Сhinese New Year 2025: Best Events and Activities in Singapore

Chinese New Year starts on 29 January 2025! If you’ve already planned your family reunion dinner or ordered CNY takeaways, it’s time to think about your next step. Have you stocked up on festive snacks? Now, it’s time to plan what to do with the family. If you’re heading out, we’ve got you covered.  BusyKidd’s gathered the best Chinese New Year events and activities for families. You can start planning now. Here’s a list of fun things to do with the kids in Singapore. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Chingay Parade Singapore 2025

Image Credit: Сhingay.gov.sg

This year’s Chingay Parade is all about JOY. It’s a big, colorful celebration of our culture and shared experiences. As Singapore turns 60, the 2025 parade will transform into a lively “Food Wonderland”. It’s about families eating together (Family Joy), sharing stories and cultures (Community Joy), and celebrating achievements (National Joy). Whether it’s a simple home-cooked meal, tasty hawker food, or fancy fine dining, food brings people closer, makes us happy, and creates memories. This theme is all about the joy and warmth food gives, not just for the stomach but for the heart too!

• Date: 7 & 8 Feb 2025, 8 pm
• Where: F1 Pit Building
• Tickets: S$20 – S$60
• More Details

CNY Family Fun

Celebrate the festive season with family-friendly activities at the collaboration between Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. This year’s highlights include a rooftop art installation with a giant snake lawn, an LED snake dance, a life-sized snake and ladders game, a zodiac exhibition, and a lion dance performance where you can try on props!

There will also be signature programmes like the annual CNY Spring Bazaar, where you can pick up snacks, decorations, and accessories. For concert lovers, enjoy the Rhapsodies of Spring performance by the orchestra. And don’t miss the mahjong classroom, perfect for beginners to learn the game.

• Date: 17 – 19 January 2025
• Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Conference Hall
• Tickets: Prices vary for each event
• More Details

River Hongbao 2025

Image Credit: Riverhongbao.sg

River Hongbao, an annual Lunar New Year event in Singapore, started in 1986 with the help of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association. It showcases Chinese cultures and traditions, including the symbolic ‘Hongbao’ or Red Pocket, which is believed to bring good luck.

Gardens by the Bay transformed into a magical garden with over 18 lantern sets along the River Hongbao. The event offers diverse entertainment, including performances by Chinese cultural troupes, Getai singers, and appearances by Mediacorp artists. Explore the Greetings and Blessings exhibition, showcasing Chinese New Year cards from the past.

Enjoy tasty treats from food stalls and have fun with your family in the carnival atmosphere. There’s something for everyone, from the double-story carousel to bumper boat rides. Don’t miss the bright lanterns, symbolizing wishes for a brighter future. Stay tuned for more details.

• Date: 7 Jan to 8 Feb 2025
• Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Downtown Core, Singapore
• Tickets: Free
• More Details: TBC

Rhapsodies of Spring 2025 Concert

Get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake with the Rhapsodies of Spring 2025 Concert, a festive celebration presented by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Led by SCO Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong, the concert will feature an exciting lineup of performances, including the grand finale of the CAPITAL 958 radio play Reunion, bringing the story to life in a spectacular way.

Adding to the festive mood, the concert will showcase captivating performances by Zhang Li on the liuqin and Xu Hui on the guzheng. The rich harmonies of The Purple Symphony Choir, guided by Chorus Mistress Khor Ai Ming, will create a magical atmosphere. With Mediacorp CAPITAL 958 presenters hosting the event, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

• Date: 17 & 18 Jan 2025, 7:30 pm
• Where: SCO Concert Hall
• Tickets: From S$20 to S$80
• More Details

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 at SAFRA Clubs

This festive season promises an exciting lineup of activities, games, and promotions for everyone to enjoy. From fun challenges like the Wish Prosperity Out Loud, where SAFRA members can win a free IJOOZ drink, to the thrilling Giant Snake & Ladder Game with a unique twist, there’s something for all ages. Don’t forget to check out the Zodiac Prediction boards supported by Way Fengshui to discover what the Year of the Snake holds for you.

For those who love shopping and dining, SAFRA has special promotions for you. Collect stamps as you shop and dine to redeem e-vouchers, or earn double SAFRAPOINTS at participating outlets during the festive period. Members can also enjoy exclusive deals at SAFRA vendors, such as discounts on spa treatments and English courses.

Make the celebration extra special by stepping into tradition with the Hanfu Experience, where you can dress in elegant Hanfu costumes and capture picture-perfect moments. SAFRA’s Content Creator Club will be hosting this activity at various clubs, so be sure to check the schedule.

• Date: J11 Jan to 11 Feb 2025
• Where: Multiple locations
• Tickets: Depends on the event
• More Details

Get Crafty! – Spring Blossoms Basket

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a fun and creative activity by Happy Hands Can. Participants will decorate a charming mini basket, perfect for holding festive goodies during the Lunar New Year.

