The Chinese New Year (also called the Lunar New Year) is one of Singapore’s biggest holidays. It marks the start of the year based on the Chinese calendar, with huge cultural significance attached to the occasion. There are reunion dinners and family/community gatherings as people pray for peace and prosperity ahead. Interestingly, before feasting, many offer food, flowers, fruits and even tea to their ancestors, while gifting money in traditional red envelopes. 
The date is never on the 1st of January and CNY is celebrated on the very first day of the year as per the traditional Chinese calendar. You’ll be amazed to know that the celebrations go on for 15 days at a stretch! They draw inspiration from the zodiac animals, with fireworks, lighting and events all playing by this theme. 
Let’s take a closer look at the Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore for your benefit. If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, you may want to land around 29-30 January 2025 (the festivities date).

Key Highlights of Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore

1. Chinatown’s Festive Decorations and Light-Up

Chinese New Year 2025 becomes more memorable with stunning decorations and lighting in the famous Chinatown area. This is the Year of the Snake and you can expect fabulous decorations and festive lighting all across Chinatown, offering fabulous opportunities to get the snaps of a lifetime.
You can also enjoy weekly stage performances by skilled performances, including dance, music and more, while there is a festive and food fair to enjoy too. The River Hongbao Festival is the biggest attraction for visitors, with exciting live entertainment, performances and fabulous food. Here are the key public events worth looking out for. 

• The famous Light-Up Ceremony may take place on January 10, 2025. It marks the beginning of the festival with the official ceremonies at Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road. This year’s celebration will largely draw on the Year of the Snake in terms of motifs, light sculptures, etc. 
• Indulge in traditional Chinese souvenirs and products, while feasting on local food at the Festive Street Bazaar (from January 10). The classic dumplings and pineapple tarts are worth a try! 
• You can also enjoy weekly performances from the 10th across venues like the Kreta Ayer Square. 
• The Lion and Dragon dance performance is a must-watch (from January 17) along with the grand fireworks display (New Year’s Eve).
• If you want to grab some delicious grub, try the Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre and the Yum Cha Restaurant. 
• Plan your trip well in advance. A journey via the MRT is the best way to avoid traffic hassles. 

2. The Chingay Parade: A Spectacle of Dance and Music

The Chingay Parade is another huge event for the CNY. Joy is the coming year’s theme and the parade may take place at the F1 Pit Building. The event will also mark Singapore’s 60th birthday along with the New Year. 

• PassionArts installations and food-inspired special floats along with shared meals and culinary delights
• SG60 Special performances by 60 lion dancers
• New and more immersive parade layout and design 
• 4,000+ performers from 150 organizations 
• Tickets are expected to be available from 6th November 2024 onwards 

3. River Hongbao Festival 

The River Hongbao Festival is also one of the biggest public events in Singapore for the CNY. It is a famous annual Lunar New Year event dating to 1986 and is held by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association. Here are the major highlights that you can expect here. 
Hongbao is another word for Red Pocket, or a traditional monetary gift given on the occasion. 

• Don’t miss Gardens by the Bay for its stunning decorations and performances (everything from Getai artists to Chinese troupes)
• There will be food stalls everywhere for you to try, and you can also check out a double-storied carousel here. 
• The event will have huge lanterns on display, while the fireworks are another huge attraction. 

4. Visiting Temples for Blessings

Enjoying Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore is also about visiting temples for blessings. Locals believe that people entering the temple and making offerings to the Gods by burning incense sticks will receive major blessings. Most people gather at several temples early in the morning on Chinese New Year’s Day. 
You can visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple housing the Guan Yin Goddess at Waterloo and witness the midnight incense ceremony on New Year’s Eve. The first person to plant the incense stick into the urn is believe to obtain good luck. 
You can also hop over to the famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum which was built to worship Mazu, a Chinese Goddess. It is the most important and oldest temple for the Hokkien people in the region. 

5. Traditional Chinese New Year Markets and Shopping Experiences

There’s nothing like celebrating CNY with a bout of shopping at some of the famous places in Singapore. Here are some places to consider. 

• Bugis Street- It is one of the best shopping places while also being home to several bars and cafes. Fixed-price goods are sold here, including clothes, gadgets, souvenirs, trinkets, and plenty more. The Malay shopping mall is also nearby. 
• Gardens by the Bay- You’ll love the rides and performances here without a doubt. Another highlight is the Dahlia Display and some wonderful pop-ups. 
• Chinatown- Buy affordable crafts and souvenirs along with herbal teas and other Chinese goods. Take a trip to the Chinatown Heritage Centre Temple Street and Sago Lane for great bargains. 
• People’s Park Complex- It is a heritage site with multiple textile outlets that you can check out. 

6. Cultural Performances and Lion Dance Displays

Chinese New Year in Singapore has its own charm, particularly with multiple cultural performances like the Lion DanceSG and the spectacular LED Dragon Dance. The lion dance itself is a huge attraction with its pole performances. The art originates from ancient China and involves fabulous choreography and costumes alike. 
Many believe in tossing orange peels during the dance, symbolic of the distribution of gold and wealth. You can also check out the New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner where people gather around after paying tribute to the Gods and also their ancestors. Watch amazing fireworks displays, especially as a part of the River Hongbao Festival and explore the lit-up Marina Bay, the epicentre of the celebrations. 

7. Festive Foods: Dining Experiences and Special CNY Events

Chinese New Year 2025 Singapore will be equally delightful for foodies. You can check out some popular places like the Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House or Hai Tien Lo. Other top choices include Golden Peony, Yellow Pot and many more. 
A few other recommendations include:

• La Jiang Shan Hotspot BBQ, Dhoby Ghaut- You’ll love the dinner and lunch buffets along with the comforting broth here.  
• Peach Garden, OBC Centre- Try amazing seafood here along with other Cantonese delicacies. 
• Nanjing Impressions at Plaza Singapura- It is an amazing place to feast on traditional and authentic Nanjiang cuisine, including Madam Chiang’s beauty porridge, Jinling salted duck and chilled drunken virgin red crayfish. 
• You can also explore the Hawker culture while in Singapore. Know more about it from this guide.

Some Chinese New Year festive items to try include Hot Pot, Mandarin Orange Desserts, Melon Seeds and Groundnuts, Chinese Sausages, Special Rice Cakes and Radish Cakes, Yu Sheng and Longevity Noodles. 

8. The Red Packets Tradition (Ang Pao)

Singaporeans mark the Chinese New Year by presenting red packets or Ang Pao to the lion dancers and also to children and loved ones. Locals believe that the ritual ushers in luck and good fortune. In fact, you can buy this at local stores or even ask locals to share some packets with you. They’ll only be happy to help! 
CNY Fireworks, Celebrations and Festive Displays
Some of the biggest such events include the following: 

1. The River Hongbao Festival is a free event at Gardens by the Bay. Some of its attractions include fireworks, vibrant lanterns, performances and delicious food.
2. Chinatown lights up beautifully with parades, bustling food stalls and carnivals during this time as well. 
3. The Chingay Parade is also a fabulous experience spread over two days with music, dancing, fireworks and floats. 

Conclusion 

Visiting during the Chinese New Year 2025 Singapore will be an amazing experience for you. From fireworks and special events to delicious food and local traditions, the event is set to be a magnificent affair indeed! However, plan the trip early to avoid last-minute hassles. Book your accommodation smartly to stay near major festive spots. You can consider serviced apartments in Singapore for this purpose. Here’s to a great trip ahead.