The best Chinese New Year 2026 events in Singapore

Chinatown is galloping full speed into the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited along for the ride. For a whole two months from January, the precinct will be decorated in festive cheer as the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations return with a dazzling street light-up, cultural performances, hands-on workshops and the much-loved International Lion Dance Competition.

The streets officially light up on January 30, with the ceremony broadcast live from Kreta Ayer Square. Stroll along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street as they come to life once the sun sets. The ceremony, officiated by Minister Mrs Josephine Teo, will also feature a performance showcasing Singapore's multicultural identity, melding Chinese dance with Malay kuda kepang, Indian Rajasthani horse dance, and Western styles. 

Grab the family and head down to Gardens by the Bay for the annual River Hongbao celebrations this Chinese New Year. Marking its 40th anniversary this year, the festival is pulling out all the stops – including a fireworks display at The Meadow, lighting up the night sky in a riot of colour. 

Come hungry, as there’s a bustling food market packed with street food favourites to explore. Snap photos with larger-than-life lantern installations scattered across the grounds, from a towering God of Fortune to playful Year of the Horse designs. There are also interactive displays tracing River Hongbao’s journey over the decades, alongside nightly live performances by local singers such as Tosh Rock and Charlie Lim. Little ones won’t be left out either, with amusement rides like the Flying Dumbo, London Train and a charming two-storey horse carousel.

You’d be hard-pressed to find floats more spectacular than those at the annual Chingay Parade – which explains why it remains one of Singapore’s most anticipated events year after year. Returning on February 27 and 28, this year’s parade brings together over 3,000 performers and five towering floats measuring up to seven metres long, promising a truly grand spectacle.

Breaking from tradition, the 2026 edition introduces a ring-shaped arena, with audiences seated around a circular, multi-tiered stage. The result is a fully immersive 360-degree experience, where every angle of the performances and floats is on full display – no bad seats in sight.

Capitol Singapore is dialling up the Chinese New Year festivities by turning its space into a festive playground that’s fit for the spring season. For over a month, Capitol’s Spring In Bloom, in partnership with the Gatherry, will host a series of free programmes, which include a two-week-long crafty fair and various live performances. At the Festive Market, do your last-minute shopping as you’ll find a bunch of handcrafted goods and gems that are locally and regionally made. Then, don’t miss the jazzy melodies of Shanghai Swingers as they take over the stage at the Outdoor Plaza and the Arcade, while the junior members of The Wushu Lab mesmerise with their dynamic and synchronised movements.

But the main event is at its Zodiac Zone, where you can learn more about your 2026 fortune forecast. Also, we heard that if you post a photo of any of the decor you could redeem a gift from the mall for yourself.

Take a breather from the festive hustle with a leisurely stroll through Jurong Lake Gardens, where Chinese New Year celebrations unfold against a tranquil, nature-filled backdrop. The park is dressed in festive finery, from zodiac prediction boards to lantern displays at the Twin Pagoda, Teahouse, and Stoneboat.

Make a stop at the City SingaPOP visual showcase by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, which offers a modern reimagining of Chinese architectural landmarks. On February 7, catch the Singapore Chinese Orchestra performing live under the night sky from 6pm to 7pm. Stick around after dark, when the Grand Arch lights up with a dazzling projection show every half hour from 7.30pm to 10pm.