The best Chinese New Year 2025 events in Singapore

Are you ready to make waves this Year of the Snake? From now to February 16, kick off the festivities with Spring in the SEA at S.E.A. Aquarium, where there's a tidal wave of family fun. Don't miss Singapore’s only underwater dragon dance in the Open Ocean Habitat, where the magnificent dragon and the fin-tastic Aquarist team glide gracefully in the water. Then channel your creative energy at ART:DIS’s marine-themed upcycling lantern workshops on select dates and transform discarded materials into treasure. Before you go, snap a family photo with the adorable manta ray mascot, all dressed up in its festive finest.

Think of cultural spaces in Singapore and the Chinese Garden will pop to mind. The newly revamped garden is decked out in Chinese New Year-inspired decorations, on top of the already existing whimsical lanterns. Come evening, you’ll want to whip out your cameras and head over to the Cloud Pagoda which will be fully illuminated. More details can be found here.

How much do you really know about snakes? From January 17 to February 16, test your knowledge at Funan’s experiential art and retail trail, which is loaded with slithery surprises. We’re talking about fascinating interpretations of the Year of the Snake in diverse art forms, merchandise, and even workshops across six floors. With a massive interactive puzzle, 13 brand-artist collaborations, and various snake-themed activities, it's a fun way to shop, dine, and play, while learning more about these scaly creatures. And of course, there are retail and F&B rewards to sweeten the deal during this festive season too. Find out more here.

It’s time to bring your crafting skills to the Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2025. This kid-friendly event has plenty of arts and crafts workshops, such as the free Chinese opera mask DIY station and Chinese ink rubbing art class. Join the glutinous rice ball-making session or the pineapple tart workshop where you can bake snake-shaped treats as a nod to this year’s zodiac animal. Little ones aged 6-12 can boogie away at the Lion Dance Workshop happening on February 8. The class teaches basic dance moves and kids can try on the mini lion dance costumes. More details can be found on the Wan Qing Festival of Spring website.

Chinese New Year firecrackers in Singapore? That’s typically hard to come by here, but this year’s edition of River Hongbao – Singapore's largest annual CNY celebration – will dazzle you with that rare experience on its first three nights. Running from January 27 to February 5, this festive event stretching across multiple zones of Gardens by the Bay’s free public areas features over 20 illuminated lantern displays, including a butterfly arch, floral trellises, and a depiction of Oriental storks by a waterfall. The 12 zodiac animals will also be showcased, with a special installation dedicated to the year of the snake. For extra fortune, don’t miss the towering God of Fortune lantern at The Meadow, and be sure to catch the free nightly cultural performances in the vicinity. Other highlights include carnival games and a vibrant food street. Find out more about River Hongbao 2025.

Pop Mart fans must be feeling extra lucky this festive season, because Jewel Changi has just gotten a playful springtime touch with Chinese New Year decor featuring your favourite blind box characters such as Labubu, Skullpanda, Hacipupu and more. These cute installations are inspired by various figurine series – including the new seasonal ‘Wealthy Snake’s New Year Celebration’ one – and are spread all over the scenic Canopy Park in vibrant floral set-ups. Find out more and learn how you can cop yourself a limited-edition Pop Mart mahjong set here.

It’s soon that time of the year for spectacular floats, dazzling costumes and artistic performances to captivate us once again. Chingay 2025 is set to wow on February 7 and 8, 2025, at the F1 Pit Building, similar to the previous edition. With this year’s theme being ‘joy’, this vibrant Chinese New Year parade features food-related floats, costumes and installations, showcasing the delight of sharing meals with loved ones and the cherished memories made along the way. The 2025 edition also marks a significant milestone – Singapore’s 60th birthday, so you can bet that there’ll be an extra special tribute to the country’s rich heritage and progress. This includes a troupe of 60 lion dancers with a lively and energetic performance sure to impress. Plus, Chingay Parades are known to have fireworks every year, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that there’ll also be some in this iteration. Find out more here.