SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
January 2018
CNY Activities for the Whole Family to Get Your ‘Huat’ Going in 2018
Can’t wait to get into the spirit of the Lunar New Year 2018? Here are the best CNY activities across Singapore
In just a blink of an eye, it’s nearly February and we’re approaching the Lunar New Year. With festive music playing through the speakers and goodies lining the shelves of supermarkets, all that’s left are the fun activities for the whole family. Here, we round up the best Lunar New Year activities across the island.
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Chinatown
It’s no surprise that our list of Lunar New Year activities begins in Chinatown. During the Lunar New Year, watch as Chinatown transforms into a bustling hub of lights, music and festivities. Stop by for some famous bak kwa, or treat the kids to an amazing light-up. With handmade lanterns of dogs, flowers, and greetings lining the street, we’re sure you’ll be immersed in the festive atmosphere in no time!
Image: Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee
Looking for an even more memorable Lunar New Year experience? Don’t miss out on the Chingay Parade in the heartlands! This annual affair marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations with vibrant performances, and isn’t one to be missed. The whole family can enjoy special performances by local and overseas performers – not to mention the signature decorated floats!
Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony
When 27 January, 6pm – 10pm
Where New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Street Light-Up
When 27 January to 16 March, 7pm – midnight on weekdays & 7pm – 2am on Fridays & Saturdays (till 6am on 15 & 16 February)
Where Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, and Garden Bridge
Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party
When 15 February, 9.30pm – 12.30am
Where New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Chingay 2018 @ Heartlands
When 25 February, 6pm – 10pm
Where New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
(See also: CNY clothes for Kids: These 12 #MadeInSingapore brands have the Most Stylish ones for 2018!)
Sentosa
Kids will love the FUN-Tastic Lunar New Year celebrations at Sentosa! As we welcome the Year of the Dog, let the kiddos celebrate the festivities with Snoopy as he pops up all over the island. 2 giant snoopy sculptures will feature at Sentosa Boardwalk and Merlion Plaza, and don’t forget to check the whole family’s zodiac fortunes at the Snoopy-themed zodiac boards too. With lots of Lunar New Year activities catered to the whole family, Sentosa’s the best place to soak up the festivities – and some sun!
Festive Decor
When 19 January to 4 March
Pen-A-Wish
When From 10 February, 10am – 8pm
Where Merlion Plaza
Walkabout Characters
When 16 February to 18 February, 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.15pm
Where Merlion Plaza
Lion Dance
When 16 February to 18 February, 4.30pm – 5pm & 6.30pm – 7pm
Where Beach Plaza
Meet & Greet with Snoopy
When 16 February to 18 February, 1pm & 5pm
Where Beach Plaza
Gardens by the Bay
There are few things as synonymous with the Lunar New Year as flowers. This year, let the entire family experience a different Lunar New Year with Garden by the Bay‘s “Dahlia Dreams” floral display. Inspired by the picturesque landscape of Chinese imperial gardens, “Dahlia Dreams” welcomes the Lunar New Year with an amazing display of dahlias, camellias, lagerstroemias, and bromeliads in a courtyard garden setting.
That’s not all! Gardens by the Bay also offers “Spring Surprise” for the whole family. With an array of festive performances, meet and greets, and spectacular ultra-violet (UV) light performances, it’s definitely going to make for a memorable Lunar New Year.
“Dahlia Dreams” Floral Display
When 19 January to 4 March, 9am – 9pm
Where Flower Dome
*Admission charge to the conservatories apply
God of Fortune Meet & Greet
When 17 February to 19 February & 24 February to 25 February, 12.30pm & 2.30pm
Where Flower Dome
Spring Acts
When 17 February, 7pm – 7.30pm
Where Supertree Grove
Rise of the Guardians (UV Light Performances)
When 17 February to 19 February & 24 February to 25 February, 8pm – 8.30pm
Where Supertree Grove
(See also: Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Kids in 2018, Year of the Earth Dog)
Istana
The Lunar New Year can’t get any more special than at the Istana! Let Bub enjoy a fun and educational nature walk as the Istana opens its doors to the public. A collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board (NParks), the nature walk will showcase the Istana’s flora, fauna, and biodiversity. Don’t miss out on this special event for the whole family!
