape inspired by Jiangnan Gardens. These creatures symbolise strength, vitality, and success – all things we’ll happily claim in 2026!
Don’t forget to beat the Blooming Drum of Spring, which is decorated with the Baoxiang flower motif, for good luck.
Best for: Admiring gorgeous CNY florals in air-conditioned comfort
When: 16 January – 1 March 2026, 9am – 9pm
How much: Admission fee to Flower Dome applies
Where: Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity, Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
3. Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Celebrations
Chinatown comes to life every year with lights and beautiful sculptures. For 2026, the Chinese New Year celebrations return to the streets, set to the theme of ‘Galloping into the Prosperous Year’. Stroll across New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road, and Upper Cross Street to admire the gleaming lanterns and decorations.
Haven’t done your CNY shopping? Browse through goodies at the festive fair along Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street, and Pagoda Street. For more festive vibes, make your way to the countdown party at Kreta Ayer Square on 16 February, 10pm.
Best for: Getting into the CNY spirit without spending a cent
When: Until 17 February 2026
How much: Free
Where: Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Celebrations, various locations in Chinatown
4. River Hongbao 2026
One of the biggest Chinese New Year events in Singapore, River Hongbao, is back for 2026! It’s all about festive merrymaking for its 40th anniversary. Look forward to gleaming lantern displays, vibrant stage performances and cultural showcases, a festive food street, family-friendly rides, and interactive exhibitions about heritage and tradition. Best of all, the 10-day event is free for all to enter.
Best for: Enjoying CNY performances and fun activities with the family
When: 15 February 2026, 6.30pm to 10.30pm; 16 February 2026, 6.30pm to 12.15am; 17 – 24 February 2026, 2.30pm to 10.30pm
How much: Free
Where: River Hongbao 2026, outdoor areas of Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
5. My Little Pony: Petals of Friendship
My Little Pony transforms Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay into a pretty showcase starring fan-favourite characters: Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle. Their fresh new looks are inspired by the traditional iconography of Chinese culture, with lush floral landscapes to complement their personalities. Sharing the stage with them, the royal sisters Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadance are featured with a majestic castle facade.
Best for: Kids who love My Little Pony
When: Until 12 April 2026, 10am to 9pm
How much: Admission to Floral Fantasy applies
Where: My Little Pony: Petals of Friendship, Floral Fantasy, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
6. Lunar New Year at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
What better way to celebrate the Year of the Horse than at one of Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s five parks? You’ll be welcomed by interactive photo-worthy installations such as calligraphy topiaries spelling ‘ma’ (‘horse’ in Mandarin). Plus, the first 188 visitors each day to any of the parks or Curiosity Cove will receive a limited edition gold coin embossed with the zodiac animal. Oh, and keep an eye out for festive greetings and lucky numbers at animal presentations!
Visitors at the Breakfast in the Wild experience will enjoy a festive twist with an appearance from the adorable falabella, the world’s smallest breed of horses. Want to get up close? Check out the new experience, Hello from the Wild: Horse, guided by animal keepers.
More fun awaits at the Horse-picious digital trails on the Mandai app, as well as the retail shops offering everything from tangerine bags to red packets made of plantable paper.
Best for: Families and friends of the zoo
When: 17 February to 3 March 2026
How much: Admission to Mandai Wildlife Reserve applies
Where: Lunar New Year at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, various locations at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
7. Chinese New Year Istana Open House
Always dreamed of visiting the Istana but never got around to it? The February open house is your chance to explore the grounds, enjoy live performances, and participate in family-friendly activities. The lush open spaces include the Lawn, Fairway, Japanese Garden, Swan Pond, and more.
It’s free for Singaporeans and PRs to attend, but entry to the Istana Villa is priced at $2 and ranges from $5 to $10 for visitors.
Best for: A weekend of family-friendly activities
When: 22 February 2026
How much: Free for Singaporeans, PRs, and domestic workers accompanying families; $20 for adult visitors; $10 for visitors aged four to 12
Where: Chinese New Year Istana Open House, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
8. Spin for Your Huat at Lau Pa Sat
Chinese New Year meals at Lau Pa Sat take on a festive twist with its Spin the Huat challenge, where custom-designed lazy susans are embellished with auspicious greetings across selected tables. It’s time to manifest good fortune in 2026!
If you wanna know what the year has in store for you, head to the Zodiac Reading Carousel at Lau Pa Sat to read the personalised fortune based on your zodiac sign. P.S. don’t forget to stop by the photo booth and snap pics with festive prints.
Best for: Hawker foodies and casual CNY fun
When: Until end-CNY
How much: Free
Where: Spin for Your Huat at Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Things to do in malls during Chinese New Year
9. Lunar New Year at Jewel Changi Airport
Bloom like the flower you are at Jewel Changi Airport, where a pair of animatronic horses take the spotlight with a floral arch at the Forest Valley. Up high at Canopy Park, the Petal Garden is beautified with cherry blossoms and other florals – perfect for a cool stroll amidst springtime flowers.
