Things to do during Chinese New Year 2026
Not sure where to celebrate Chinese New Year, or looking for ideas on what to do with your family after visiting relatives?
Explore our ultimate guide packed with fun activities for families, friends, and couples, from the festive CNY Eve to the grand finale on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year!
| Things to do for CNY 2026 | CNY Eve | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3-15 |
| Experience “Spring Blossoms: Gallop into prosperity” floral exhibition (16 Jan – 1 Mar) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ⚠️ |
| Explore Chinatown on foot (18 Jan – 18 Mar) – Free | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Take the kids on an educational trip to RWS’s Oceanarium (30 Jan – 3 Mar) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Capture festive moments & lion dances at Changi Airport (30 Jan – 3 Mar) – Free | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Enjoy a heartwarming hotpot feast together (1 Feb – 3 Mar) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Snap festive family photos among CNY decor at the Chinese Garden (7 Feb – 3 Mar) – Free | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Visit River Hongbao, Singapore’s premier CNY celebration (15 – 24 Feb) – Free | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ⚠️ |
| Catch a CNY movie at the cinema (16 Feb – 3 Mar) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Visit Istana Open House (22 Feb) – Free | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Experience cultural performances and activities at Huayi Chinese Festival of the Arts (27 Feb – 8 Mar) – Free | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Watch Chingay Parade, a long-standing Singaporean tradition, with loved ones (27 – 28 Feb) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
Visit "Spring Blossoms: Gallop into prosperity" floral exhibition
Photos via Gardens by the Bay / Facebook
The annual Chinese New Year floral exhibition at Gardens by the Bay returns with a stunning showcase to usher in the festive season.
This year’s theme, “Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity”, features eight majestic, life-sized horse lanterns, exquisitely handcrafted by Chinese artisans using techniques that date back to the Tang Dynasty. Set against this striking display, horses frolic among plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo, collectively known as the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese art and philosophy, symbolising resilience, elegance and integrity.
Make your way to the Flower Dome this Chinese New Year for a fun, weather-proof outing with the whole family. Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm or festive cheer, this exhibition offers a relaxing and joyful experience for visitors of all ages, rain or shine.
Explore Chinatown on foot
No Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore is complete without soaking in the festive atmosphere of Chinatown.
This year, the streets of New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street will come alive with dazzling horse-themed lanterns, lights and sculptures. The spectacular street light-up will illuminate the district from 30 January to 18 March 2026, glowing nightly from 7:00pm to midnight, with extended hours until 6:00 am on the first day of Chinese New Year (17 February 2026).
Whether it’s after your reunion dinner on CNY Eve or between visits to relatives during the festive period, a leisurely stroll through Chinatown’s radiant streets is a truly special way to celebrate the season with loved ones.
Beyond photo-taking and street strolls, an exciting line-up of activities awaits, including a Chinese New Year bazaar, cultural performances, art and lion dance workshops, and a festive countdown on CNY Eve.
Beat the festive crowds by stocking up early on Chinatown’s famous Lim Chee Guan Bak Kwa – a fragrant, smoky gift that’s always a crowd-pleaser during CNY.
Take the kids on an educational trip to RWS's Oceanarium
Photos via Singapore Ocenarium / Website
If you have kids in the family, the Singapore Oceanarium (formerly known as S.E.A. Aquarium) at Resorts World Sentosa makes for an exciting and educational outing this holiday.
Freshly reopened after its renovation and rebranding in 2025, the oceanarium is celebrating its very first Chinese New Year (CNY) with visitors under its new identity. Beyond discovering its fascinating marine life, guests can enjoy a specially curated CNY programme, featuring live music performances by local multicultural ensembles, meet-and-greets with the friendly Manta mascot, and a captivating underwater dragon dance that brings festive traditions beneath the waves.
To sweeten the celebration, visitors born in the Year of the Horse will also receive complimentary soft serve ice cream, making this festive visit both memorable and delightful.
Photos via Resorts World Sentosa / Website
After your visit to the Oceanarium, take some time to wander around Resorts World Sentosa, where even more fun awaits. Families can enjoy snapping photos at installations featuring beloved POPMART characters such as Labubu, Twinkle Twinkle, Skullpanda, Dimoo, Baby Molly, and many more.
These colourful displays make perfect backdrops for keepsake photos and add an extra dose of playful cheer to your day out, especially for little ones and POPMART fans alike.
