Streets lit with red lanterns, gold banners donning shopfronts, massive displays of blooming flowers, these aren’t just scenes from the movie Crazy Rich Asians, but the soon-to-be ground reality of Singapore. That’s right! Come January, like every year, Singapore will gear up to celebrate the country’s most important cultural festival— the Chinese New Year. What better time than to book your Singapore tours to experience the festivities with a local guide.
In 2026, the Chinese New Year festivities will kick off in late January and continue through early March, making it the best time for tourists to visit Singapore. Think unique and vibrant local traditions like the Lion Dance, compelling light displays in Chinatown and Gardens By The Bay and festive treats islandwide.
With plenty to see and do during the weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year, booking your Singapore tours with experts like Culture Curious—offering unique and immersive private and custom walking tours—will enable you to make the most of your trip.
Before we list down the key events activities during the Chinese New Year period in Singapore to experience on your Singapore tours, let’s take a moment to learn about the festival.
What is the meaning and cultural significance of Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year and Spring Festival, marks the end of winter and the arrival of the spring season on the lunisolar calendar. For Chinese people, it symbolises fresh beginnings, renewal and a time of great prosperity. As per legends, the origin of Chinese New Year has to do with the combatting a mythical beast called the Nian, who devoured children in the middle of the night. Soon, the villagers discovered that the Nian was scared of the colour red and loud noises. Thus, the tradition of wearing red, using red lanterns in the doorway and playing loud drums began and continues till date.
In Chinese culture, each year is represented by one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, each holding specific personality traits. The Lunar New Year in 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, inspiring a wide range of horse-themed gifts and trinkets gifts and trinkets, great as thoughtful cultural souvenirs to share with friends and family.
Key events, locations and activities in Singapore to not miss during the Chinese New Year 2026 festivities
The arrival of Chinese New year is marked by CNY-themed décor, installations and events in Singapore. Here is the list of things to do and see to soak up the festivities. Make sure to include them on your Singapore tours.
- Chinatown Street Lantern light up and markets: If there’s one place that truly embodies the spirit of CNY, it’s Chinatown. Every year, the neighbourhood is decked up in the colour red, with larger-than-life lantern displays, light installations and intricate zodiac decorations, promising a visual spectacle for the entire family. The market is packed with vendors selling traditional snacks, festive décor, handmade crafts, Chinese calligraphy, and New Year goodies like pineapple tarts and bak kwa. You can also enjoy the traditional Lion Dance performances and stage shows.
Pro tip: Since the neighbourhood tends to get busier than usual, with locals shopping for CNY décor, we recommend hiring a local tour guide. Apart from helping you navigate the crowded neighbourhood with ease, you’ll discover the stories and meanings behind cultural objects and Chinese symbols. Culture Curious runs private custom walking tours centred around Chinatown to dive into heritage or street food. While it is a great idea to visit Chinatown before the actual week of Chinese New Year, as may shops and eateries are closed during the CNY week (especially during the first week of the Lunar New Period), major attractions and select temples are still open beyond Chinatown.
- The 2026 Chingay Parade: What began in 1973 as a simple street procession to mark Lunar New Year has evolved into Asia’s largest street performance and float parade, drawing thousands of performers and spectators from around the world. Singaporeans from all walks of life, including school groups, cultural organisations, and community associations, come together to create an extraordinary performance featuring dances and music-synchronised firework—celebrating the nation’s diversity. This year’s theme is “WISH” – A Dazzling Celebration of Dreams and Unity!
Pro tip: Book tickets in advance as they run out fast. Book here.
- Spring Blossoms: Gallop Into Prosperity: Like every year, Gardens By The Bay transforms into a culturally rich wonderland to usher the CNY festivities. Keeping in mind this year’s theme, the garden is set to showcase iconic blooms, lantern horses and classical Chinese architecture. The floral exhibition is on from January 16th to March 1st, offering plenty of thematic photo opportunities for the entire family.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable sneakers to be able walk long stretches. Carry a mosquito repellent for you and your family.
- Lion Dance on a pole: A visit to Singapore during the CNY period is incomplete without witnessing a roaring Lion Dance performance. Thankfully these performances happen island-wide between the months of January to March. In 2026, we are excited to see gravity-defying performances on a high pole by a Lion Dance troupe at Jurong Point Shopping Centre.
Pro tip: Position yourself near open spaces like atriums or entrance plazas where the lions leap, drum, and interact with the audience. Don’t forget to offer mandarins to the Lion dancers.
- River Hongbao 2026: Easily one of the most awaited events to mark the CNY is the River Hongbao celebrations. Expect monumental horse-themed installations, huge lantern displays, live performances, interactive exhibits, illuminated arches, carnival rides and local and international street food, promising a fun time for children and adults alike. The event usually starts in January. Watch this space for more details.
Pro tip: For the best River Hongbao experience, visit just before sunset on weekdays. You’ll catch the lanterns and installations in natural daylight and watch them come alive as the lights switch on—perfect for photos.
6. Seek blessings like a local at Thian Hock Keng Temple: Did you know, Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest and most architecturally significant Hokkien temples, is where locals flock to seek divine blessings during the Chinese New Year? The temple even opens up slots to register for Lantern of Blessings, Mazu Light of Blessings, Jade Emperor Joss Paper (Deluxe) and Fortune Rice Bucket.
Pro tip: This oldest Chinese temple, with sweeping roofs adorned with dragons, intricate carvings, and hand-painted porcelain tiles, is a must-see for lovers of culture and architecture. Good news, the guides at Culture Curious offer a detailed and highly engaging tour of the temple, explaining the meaning of different artistic motifs and temple rituals. So make sure to include this historic site on your Singapore tours.
Turn your Chinese New Year trip to Singapore unforgettable with a bespoke private tour by Culture Curious
Let Culture Curious help you immerse into the CNY festivities like a local. Your guide will plan the ideal time to visit the city’s most festive hotspots, while also custom-curating the rest of your itinerary to match your interests—whether that’s temples, heritage shophouses, street art, food adventures, or something entirely unique to you. Every tour is thoughtfully designed around you and your loved ones, making each moment feel personal and meaningful.
With over 200 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google, Culture Curious’ private walking tours have earned a reputation for being fun, immersive, and memorable for visitors of all ages. Book your personalised tour and experience Singapore exactly the way you want to.