River Hongbao
River Hongbao is pulling out all the stops this Chinese New Year, happening at the iconic Gardens by the Bay this CNY period. Known for its vibrant displays and cultural richness, this year’s edition aligns with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, promising an experience like no other!
Look forward to over 20 illuminated lantern displays, each crafted to perfection, from the towering God of Fortune blessing attendees with prosperity to the intricate depictions of the 12 zodiac animals. Of course, the Year of the Snake takes centre stage, with an eye-catching installation symbolising wisdom and renewal.
But that’s not all! Visitors can immerse themselves in nightly cultural performances showcasing traditional Chinese music, dance, and acrobatics. Feeling competitive? The carnival games area is perfect for testing your luck, while the sprawling food street offers a culinary journey through festive favourites such as pineapple tarts, bak kwa, and tang yuan.
🗓️Date: 27 January – 5 February 2025
📍Location: Gardens By The Bay 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
💲Price: Free admission
⏰Opening Hours:
- 27 January: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
- 28 January: 6.30pm – 12.15am
- 29 January – 5 February: 2.30pm – 10.30pm
Whether you’re there for Instagram-worthy moments, cultural appreciation, or simply a fun night out with loved ones, River Hongbao guarantees endless CNY fun! Interested in finding out more? Be sure to check out their website for more information!
Chingay Parade
Chingay is back, and this year it’s turning up the heat – literally! As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday, Chingay transforms into a Food Wonderland, reminding us that nothing unites people quite like a shared love for food.
With food-themed floats and over 4,000 performers decked out in vibrant costumes, this parade is a visual and cultural feast. Split into five immersive acts, it pays tribute to Singapore’s traditions, shared memories, and culinary passions.
The PAssionArts Street returns with stunning art installations co-created by local artists and residents, while the Chingay: Road to UNESCO exhibit invites you to pledge your support for Chingay’s UNESCO nomination.
🗓️Dates: 7 – 8 February 2025
📍Location: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
⏰Time: Starting at 8pm
Tickets may be sold out, but don’t worry! You can still catch the parade from public areas near the F1 Pit Building and Singapore Flyer. Want to find out more? Head over to the Chingay website
Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake
Step into a world of mythical romance at the Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay at Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake this CNY! This year’s theme draws inspiration from the Legend of the White Snake, one of China’s most beloved folk tales. The story of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen – a mortal and a snake spirit – unfolds amidst lush floral landscapes, featuring auspicious blooms such as peonies, plum blossoms, and orchids.
What makes this exhibition a standout this CNY is its stunning displays – imagine towering floral sculptures that seem to breathe life into the legend’s characters! Walk along the serene pathways as soft traditional music sets the mood, and interpretive signage retells the tale in both Chinese and English.
🗓️Date: 17 January – 23 February 2025
📍Location: Flower Dome, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
💲Price: Admission price to Flower Dome applies
⏰Time: 9am – 9pm
An immersive experience that blends art, culture, and nature, this is a must-visit for those seeking a deeper connection to the roots of Chinese New Year! To stay up to date with the latest, be sure to follow the Gardens by the Bay Instagram, and to book your tickets, you can do it right here at the Gardens by the Bay website!
Pop Mart Installations at Jewel Changi
Ready to dial up the fun for the Year of the Snake? Jewel Changi Airport is rolling out exclusive Chinese New Year-themed POP MART installations, marking their first-ever appearance in Singapore. Think colourful displays, fan-favourite characters, and plenty of photo ops.
Head to Canopy Park, where Sweet Bean and PINO JELLY welcome you into the “Wealthy Snake’s New Year Celebration” installation, blending festive vibes with traditional Chinese motifs. Don’t miss beloved characters like MOLLY and SKULLPANDA at the Petal Garden, or catch LABUBU’s stage performance and HACIPUPU’s adventure near the Discovery Slides!
Additionally, Changi Airport is amping up the CNY celebrations with special promotions and giveaways! Sanrio fans can redeem exclusive Hello Kitty red packets or purchase a Mandarin Orange Bag with a minimum spend of S$80. Use Mastercard for bonus perks like extra red packets or online deals via iShopChangi.
🗓️Date: Until 28 February 2025
📍Location: Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard Singapore 819666
💲Price: Free
From adorable collectables to exciting prizes, Changi Airport is the place to be this Lunar New Year! For more information, be sure to check out their website, and follow their socials on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (formally Twitter) for the latest updates! For the full story on the festivities, you can head over to our article on it!
Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025
Immerse yourself in the world of Chinese arts and culture at Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025, taking place at the Esplanade this CNY! This annual celebration is more than just a showcase, it’s a platform where tradition meets innovation, featuring everything from avant-garde theatre productions to heartwarming folk music performances.
This year, the festival highlights cross-cultural collaborations, bringing together artists from Singapore, China, and beyond. Watch as classic Chinese tales are reinterpreted through contemporary dance or experience the raw emotion of a live guzheng performance paired with modern electronic beats.
For families, the festival also offers engaging workshops where kids can try their hand at Chinese calligraphy or make their own lanterns. You can expect all that, and so much more at Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025!
🗓️Date: 7 February – 16 February 2025
📍Location: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Whether you’re a seasoned arts enthusiast or a curious first-timer, Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025 promises a lineup that’s both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. It’s the perfect Chinese New Year event to start off the year! To book your tickets and find out more information, you can do it all here at their official website, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram for updates!
Lunar New Year Activities at Chinese Garden
Celebrate CNY in tranquil style at the Chinese Garden, part of Jurong Lake Gardens with Lunar New Year Activities at Chinese Garden! Expect the grounds to come alive with stunning CNY-inspired landscaping and festive decorations, beautifully complementing iconic spots like the Twin Pagoda, Stone Boat, Tea Pavilion, and Entrance Arch (Chinese Garden Gate).
In the evenings, the Cloud Pagoda becomes the star of the show, lighting up every 30 minutes! This enchanting display offers a picture-perfect backdrop to capture memories with loved ones. For those feeling curious about their fortunes, the Grand Arch will feature zodiac forecasts tailored for the Year of the Snake – an extra layer of fun for visitors.
🗓️Date: 18 January – 12 February 2025
📍Location: Boon Lay Wy, Singapore 619795
💲Price: Free
⏰Time: 9am – 12am
Whether you’re there for the glowing lanterns or to pick up a keepsake with cultural flair, the Chinese Garden offers an intimate escape to usher in the Year of the Snake with peace and beauty. To find out more about what’s on, you can check it out at their website!
Mandai Wildlife Reserve Year of the Snake Celebration
Step into the Year of the Snake with a wild twist at Mandai Wildlife Reserve this Lunar New Year! Perfect for families and animal enthusiasts, their Scale New Heights celebration highlights the incredible world of snakes and their vital role in our ecosystem. From fascinating facts to up-close encounters, there’s plenty to keep everyone intrigued.
Throughout the day, visit the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari for Keeper Talk sessions featuring majestic stars like the king cobra, green anaconda, cave racer, and carpet python. Visitors can witness thrilling moments, including the king cobra feeding or enrichment activities for the cave racer and carpet python, where these snakes showcase their sharp senses and unique behaviours.
For something hands-on, head to RepTopia at Singapore Zoo to meet ambassador species like the vibrant Honduran milk snake, whose bright colours mimic a venomous coral snake as a clever defence mechanism. Prefer a mental challenge? Join digital quizzes at Singapore Zoo and River Wonders or a scavenger hunt at Bird Paradise.
To top it all off, enjoy auspicious CNY greetings during animal presentations, watch rousing lion dances, and snap a photo with the God of Fortune. Early birds will love the exclusive Mandai Wildlife Reserve zodiac “gold coins” gifted to the first 188 guests on select days.
🗓️Date: 28 January – 12 February 2025
📍Location: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, 729826
💲Price: Admission price to the Singapore Zoo applies
⏰Time: Various programme times
So what’re you waiting for? A trip to the Zoo sounds like the perfect way to start your Year of the Snake journey. Itching to know more about the programmes available? You can find out here at their official website, and be sure to check out their Instagram to stay on top of any updates!
And that’s it! With so many exciting festivities lined up across Singapore, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome the Year of the Snake in style. From dazzling parades and cultural showcases to wildlife encounters and interactive experiences, this CNY is brimming with opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
So grab your loved ones, soak in the auspicious spirit, and make this celebration one to remember! If we helped you plan your perfect CNY with these events, let us know through our socials on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!
Visuals courtesy of People’s Association, Jewel Changi Airport Development (JCAD) and Changi Airport Group, the Esplanade, NParks and Mandai Wildlife Group.