Capture festive moments & lion dances at Changi Airport
Photos via Changi Airport / Website
Locals, tourists and transit passengers alike can soak in the festive cheer at Jewel Changi Airport, where the iconic Rain Vortex will be transformed for CNY with elegant cherry blossom décor and lush horticultural displays. Stealing the spotlight are mythical animatronic horses, which create stunning, picture-perfect backdrops for memorable photos. Beyond Jewel, CNY floral installations will also adorn all four terminals of Changi Airport, welcoming travellers with a vibrant festive atmosphere from the moment they arrive.
Adding to the celebrations, lively lion dance and LED dragon dance performances, a beloved CNY tradition, will take place at the Jewel Forest Valley, home of the Rain Vortex, from CNY Eve through CNY Day 2, from 16 to 18 February 2026.
Lion Dance & LED Dragon Dance Performance Schedule
- 16 February 2026 (Monday / CNY Eve)
- (5:38pm) Lion Dance
- (7:38pm) LED Dragon Dance
- 17 February 2026 (Tuesday / CNY Day 1)
- (12:38pm) Lion Dance
- (7:38pm) LED Dragon Dance
- 18 February 2026 (Wednesday / CNY Day 2)
- (12:38pm) Lion Dance
- (7:38pm) LED Dragon Dance
Photos via Changi Airport / Facebook
Beyond the free-to-access floral displays and festive performances at Jewel Forest Valley and across the airport terminals, Canopy Park on Level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport is also being transformed for Chinese New Year. The space blooms into a colourful landscape of cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers, creating a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and spring-inspired photo moments.
Tickets start from S$8 per person for international visitors and S$6 for local residents, offering access to photo-worthy floral displays, the Discovery Slides, and a serene indoor garden experience.
If you don’t have time to visit large-scale floral exhibitions like those at Gardens by the Bay, Canopy Park provides a convenient and delightful alternative, all within the airport.
Enjoy a heartwarming hotpot feast together
The tradition of hotpot in Chinese culture stretches back over 2,000 years to the Three Kingdoms period (200–280 AD). This long-standing culinary ritual has remained a cherished part of Chinese life, making hotpot a must-have at nearly every celebration, especially during Chinese New Year (CNY).
Bringing the hotpot experience home is easy. Simply pick up Hai Di Lao (海底捞) hotpot seasoning for a flavorful broth, then add fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, and your favourite dipping sauces from the supermarkets that are opened this CNY. In no time, you can recreate this festive tradition right in your own kitchen, sharing warmth and deliciousness with family and friends.
Alternatively, explore this curated list of hotel buffets, hotpot, and steamboat restaurants open during CNY 2026, where you can savour delicious dishes, enjoy quality time, and reconnect with family and friends.
Snap festive family photos among CNY decor at the Chinese Garden
Photos via NParks / Facebook
Traditionally a popular spot for family photos during CNY, the Chinese Garden is back this year with a host of festive attractions, including a photo and art exhibition, a zodiac prediction board, nightly light projection shows, and live performances on selected nights.
The public garden will also showcase Horse-inspired landscaping, enhanced with Chinese lanterns and festive decorations around iconic landmarks like the Twin Pagoda, Grand Arch, and Stone Boat, providing a picturesque setting for family photos.
Visit River Hongbao, Singapore's premier CNY celebration
River Hongbao 2026 (春到河畔 2026), celebrating its 40th year as Singapore’s flagship Chinese New Year (CNY) event since 1987, returns to Gardens by the Bay for the sixth consecutive year from 15 to 24 February 2026.
Visitors can enjoy Instagram-worthy moments with the towering God of Fortune statue and horse-themed lanterns scattered throughout the gardens. The 10-day festival also features nightly performances and engaging activities, while a lively food fair and carnival, complete with amusement rides and games, promises fun for visitors of all ages.
This year, fireworks will light up the night sky on the first four nights, 15 to 18 February 2026, replacing the firecrackers of previous two years and creating a truly dazzling spectacle at the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
Additionally, the Borealis Northern Lights show at Supertree Grove will continue on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays, now with a slightly shorter 15-minute runtime starting at 8:00pm.
Don’t miss this mesmerizing light and sound display by Swiss artist Dan Acher, set against the backdrop of CNY festivities, a truly unique way to end your evening at Gardens by the Bay.
Catch a CNY movie at the cinema (2026新春贺岁片)
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a diverse lineup of films spanning action, martial arts, comedy, and family-friendly cartoons!
Don’t miss the much-anticipated Chinese blockbuster “Blades of the Guardians (镖人: 风起大漠)”, an epic martial arts action film starring legendary actor Jet Li 李连杰, acclaimed Chinese actor Wu Jing 吴京, and Hong Kong actor-singer Nicholas Tse 谢霆锋. The film hits the big screen on CNY Day 1, coinciding with its release in Mainland China, making it a must-watch for fans of high-octane action and cinematic spectacle.