P.S. Changi Lounge (level 1) remains open for 24 hours daily from 17 February, 6am, to 4 March, 10pm, offering a buffet of festive Asian delicacies for guests. The Jewel Rain Vortex also stays open till midnight from 1 February to 3 March, with the nightly Light & Music Showcase continuing at 8pm and 9pm, as well as an extra show at 10pm on weekends, the eve of public holidays, and public holidays.
Best for: CNY festivities for the family
When: Until 3 March 2026
How much: Free entry with selected ticketed programmes
Where: Lunar New Year at Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
10. Huat A Pot-sperity Festival
From a plush-themed bazaar to a hot pot-themed inflatable bouncy ball pit, there are plenty of things to do this Chinese New Year at Suntec City’s Huat A Pot-sperity Festival. Stop by the Potsperity Yuan Yang playground (Atrium, Tower 1 & 2) from 11am to 9pm daily for little ones to have their fun. The 5m-tall hot pot inflatable featured a mala-inspired bouncy area and a collagen soup-inspired ball pit. Plus, adults can check out the two activity stations: Prosperity Pot Master and Lucky Roll Station.
Next, head to the Mr Merlion & Friends festive market (Thursdays to Sundays) and wander through CNY stalls to pick up bak kwa, love letters, and pineapple tart plushies ‘cooked’ by the stall owners. Don’t forget to stop by the lion and dragon dance performance (20 Feb, Tower 3 & 4) and catch the God of Fortune appearances!
Best for: Shopaholics who want to meet the God of Fortune
When: 29 January – 22 February 2026
How much: Free entry
Where: Huat A Pot-sperity Festival, Suntec City, Tower 1 & 2, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
11. Chinese New Year at Marina Square
From cultural performances to lion dances to kid-friendly activities, there are plenty of things to do for Chinese New Year at Marina Square. Don’t miss out on the first-ever Budao Weng performance in Singapore (23 – 25 Jan; 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm) to enjoy thrilling stunts and graceful movements. Plus, lion dance performances by Yiwei Athletic Association on 31 Jan, 1, 7 and 8 Feb (1pm and 5pm).
At the Central Atrium, you’ll spot a Lunar New Year playground with family-friendly attractions like Prosperity BrickLand, carnival games, creative workshops, and interactive play zones. There’s also a Kiztopia Friends Festive Market going on till 24 Feb, so you can snag CNY-themed plushies and gifts.
Best for: CNY fun for the whole family
When: 12 January – 24 February 2026
How much: Free entry with ticketed programmes
Where: Chinese New Year at Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
12. Chinese New Year Fair at Jurong Point
Ready to shop your heart out at Jurong Point’s annual Chinese New Year Fair? Back with one of its largest editions, the event hosts 20 stalls hawking festive treats, CNY lanterns, gifts, and exclusive Singapore Mint collectables. P.S. if you stop by on weekends (31 Jan, 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 Feb), you’ll catch a glimpse of the God of Fortune spreading auspicious cheer.
Best for: One-stop shopping for Chinese New Year essentials
When: 19 January – 15 February 2026
How much: Free entry
Where: Chinese New Year Fair at Jurong Point, JP1 Centre Stage and PS1, 1 Jurong West Central 2, Singapore 648886
You’ve got plenty of things to do in the Year of the Horse with these Chinese New Year 2026 events in Singapore!
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Chinese New Year events happening in Singapore in 2026?
Chinese New Year in Singapore falls on 17 to 18 February 2026, but celebrations usually begin weeks earlier. Most major events - including street light-ups, festivals and performances - start from late January and run through mid-February, with peak activity over the CNY weekend.
What are the must-see Chinese New Year 2026 events in Singapore?
Some of the most popular Chinese New Year 2026 events in Singapore include large-scale cultural parades, festive street light-ups, lantern festivals, and themed experiences at attractions. Highlights typically take place in Chinatown, Marina Bay and major lifestyle hubs, combining traditional performances with modern celebrations.
Are Chinese New Year events in Singapore free to attend?
Yes, many Chinese New Year events in Singapore are free, including street light-ups, outdoor performances and festive markets. However, some ticketed events - such as Chingay Parade, concerts or attraction-based experiences - require advance booking and paid admission.
Where are the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore?
Top places to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore include Chinatown, Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and selected malls and attractions across the island. These areas host light-ups, performances, pop-ups and festive decor, making them ideal for sightseeing and photos.
What family-friendly Chinese New Year activities are there in Singapore?
Families can enjoy lantern displays, cultural performances, festive workshops and themed attraction experiences during Chinese New Year in Singapore. Many events are stroller-friendly and include kid-focused activities like crafts, storytelling sessions and interactive shows.
What should I know before attending Chinese New Year events in Singapore?
Expect large crowds, especially on weekends and the eve of Chinese New Year. Public transport is the easiest way to get around, as road closures are common near major venues. Arriving early, wearing comfortable shoes, and checking event timings in advance will help you make the most of the celebrations.
