Presenting our first guide of 2023... Looks like January is going to be an exciting month! Check out what’s on in Singapore.
It’s time to chase away the bad juju of 2022 and manifest all the good vibes for 2023. The year begins on a high with a fab mix of events waiting for you. From a Chinese New Year walking tour to the largest art fair in Southeast Asia to the annual Light to Night Festival we all adore, here’s a roundup of all the exciting things to do in Singapore this January.
Best things to do in Singapore: January 2023
1. Arts and culture: Light to Night Festival
6 to 26 Jan
The marquee event of Singapore Art Week is back to bring the Civic District to life. Discover what it means to be in the present with the theme ‘Here and Now’. Highlights include large-scale day-to-night installations by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng, a festival market with 50 booths of arts and crafts, food, drinks and workshops; and a multitude of immersive and multi-sensory experiences.
Light to Night Festival, multiple locations including National Gallery Singapore
2. Exhibition: Textures 2023
6 to 15 Jan
In case you haven’t heard, this annual literary festival is bringing local literary arts to the heartlands. This year, it follows the theme ‘Arrived Home’ and invites you to explore and question ideas of domesticity and belonging. Look forward to programmes like Cherita Hantu…Kembali (Ghost Stories…Returns), and A Novel Idea: SingLit Edition. We can’t wait!
Textures 2023, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
3. Arts and entertainment: Aliwal Urban Arts Festival 2023
14 Jan
Want to take part in a live graffiti painting showcase or groove to urban dance and music? Put Aliwal Urban Arts Festival on your calendar. The seventh edition of this event returns for one day only at the Aliwal Arts Centre. You’ll find renowned local artists from different urban art practices featured in an exciting array of free activities. And we’re psyched for the pop-up artists’ market at Kampong Gelam!
Aliwal Urban Arts Festival 2023, from 12pm till late, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
4. S.E.A. Focus 2023
6 to 15 Jan
Who else is excited about the anchor event of Singapore Art Week? Dedicated to Southeast Asian contemporary art, this event features works from over 50 artists, representing some of the finest art galleries from around the world. You can also expect a new curated “collaborations” platform featuring bolder, large-scale works to draw you into the world of Southeast Asian art.
S.E.A. Focus 2023, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
5. Entertainment: East Coast Comedy Standup Night
6 Jan
If you’re looking for chuckles, swing by the most popular standup comedy night in Singapore. Every show features a different line-up and veteran host for a fresh and hilarious experience each time. Think local and up-and-coming comedy stars like Fakkah Fuzz, Deepak Chandran and Siraj Aziz.
East Coast Comedy Standup Night, Crane, 281 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427539
6. Art and culture: Art SG
12 to 15 Jan
It’s visual arts season, and we’re excited about the inaugural edition of Art SG. Hold your breath because we hear it’s going to be the largest-ever art fair to take place in Southeast Asia. It’ll showcase 150 of the world’s leading galleries, many of whom will be making their Singapore debut. Think names like Galerie Vazieux from Paris, Gallery Hyundai from Seoul, and Aicon from New York.
ART SG, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
7. Wellness: Sunset yoga with Secret Sunrise Singapore
19 Jan
Break out your yoga mat for sunset yoga with Secret Sunrise Singapore. This silent yoga session incorporates wireless headphone technology that’ll put you in the right mindset to end your day. Move to the same music as your fellow yogis while you enrich your mind, body and spirit at Fort Canning Park this January.
Sunset yoga with Secret Sunrise Singapore, from 7.30pm – 8.45pm, Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park, River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
8. Exhibition: (Tu)gether at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
All month
We can’t get enough of the Singapo(ren) exhibition at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. But if you’re looking for other fun activities to kick start the Year of the Rabbit, head up to its roof garden for a special art installation. Think lights, inflatable sculptures and life-size illustrations. You’ll even receive unique red packets featuring characters from the exhibition from now until 5 February.