For a hearty dose of laughter this Chinese New Year, be sure to catch “Liang Po Po Vs Ah Beng (梁婆婆VS阿炳)”, starring beloved local comedian Jack Neo 梁智强 in his iconic 1990s role as the quirky, lovable hunchback grandma. This hilarious Chinese sitcom character brings together nostalgia, witty humor and playful antics, promising plenty of laughs for the whole family.
Visit Istana Open House
As one of Istana’s five annual open houses, the official residence of Singapore’s President will welcome the public on Day 6 of Chinese New Year, 22 February 2026 (Sunday), from 8:30 am to 6:00pm.
Visitors can explore the Istana grounds while enjoying a variety of festive activities. Highlights include meet-and-greet with horses from social services organisation EQUAL, interactive workshops on water marbling and reed diffuser crafting, wushu and lion dance performances, and live musical renditions of beloved English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil classics, and insightful guided tours, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the festival in a truly immersive setting.
Experience cultural performances and activities at Huayi Chinese Festival of the Arts
Arts and culture enthusiasts are in for a treat at The Esplanade from 27 February to 8 March 2026.
The 10-day Chinese Arts Festival will showcase 20 exciting events, spanning a rich mix of traditional and contemporary performances. Highlights include Chinese wind and percussion music, Hokkien opera, lion dances, storytelling sessions, craft workshops, modern Mandarin music concerts, and cultural dance performances.
Celebrate the festive season with this vibrant showcase of Chinese arts and culture!
Watch Chingay Parade, a long-standing Singaporean tradition, with loved ones
Photos via Chingay Parade SG / Facebook
The Chingay Parade, an annual celebration of Chinese New Year and a showcase of Singapore’s multicultural heritage, returns for its 54th edition on 27 and 28 February 2026 at the F1 Pit Building.
The iconic Chingay floats (illuminated, moving displays created by local communities) will once again parade through the city, offering a glimpse into the creativity and artistic talents of students and community groups in Singapore. This year marks an exciting milestone, with the introduction of Chingay’s first-ever circular parade route and a transformable multi-tier stage, enhanced by spectacular special effects that light up the night.
Beyond the dazzling floats, audiences can look forward to live performances and multicultural street acts, coming together in a lively celebration of Singapore’s diverse cultures and rich heritage.
Where to pray during Chinese New Year 2026
If you want to experience Chinese New Year the traditional Singaporean way, visit a temple to pray or simply observe the rituals in action!
Many locals flock to temples on CNY Eve or the first day of the Lunar New Year to offer prayers for wealth, career success, health, and marriage for the year ahead.
We’ve included essential information for visiting Si Beh Lor Guan Yin Temple 四马路观音庙, as well as guidance on praying to Tai Sui at various shrines and temples across Singapore during CNY 2026.
| Shrines and temples to pray at during CNY 2026 | CNY Eve | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3-15 |
| Pray at Waterloo Street’s Guanyin Temple (16 Feb – 3 Mar) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Pray to Tai Sui for good luck in the new year (17 Feb – 18 Mar) | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Pray at Waterloo Street's Guanyin Temple
At Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple 四马路观音堂, also known as Waterloo Guanyin Temple or Si Beh Lor Guanyin Templem it is traditionally a highlight for devotees to queue outside the temple on CNY Eve to offer the first incense of the year at midnight. This ritual is believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead, with the first person to place their incense stick thought to usher in good fortune.
Sadly, this popular ritual has been cancelled for five years and will not take place this year either for the sixth year.
The temple’s operating hours remain unchanged from CNY Eve through CNY Day 15 (16 February – 3 March 2026), from 7:00am to 6:30pm.
Pray to Tai Sui for good luck in the new year
According to Taoist beliefs, those whose zodiac signs clash with the Tai Sui of the year are believed to face challenges and disturbances throughout the year.
To seek protection, it is customary for worshippers with conflicting zodiac signs to perform a ritual called An Tai Sui 安太岁 at shrines and temples, starting from the first day of Chinese New Year. For 2026, the zodiac signs that clash with Tai Sui are Horse, Rat, Ox, Rabbit, and Rooster.
Many Taoist shrines across Singapore offer the Tai Sui prayer ritual during the festive period. Even if your zodiac sign does not clash, you can still pray to Tai Sui to invite peace, health, and a smooth year ahead.
