Best Chinese New Year 2025 light-ups and displays in Singapore

Singapore's largest annual CNY celebration River Hongbao is here to dazzle you with acres and acres of festive installations, all spread out across multiple zones of Gardens by the Bay’s free public areas features from January 27 to February 5. Feast your eyes on 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 firecracker displays on the first three nights and free nightly cultural performances. Other highlights include carnival games and a vibrant food street. Find out more about River Hongbao 2025.

Every season brings about new displays at Gardens by the Bay, and this Chinese New Year is no exception. The Spring Blossoms 2025 display pays homage to this year’s snake zodiac, featuring over 1,000 beautiful dahlias and a 4.5m-tall floral sculpture of Madam White Snake, a female snake spirit in China’s folklore. This life-like display comprises over 23,000 plants including moth orchids, kalanchoes and cyclamens. Accompanying this is a snake sculpture and a 7m-tall replica of Leifeng Pagoda where Madam White Snake was imprisoned. You’ll notice two smaller pagodas inside the Leifeng Pagoda – these pagodas are part of the Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum. 

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.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is synonymous with all things luxurious, with branded fashion brands and famed restaurants found at the mall. And beyond these are stunning decorations to admire while you’re strolling around the mall, including this year’s Chinese New Year installations. 

In celebration of Chinese New Year, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands has set up giant snake structures to get you in the festive mood. The snake installations are intertwined to form one big Chinese character, but you’ll want to look closer. Each individual snake is further detailed with different Chinese characters like fortune, prosperity, and luck – all the blessings we wish to receive this CNY. Zodiac prediction boards surround the snake installation, so go ahead and check out your fortune for 2025. Don’t forget to look up; there are auspicious phrases in Mandarin hung from the ceiling, as though you’re being showered with good fortune from above.

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 the Year of the Snake, and we’re here for it. CQ @ Clarke Quay is welcoming this year’s zodiac animal at the outdoor Fountain Square with a 15-metre long Fortune Snake installation. This grand fixture features brightly coloured red packets that weave into a snake-like form, created in collaboration with Chinese illustrator Tang Yiqi who’s known for her vibrant and whimsical pieces. It’s a free-standing installation, so feel free to get up close and snap a bunch of pictures with the twisting snake. While you’re here, take a good look at the installation and you’ll notice each red packet has Chinese motifs like pineapples, lucky gold coins, and lucky knots. 

Shopping is a huge part of Chinese New Year, whether you’re restocking on yummy snacks or getting new clothes to flaunt. While you’re out getting your goods at Orchard Central, stop by the “Seasons of Love” minini-themed decorations found at the mall. These adorable houses featuring lenini, selini, bnini and conini from the Line Friends world make for great photo backdrops with your pals. The illuminated houses are detailed with festive couplets and tiny arch bridges, and can be found both indoors and outdoors.