When 17 February, 10am – 4pm
Where Istana
Tickets Click here
Shopping Malls
If your family prefers to be away from the scorching heat, fret not! There are also ways to immerse yourselves in the Lunar New Year festivities while keeping cool. Across Singapore, shopping malls offer a diverse range of Lunar New Year activities for the whole family. Be it talks by feng shui masters, beautiful decorations, or even special performances, there’s something for everyone!
“Spring Blooms in Splendour” at One Raffles Place
Welcome the Lunar New Year with festive activities at One Raffles Place! Don’t miss out on fortune-telling talks by esteemed Feng Shui Master Alec Chia, as well as a lion dance performance by Yi Wei Athletic Association.
When 24 January to 15 February, 10am – 9pm
Where 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The SCCC presents its first ever Lunar New Year Carnival & Concert! Held over two days, visitors will get the chance to experience traditional art forms such as Chinese paper cutting and wushu showcases, and indulge in festive delicacies. With more than 20 activities at the SCCC, the whole family’s in for a fun time!
When 24 February to 25 February, 2pm – 10pm
Where 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
Marina Square
Usher in the Lunar New Year with the 12 Zodiac animals in Marina Square‘s special Topiary Garden! Get Instagram-worthy shots with each topiary animal, and gear up for the year ahead with tips from the zodiac readings on display.
When 18 January to 25 February, 10am – 9.30pm
Where 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
“LEGO® Lunar New Year” & PAW Patrol at City Square Mall
Look forward to family building challenges and an exciting build of a 1-metre-tall dog made of LEGO® Bricks at City Square Mall! Be sure also to be the first to get your hands on LEGO® Year of the Dog collectibles, as well as other new novelty sets.
When 22 January to 4 February, 11am – 9pm
Kiddos are going to love ushering in the Year of the Dog with PAW Patrol too! Join Chase and Marshall for an interactive game-play on 3, 4, 10, and 11 Feb. Plus, get up close and personal with them at the Meet & Greet, with $50 spent*. Don’t forget to snap a photo with your loved ones under the Tunnel of Spring Blossoms from 6.30pm to 10pm daily, and check out the PAW-some Carnival where the whole family can enjoy exciting rides, games and more!
*Limited to 50 passes per session, other T&Cs apply
When 19 January to 25 February
Where 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
(See also: LEGO New Year Event & PAW Petrol at City Square Mall)
“Spring Festival” at AMK Hub
Experience a wonderful spring at AMK Hub with festive shopping at the Lunar Goodies and Festival Floral Plants Fair. Don’t miss out on being greeted by the God of Fortune and traditional lion dance performances, too!
When 19 January to 25 February, 10am – 9.30pm
Where 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569933
“A New Year Bountiful & Beautiful” at Frasers Centrepoint Malls
This festive period at Frasers Centrepoint Malls will see exciting lucky draws, live lion dances, LED dragon dance performances, and Chinese New Year fairs!
When From 19 January, 10am – 10pm
Where 176 Orchard Road, Singapore 238843
Augmented Reality at Plaza Singapura
Enjoy a different experience this Chinese New Year at Plaza Singapura! Try your hand at the Augmented Reality Rock Wall – maneuver through obstacles and experience an adrenalin rush like no other. The beloved Art-Zoo inflatables will also be making a return, so don’t miss out!
When 12 February to 25 February, 10am – 10pm
Where 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
(See also: 32 Chinese New Year 2018 Reunion Dinners for Every Budget – from Hotel Feasts to ‘Zichar’ Bests)
There you have it, our list of Lunar New Year activities for the Year of the Dog. Will your family be soaking up the festivities together with the sun at Sentosa or cooling off in the malls? Maybe an excursion for the entire family to Gardens by the Bay or the Istana? With so many activities to choose from, we’re sure the whole family will enjoy the full Lunar New Year experience this year!
Featured image: World Travel Guide
Header image: Annie Spratt
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