SingaporeMotherhood | Culture

January 2023

Hop in兔 the Year of the Rabbit with these Fun CNY Activities

And just like that, the Year of the Rabbit is almost here. The Lunar New Year is just two weeks away. Is it me, or does time seem to be passing by at warp speed these days? Regardless, this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) heralds another long weekend – yay! – and bunnies are ear-resistible so we’re not complaining! Ready to have some hare-raising fun this festive period as well? Scroll down for the hop-piest CNY activities for families in Singapore this season.

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“Bunny-ful Blessings” at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Greet the cutest, roundest, bunnies in this Lunar New Year lawn installation. This collaboration between the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) and artist Chan Siu Kau, a Hong Kong illustrator and designer, features two of the artist’s Bit Bit Forest character as daruma dolls decorated with the words 幸 (xìng) meaning blessing, fortune and luck, and 福 (fú) meaning happiness.

29 Dec 2022 to 19 Feb 2023, 10am–5pm (closed on Mondays), at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Get more details at SYSNMH’s website and Facebook page

Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration 2023

Chinatown has always been THE place to find the most huat-some CNY activities and it’s no different this year. Leap into the Year of the Rabbit with the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration, which returns to the streets after two years. Start at the 10m centrepiece of a multi-generational rabbit family reuniting for the Chinese New Year, and make your way to the Festive Fair with 280 stalls selling festive goods. Take in the annual street light-up, watch dazzling stage shows, and greet the new lunar year with Mediacorp celebrities at the Chinese New Year Countdown Party. There are opportunities to win prizes by playing the ‘兔来运转 (The Lucky Rabbit)’ game as well. Huat ah!

1 Jan to 19 Feb, various locations around Chinatown. View the full programme at chinatownfestivals.sg/

 “Senses of Joy” at CapitaLand Malls

Disney fans, this is your year! See a life-sized installation of Mickey Mouse and Friends figurines in a lion and dragon dance display at Plaza Singapura (13–24 Jan) and IMM (25 Jan–5 Feb), and Disney pop-ups in seven CapitaLand malls in Singapore. You can also send limited-edition Disney-themed digital red packets in four designs, and stand a chance to win in a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with every $60 spent on the same day*.

Till 5 Feb. Terms and conditions apply; during three qualifying periods from 3 January 2023 to 29 February 2024. For more information, visit www.capitaland.com/sg/

Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign 2023

Ang Pow aficionados, take note. The National Heritage Board’s (NHB) very popular Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign starts TODAY (6 Jan 2023), and there are 39 different museum red packet designs to collect. That’s up from 35 last year, by the way. Collect a pack at any of the participating museums, heritage institutions and galleries, while stocks last. Don’t miss the inaugural red packet from the Children’s Museum Singapore, which is participating for the first time!

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In addition, there’ll be a limited edition collector’s album for sale. Each album contains two sets of the red packet designs, as well as a special edition for NHB’s 30th anniversary. Last year’s edition was snapped up in less than a day but you can still get your hands on one:

  1. pre-register for a purchase slot on 14 or 15 January
  2. do a walk-in purchase on 20 Jan. Registration for purchase slots open at 10am on 9 January 2023, here
  3. take part in online giveaways (6 to 16 Jan, and 25 to 30 Jan) at the I Love Museums Facebook page

6 Jan to 3 Feb, at participating museums, heritage institutions and galleries, while stocks last. The red packets are available free-of-charge, though collection terms and conditions differ by museum. For more details, visit www.go.gov.sg/MRHongbao2023

Create a New Year Portrait

If you didn’t know yet, the Apple Stores conduct bite-sized photography, videography, and design workshops all year round. These cater to newbies as well as Apple users, and children too. In this New Year Portrait workshop, Apple Creatives will show you how to capture a special moment with Portrait mode and Live Photos using the latest iPhone. You’ll then learn how to add your photo to an exclusive frame in Keynote, personalise it, export as a shareable GIF, and send it to all your friends and loved ones. This workshop is open to all ages, and sounds like fun parent-child activity to do! What’s more, Apple will provide a phone for you to use during the workshop if you don’t have one. And did we mention that the workshops are free?

