Festivals and events during Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year’s just around the corner again, and while some of us are going to be house-visiting or jetting off to a quick getaway, the rest of us are in for a treat this long weekend. From extravagant CNY celebrations with amusement rides and carnival games to a jungle-themed party at a bar that has live python performances, here’s a line-up of fun-filled activities that you can mark your calendars for:
1. River Hongbao
Source: @calvinteogallery
For those of you who love loud festivities and merriment, the annual carnival-like River Hongbao celebration with performances and street food is where you’ll want to be.
Source: @aparna.khirbat
There’ll be over 60 humongous handcrafted lanterns that are characters from Chinese myths and legends such as the God of Fortune and the Chinese Zodiac, plus amusement rides, bazaar games, chinese opera, street performances, and yes, firework displays!
Source: @thepoisonedchalice
Your tummy will also be in for a treat, because a wide variety of both local and international street food will be available for you to feast on. Take your pick from nostalgic snacks like dragon beard candy, to instagrammable rainbow burgers – last year’s event even had salted egg yolk churros!
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
Date & Time: 14th – 24th Feb 2018 | 2PM – 11PM
Website
2. Spring Surprise
Source: Gardens by the Bay
If you’re a huge fan of flower bouquets, head over to Spring Surprise, Garden by the Bay’s CNY celebration with a programme line-up that boasts an outdoor movie screening and glow-in-the-dark lions and dragons.
Source: Gardens by the Bay
UV light performances will be held at the Supertree Grove for the very first time, where you’ll also get to catch contortionists, stilt-walkers, and an acrobatic lion dance in action. Dog lovers will also be pleased to know that there’s a playground and parkour obstacle course specially designed for the fluffy critters.
Source: Gardens by the Bay
And while you’re waiting for the programmes to start, pop into the Flower Dome for a treat with its “Dahlia Dreams” Floral Display that’s inspired by Chinese imperial palaces – a courtyard garden full of exquisite 3D cutouts, sculptures, and topiaries in the shape of dogs, palace lanterns, and umbrella curtains.
Note: Check GBTB’s website for programme details.
Spring Surprise
Date & Time: 14th – 25th Feb 2018
Venue: Gardens by the Bay, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Website
“Dahlia Dreams” Floral Display
Date & Time: 19th Jan 2018 – 4th March 2018 | 9AM – 9PM
Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Admission Fee: Adult: $12 | Senior Citizen (≥60 years old): $8 | Child (3-12 years old): $8
Website
3. Istana Guided Walks
Source: @jenteo27
It’s not every day you get to take a peek into the President’s office, but this coming weekend is a chance for you to wander around and explore the Istana grounds.
Source: @istanasg
Open to public just 5 times a year, there’ll be guided tours of about 45 minutes into the Istana Main Building (9AM – 3PM) and around the gardens (10AM – 4PM). Once you’re done with the tours, go on and take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the various performances that’ll be available all around the compound!
Note: Keep a lookout for signs on the Istana grounds to find out where you can register for the guided tours.
Date & Time: 17th Feb 2018 | 8.30AM – 6PM
Venue: The Istana, Orchard Road, 238823
Admission Fee: Adults (13 years and above): $4 | Child (3 years and above): $2 | Foreigners (13 years and above): $10
Website
4. Chinese New Year Open House @ Singapore Art Museum
Source: @singaporeartmuseum
Get in tune with your inner child at the Singapore Art Museum’s CNY Open House and get hands-ons with art and craft activities like fashioning a 3D pop-up house and designing a CNY shaker of your own.
There’ll be impressive lion dance performances and professional chinese calligraphy demonstrations as well, and best of all, admission is free.
Date & Time: 17th Feb 2018 | 10AM – 7PM
Venue: SAM at 8Q, 8 Queen St, Singapore 188535
Website
5. Chinese New Year @ Singapore Philatelic Museum
Source: @ilovespm
We’ve all seen our fair share of stamps, but not many of us can say we’ve laid eyes on ones with our favourite anime characters from Doraemon, Astro Boy, and even Studio Ghibli. Rise above the common folk with a trip down to the Singapore Philatelic Museum to catch their new exhibitions “All About Dogs” and “Anime x Stamps”!
Source: @victorl0
Of course, in line with CNY, be entertained by traditional lion and dragon dance performances, bag some tips from a Feng Shui master, and bring home a customised calligraphy couplet from a calligraphy demonstration.
Date & Time: 17th Feb 2018 | 10AM – 7PM
Venue: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Website
6. Rumble in the Jungle: CNY Edition
Source: Empire
Party animals, paint the town red at Empire’s signature themed party – Rumble in the Jungle – that has been given an oriental twist to fit this festive weekend.
Source: Empire
Expect live DJ sets, exclusive cocktails, a massive live python performance, as well as a free drink for the first 100 partygoers. Better yet, there is no cover charge if you enter before 10PM, which is all the more reason to head down and have some fun this weekend!
Note: To attend this party, ladies have to be at least 21 years old, and guys have to be at least 25.
Date & Time: 16th Feb 2018, 5PM – 18th Feb 2018, 4AM
Venue: Empire, Level 45 Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore 048623
Dress Code: Wild like an animal
Website
Bonus: Singapore Beer Tour
Source: Beer Adventures
It doesn’t have to be dark outside to get yourself a drink – treat yourself to some refreshing brews simply because it’s the weekends by hopping on the Singapore Beer Tour trail!
Just download the Beer Adventures app that’s available for both IOS and Android, and embark on a craft beer adventure that’ll stretch 5.6km. You’ll start from Brewerkz near Tanglin Shopping Centre, and wrap up around Raffles City.
The app will introduce up to a whopping 5-10 bars, breweries, and eateries over the course of the day, and who knows – you might just find a new favourite watering hole to hang out at.
Note: App is free, and Singapore Beer Tour map costs $5.98.
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