The provided materials include a woven basket (30.5cm in height and 11.5cm in diameter), colorful fabric flowers, elegant ribbons, and a wooden cutout of the Chinese character “Fu” for prosperity. This activity is open to all ages, making it a wonderful experience for kids, adults, and seniors alike. Children under 7 years old should join with an adult for extra fun and support.

• Date: 18 – 19 Jan 2025, 10 am – 6 pm
• Where: Australian Garden, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
• Tickets: S$15
• More Details

Get Crafty! – A Spring Wind Chime

Celebrate the joy of spring with a delightful crafting activity by Tippsyfingers. Create your very own whimsical wind chime, adorned with colorful beads and fabric flowers. Let its soothing chime bring a touch of tranquility as it dances with the breeze.

The materials provided include a bamboo frame (10cm in diameter), 5 fabric flowers, a copper bell with a tassel, 4 mini bells, and 12 vibrant acrylic beads. This activity is perfect for adding a creative and calming touch to your spring celebrations.

• Date: 25 – 26 Jan 2025, 10 am – 6 pm
• Where: Australian Garden, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
• Tickets: S$15
• More Details

Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake

Welcome the Year of the Snake with a breathtaking floral display inspired by the legendary love story of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, the snake spirit. Set in a picturesque Chinese garden, this enchanting exhibit captures the beauty of spring and the romance of this timeless tale.

Explore the vibrant blooms and auspicious flowers that symbolize prosperity and new beginnings, all within the stunning Flower Dome.

• Date:  17 Jan – 23 Feb 2025, 9 am – 9 pm
• Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
• Tickets: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies
• More Details

Chinatown Street Lights Up for Lunar New Year 2025

Image Credit: Chinatownfestivals.sg

Chinatown will shine bright this Lunar New Year! In 2025, the streets will fill with glowing lights and beautiful sculptures, bringing festive vibes back to life. Head to New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road, and Upper Cross Street to enjoy the colorful displays. Families can also join fun workshops and festive activities. The 2025 celebrations begin on 8 January at 6 PM with the Opening Ceremony and Street Light-Up at Kreta Ayer Square. Come to see the beautiful lights and decorations. Enjoy live performances, food, and fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the excitement!

• When: From 18 Jan 2025
• Price: Free
• More Details

Carve & Prosper: Chinese New Year Lino Art Workshop

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with creativity! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll carve a Chinese New Year character onto a lino art sheet and turn it into your own stamp. Then, bring your design to life by stamping it onto a tote bag, creating a unique and personal piece. This workshop is a fun way to make a festive accessory or a thoughtful gift. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and festive spirit!

• When: 19 Jan 2025, 1:30 pm – 3 pm
• Where: Chinatown Visitor Centre- 2 Banda Street Singapore 059963
• Price: S$25
• More Details

Wan Qing Tales of Spring Festival x Zodiac Cardboard Robotics Workshop

Image Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall via Instagram

Join for the Wan Qing Tales of Spring Festival x Zodiac Cardboard Robotics Workshop! Hear stories about the Chinese zodiac and Chinese New Year myths from local authors and storytellers. There are two sessions. The first is in Mandarin on 18 January. And the second is in English on 19 January. The workshop lasts for 90 minutes. It’s a fun, creative experience. Don’t miss it!

• When: 18 & 19 Jan 2025, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm
• Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre — Creative Box, Level 6
• Price: Free admission with some ticketed activities
• More Details

Huayi: Chinese Festival of Arts 2025

Image Credit: Esplanade.com

Launched in 2003 for Chinese New Year, Huayi at Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay celebrates Singapore’s multicultural heritage. It aims to be the pinnacle festival for Chinese artists, showcasing outstanding works internationally. Huayi offers diverse artistic expressions through commissions and presentations, spanning traditional to contemporary forms. Committed to promoting Singapore artists globally, it has become a warmly embraced festival and a sought-after platform for Chinese artists worldwide. During Chinese New Year, Huayi invites everyone to enjoy inspiring arts programs and start the year positively.

“Don’t eat snake, feast your senses at Huayi!” is the motto of this festival.

• Date: 7 – 16 Feb 2025
• Where: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
• Tickets: Prices vary for each event
• More Details

The snake symbolizes wisdom and transformation in Chinese culture. The Year of the Snake is associated with reflection, change, and growth. Individuals are encouraged to embrace new perspectives and adapt to challenges with grace. It’s a time for inner strength and personal growth, overcoming obstacles with wisdom. Navigate the Year of the Snake and harness its energy for meaningful progress.

Cover Image Credit: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall via Instagram

Related Reading:

Chinese New Year Traditions To Bring Family Together

Chinese New Year 2024: Best Clothes For Kids

Hong Bao Tradition