Various dates and times, at Apple stores islandwide. Sign up here

Flourishing Fortunes at ION Orchard

The bonsai – a symbol of harmony, balance, patience and luck – takes centre stage at ION Orchard this Lunar New Year, together with festive exclusives, Zodiac fortunes, a roving God of fortune, pop-ups, installations, and more. ION+ Rewards Members can redeem exclusive red packets and mandarin orange carriers (from Concierge Counters with a minimum spend of $80, while stocks last) too. Catch the roving God of Fortune on 22 and 23 Jan from 1–2pm and watch lion dance and drum performances on selected days in January and February.

Don’t miss Bulgari’s Lunar New Year 2023 collection pop-up with the exclusive Bulgari Rabbits illustrated by local artist Dawn Ang. And if you’re craving a cuppa, why not try the Bulgari x Bacha Coffee limited-edition blend of wild honeycomb and caramel – “Eternal Bulgari”? Till 31 Jan 2023, you can also immerse yourself in art at The Worlds of Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama installations which mix augmented reality (AR) and and physical installations featuring Yayoi Kusama’s works.

Till 5 Feb unless otherwise stated. Terms and Conditions apply. Visit ionorchard.com for more details

Hop for joy at Lau Pa Sat

It’s a White Rabbit Chinese New Year at Lau Pa Sat this festive season. Get a pic with the 5.5m-tall inflatable White Rabbit, read your fortunes for the coming lunar year, and redeem exclusive White Rabbit Merchandise with minimum $10 spent. What’s more, there’s a sure-win claw machine where you can get White Rabbit Peanut Nougat Ice Cream too!

5 Jan to 5 Feb, Lau Pa Sat. Visit laupasat.sg/hopforjoy/ for more details and updates

Hop into Fun at Universal Studios Singapore

Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa

It’s supersized fun with CNY activities at Universal Studios Singapore this season. Think festive meet and greets, night Lo Hei (during extended weekend opening hours), cherry blossom trees, and a chance to collect gifts! Meet and greet characters in their Lunar New Year best, and keep an eye and ear out for Optimus Prime and Megatron, who will toss out special Chinese New Year greetings – in Mandarin!

13 Jan to 5 Feb, 11am–6pm, Universal Studios Singapore. Tickets from $68 (child) and $88 (adult). Tickets are inclusive of a Universal Studios Singapore food and beverage voucher and retail voucher, available here

Watch Celestial Animals Gone Wild

Hop into the Year of the Rabbit with the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac on Nat Geo WILD. In the first episode Critter Fixers: Country Vets: Bunny Bonanza, watch how a prize-winning bunny gets show-ready, learn how to care for rabbits, and see how a family rescues a wild rabbit. What’s more, there’s even a bunny which gets an abscess removed, only to turn up with baby bunnies!

Premieres Saturday/ Sunday on January 21/ 22, 8.30pm, Nat Geo Wild (Singtel CH 207, Starhub CH 413), (Astro CH 550), (Skycable CH66 SD | CH193 HD)

A Hare-py Lunar New Year at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

There’s lots to do “兔” (tù)-gether at the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders this festive season! Watch Mini Rex Rabbits feast on lo-hei at Rainforest KidzWorld, and learn how to take care of rabbits at the Animal Playground. Watch the animal shows and receive prosperous greetings from Capybara at River Wonders’ Once Upon a River, as well as the Sea Lion, Coatimundi and everyone’s favourite canines from Splash Safari, Rainforest Fights Back, and Animal Friends. Don’t forget to pick up some yummy Year of the Rabbit macarons at Singapore Zoo, and CNY apparel too. And if you’re wondering what the new year has in store for you, remember to look up your zoo-diac sign as you explore the parks too!

Till 5 Feb. For more information and details on the activities, visit www.wildcny.sg

Get Electrifying at the Science Centre Singapore

Usher in the Lunar New Year an electrifying science show featuring all-new musical Tesla Coils, and watch a unique live demonstration at the Energy Titans Show. Take advantage of the 10% off Omni-Theatre tickets deal from 16 to 26 Feb 2023 to visit world-class observatories, take a deep dive into space, meet a rare Australian sea lion pup, and journey to chilly south polar landscapes in search of dinosaurs. In addition, kids can enjoy a complimentary colouring session (20 to 24 Jan) at the Butterflies Up-Close exhibition.