(Tu)gether at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
9. Wellness: Ikeda Spa’s winter packages
Until 13 Jan
Start 2023 on the right note with a pampering sesh at Ikeda Spa to melt all your stresses away. This season, it’s all about Mikan-inspired baths, body scrubs and aromatherapy massages, as those vitamin C-rich fruits have brightening, moisturising and rejuvenating properties.
The two-hour winter delight package is absolute bliss! Step into the idyllic spa and start with a 30-minute Mikan body scrub for a deep cleanse and removal of dead skin cells. Next, make your way to the next room for a truly relaxing Mikan onsen bath. After a 30-minute soak in steaming water mixed with 100% natural oils and pink Himalayan rock salt, you’ll feel relaxed from head to toe.
Finally, end with a one-hour Mikan aromatherapy massage to improve blood circulation. Your friendly therapist will knead your body into total tranquillity, and you’ll walk out of the spa leaving behind a subtly scented trail of citrus. Plus, all that unwinding will ensure you get a restful sleep come bedtime.
Ikeda Spa’s winter packages, 787 Bukit Timah Road (before 6th Ave), Singapore 269762
10. Arts and entertainment: Home Ground
13 and 14 Jan
Scape celebrates local dance talents and dance communities with this special street dance showcase. The best part? It’s free. Come support and discover groups like Roar City Grounds, Lion City Lockers, K-Pop Dance Off and Still Steaddy. Dance studios in Singapore will also bring the roof down with jaw-dropping acts by established instructors and talented youths.
Home Ground, from 8pm (13 Jan) and 9pm (14 Jan), Level 2, The Ground Theatre, Scape, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
11. Shopping: Gifts Take Flight pop-up
Shilla Duty Free and The Estée Lauder company come together for a festive retail experience. If you’re travelling from now till 12 January, drop by the Gifts Take Flight pop-up for your shopping fix. Indulge in a selection of prestige skincare, fragrances, makeup and hair care products. Think brands such as Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Dr. Jart+, Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, La Mer, Lab Series, MAC Cosmetics, Origins, Tom Ford Beauty and more. There are also going to be fun activities waiting for you.
Gifts Take Flight, until 12 January 2023, Terminal 1 Central Piazza, Transit Hall, Singapore Changi Airport
12. Things to do: Chinese New Year walking tour
14 Jan
We’re sure your CNY celebrations will be full of delish reunion meals and heartwarming gatherings. But if you want to delve deeper into the meaning of our fading culture practices and various rites, sign up for this engaging Chinese New Year walking tour. Kids are invited too, so take the whole fam along on this cool adventure. You’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for this auspicious time of the year.
Chinese New Year walking tour, 9am – 12pm, Chinatown MRT Station, 91 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058362
13. Musical: We Will Rock You
5 – 22 Jan
Are you a fan of the rock band, Queen? Catch this rock concert-slash-musical. The reimagined production, directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Nick Winston, presents 24 of Queen’s greatest hits. Sing along to favourites like Killer Queen, Under Pressure, We Are the Champions, Radio Ga Ga and, of course, We Will Rock You. The premise? Follow two revolutionaries as they go on a quest to save rock’n’roll music in a post-apocalyptic world. Expect a spectacular set, cool costumes and amazing vocals in this high-octane production.
We Will Rock You, book your tickets online
14. Chivas’ The Winning Seat
All month
Chivas’s Winning Seat campaign is back with new chances to win goodies, a cool mentorship program, a gachapon game by Tezarekt and more. Join the Regal F.C. membership and explore the virtual clubhouse for discounts on Chivas collections, priority access to competitions and event invites. To participate in The Winning Seat, scan the QR code that comes with a purchase of a Chivas Regal 12 (700ml), create an account, and pick a seat for weekly grand prizes worth up to $45,000. Don’t ignore the Regal F.C. budding programme featuring mentors like Jackson Aw (founder of Mighty Jaxx), See Min Ng (founder of Henndrawn) and visual artist Tobyato. Chosen mentees will have their creative projects mentored over the course of eight weeks.
Chivas’ The Winning Seat
Pack your calendars with all these exciting things to do in Singapore this January!