From 22 Jan, various timings, Science Centre Singapore. Get more details and tickets here

Have a Sweet Bean Spring at Marina Square

Go under the peach spring blossoms to find adorable life-sized Sweet Bean sculptures – all ready to celebrate the lunar new year with you. POP MART! fans can pre-order the upcoming Singapore exclusive Sweet Bean Limited Edition 100% figures – Sweet Bean UFO Catcher and Gashapon Machine from the popular Sweet Bean I Am Here! Series, and get their hands on the latest Three! Two! One! Happy Chinese New Year Series too. What’s more, the first 200 who preorder the limited edition Singapore exclusives will receive Marigold HL milk. In addition, Marina Square members who spend $80 in the mall (excluding pop-ups) will receive Sweet Bean red packets, while those who spend $150 will get $10 Marina Square vouchers.

6 Jan to 2 Feb, during mall opening hours, at the Central Atrium, Marina Square

Spring in the Sea at the S.E.A. Aquarium

Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa

If aqua-themed CNY activities sound good to you, then make your way to the S.E.A. Aquarium for its Bountiful Wonders package to discover auspicious animals like the foxface rabbitfish and learn about them along the Trail of Fortune. Watch Singapore’s only Underwater Dragon Dance, and join Ru Yi the Mermaid at Underwater Tales as she shares enthralling stories about her marine friends and how to protect their homes. There’s also a Festive Meet-and-Greet with the adorable Manta mascots dressed in their Lunar New Year best! 

13 Jan to 5 Feb, 10am–5pm, S.E.A. Aquarium. Tickets from $36 (child) and $46 (adult) inclusive of an $8 S.E.A. food and beverage voucher and an $8 S.E.A. Aquarium retail voucher are available here 

Garden of Prosperity at City Square Mall

Start the Year of the Rabbit sustainably with City Square Mall’s eco-friendly red packets, and a Reusable Lucky Carrot Bag that’s just right for shopping or groceries. These can be redeemed with $88 (terms and conditions apply) spent at the mall. While you’re there, check out your zodiac Forecast by Way Fengshui, and snap some festive photos with the CNY decorations. Do keep your eyes peeled for eight hidden carrot stickers too. Find them all to take part in the Hunt for the Lucky Carrots (24 January to 5 February 2023) contest, and you could win $100 worth of Haidilao Hot Pot vouchers! 

Till 5 January, at City Square Mall. For more details, visit www.citysquaremall.com.sg or check City Square Mall’s Facebook and Instagram

‘Huat’s’ Up at the Singapore Sports Hub

Image credit: Singapore Sports Hub

Come down and move it, move it, at the first ever Stadium Waterfront Carnival. From 22 Jan to 5 Feb, run on the Sports Hub’s 888-metre red track at the 100PLUS Promenade. Snap a photo at the booths, post it, tag @sgsportshub and follow Sports Hub on Instagram and Facebook. The post with the most “likes” stands to win a pair of tickets to a concert or event of their choice!

Prosperity Race participants. Image credit: Singapore Sports Hub

On 28 and 29 Jan, head down to the Stadium Waterfront from 8-10.30pm for LED Lion & Dragon Dance Performance, LED Drums Performances, a meet Cai Shen Ye as well. Raring for more? Pair up with friends and family to compete in the Prosperity Race on 5 Feb, solve missions at selected landmarks, and receive ‘huat’-some rewards! 

22 Jan to 5 Feb, at the Singapore Sports Hub. Get more information and details here.

My Mulan Mission: A Parent-Child Activity

Part of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, this workshop is inspired by the strength and courage of Hua Mulan, who overcame obstacles to emerge as a brave and selfless heroine for her country. Through Chinese opera appreciation, theatre, and simple craftwork, kids will learn about self-discovery and bravery, and find their inner heroes, just like Mulan did. Note: There will be physical activity, so dress comfortably. The workshop, conducted in Mandarin over 1.5 hours, is suitable for children aged 7 to 10 years.

28 and 29 Jan 2023, 11am & 3pm, Esplanade Annexe Studio. Tickets from $60 (adult-child pair) are available here

Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2023

Have a spirited weekend at the Festival of Spring Weekend Open House, with family-friendly CNY activities such as a children’s lion dance workshop, festive drumming workshops, a tangyuan workshop, temple tours and heritage trails, free storytelling and craft activities for the little ones, and more!

4 & 5 Feb, 10am–7pm, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Free admission with paid activities

Build 兔-gether Through Play with LEGO® 

Build two decorative pieces to welcome visitors with the 80110 LEGO® Lunar New Year Display set.  The two models feature traditional symbols for good luck, prosperity, and happiness, which are surely welcome in every home. For a larger centerpiece, the 80111 LEGO® Lunar New Year Parade features three connectible toy parade floats, 18 mini figures, and a giant rabbit that moves when the float is pushed! From 12 Jan to 5 Feb, families can also go on a themed adventure at the LEGO® Prosperity Burrows at Suntec City, complete challenges, and win a LEGO polybag. Don’t leave without snapping a picture with the giant bunny too!

Available at LEGO® Certified Stores (LCS), LEGO® Official Store on Lazada, Shopee, Amazon, as well as major retailers and department stores in Singapore.

Clean up with We Bare Bears 

Lifebuoy has teamed up with We Bare Bears this Lunar New Year! Bring the adorable mammals home when you buy the all-star lineup of washes – Total 10 Anti-Bacterial Body Wash, Total 10 Anti-Bacterial Hand Wash, and Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Wash – or any other Lifebuoy products. Receive limited edition We Bare Bears Red Packets when you spend $15 on the products, and a limited edition We Bare Bears Ceramic Mug when you spend $28 on any Lifebuoy products. Now that’s going to make their fans bear-y happy this festive season, we’re sure!

Till 31 Jan, at participating stores, and online, while stocks last. Participating stores for red packets include Watsons, Guardian and official e-commerce platforms. Participating stores for mugs include Fairprice, Sheng Shiong, Cold Storage, Giant, and official e-commerce platforms.

Creative Intersections 2023: In the Year of the Rabbit by Funan Mall

Art + brands at Funan = a visual feast for everyone in the family this Lunar New Year. The mall-wide art activation is part of Singapore Art Week, and offers easy access to art for both seasoned art lovers, casual appreciators, and shoppers. Look for photo ops with rabbit art installations, discover ‘hidden’ artworks, as well as new art experiences such as an installations made of embroidered fabric, a surreal walk into the world of the Water Rabbit, re-modelled rabbit figurines, and more. 

Till 5 Feb, during mall and store opening hours. Check out the digital catalogue here.

Embrace Tomorrow at the Chingay Parade 2023

Wow! 28,000 spectators are expected to attend the first Chingay street parade after two years of digital and hybrid showcases. A feast for the senses, Chingay 2023 will showcase Singaporeans’ diversity and talent with mini floats and performances. Set against the largest art installation (by local artist Sam Lo) in the history of Chingay, the story of Chingay 2023 is told through three ‘Rabbit’ characters played by veteran actors Hossan Leong (Boss Rabbit), Siti Khalijah (Smart Rabbit) and Dwayne Lau (Cute Rabbit). By the way, the celebrations continue after Chingay Parade 2023 too! You can:

  • Visit community art spaces at F1 Pit Building on 5 Feb, 2–10pm and 6 to 9 Feb, 6–10 pm to get up close to the Chingay Floats, Rabbits ART-Venture Installation and Container Art Installation
  • Attend the Chingay@Heartlands celebrations

Chingay 2023 is on 3 and 4 February, at F1 Pit Building. Tickets from $20 at SISTIC. It will air live on 3 February at 8pm on the Chingay website and Facebook page. There will also be a delayed telecast on Channel 5 and Channel 8 on 19 February at 7.30 pm.

Get 兔gether at SCCC

Meet a most adorable cast of characters from Chinese myths and customs – Tu Zai (rabbit), Ong Lai (pineapple), and Nian Mei in an art installation by local artists Fiona Koh and Warren Khong. On selected Saturday nights (28 Jan, 25 Feb, 25 Mar), there’ll even be light shows (7.30–8.30pm) to bring these characters to life, as well as a life-size mascot to take photos with! P/S: Need a refresh on CNY traditions? Find them all, including how to toss yusheng and what to say when nosy relatives ask awkward questions, at the SCCC’s Festive Fever microsite

Till 31 March, 10am–10pm daily, at the SCCC (Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce) Roof Garden. Free admission. 

CNY activities for the Year of the Rabbit

We’re still waiting for some other CNY activities to be announced, and will update here when they’re ready. So do bookmark this page and come back for more. In the meantime, here’s wishing you and yours a happy Lunar New Year, from all of us at SingaporeMotherhood.

Featured image: LEGO Singapore

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Hop in兔 the Year of the Rabbit with these Fun CNY Activities