Chinese New Year in Singapore is a time of vibrant celebrations, rich traditions, and endless food! The air is abuzz with the spirit of renewal, abundance, and togetherness, and this Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, is full of opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. From the buzzing street markets in Chinatown, to sssssssensational dining at some of the island’s top restaurants and excellent takeaway options, and experiences, here’s ANZA’s guide to making the most of it.
Head Out
Chinatown CNYStreet Light-Up & Festive Street Bazaar
Chinatown is the heart of Singapore’s Chinese New Year celebrations. From now until 27 February 2025 (6pm – 12am; 7pm – 6am on the first day of Chinese New Year 2025), the streets will be sparkling with beautiful lanterns, festive lights, and the Street Bazaar is a must-do. It’s the perfect place to shop for festive decorations, treats, and unique gifts while soaking up the cheerful atmosphere and feeling party-ready.
Kreta Ayer Square, Chinatown. chinatownfestivals.sg
River Hongbao at Marina Bay
River Hongbao is a large-scale celebration held every year in Marina Bay, showcasing massive lanterns, cultural performances, and exciting fireworks displays. It’s one of the city’s most anticipated events during the Chinese New Year period, offering a true taste of Chinese traditions in a vibrant setting.
Gardens by the Bay. Now – 8 February 2025 (firework shows on certain days only). riverhongbao.sg
Lion Dance Performance @ the National Museum of Singapore
Join the National Museum of Singapore for an exciting lion dance performance on 30 January at 11.30am. In celebration of the Lunar New Year, admission to the National Museum’s galleries will be free for all visitors on 29 and 30 January 2025.
93 Stamford Road, 178897. nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum
Snake-themed playground & CNY workshops
On 18 – 19 January 2025, take the kids to the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre for an adorable interactive art installation that lights up at night! More than just a playground, the rooftop offers a unique opportunity to explore Singapore’s Chinese New Year traditions while enjoying city views. Don’t miss the fantastic line-up of performances, talks, and workshops for fun-filled family time.
1 Straits Blvd, 018906. singaporeccc.org.sg
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Visit one of Singapore’s oldest and most iconic temples, Thian Hock Keng, where you can experience traditional Chinese rituals and prayers during Chinese New Year. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect and immerse yourself in the spiritual aspect of the celebrations.
158 Telok Ayer Street, 068613. thianhockkeng.org.sg
Take Out
Red House Seafood
Red House Seafood is an SG stalwart renowned for fresh and flavourful seafood. This Year of the Snake, we recommend the Lucky Reunion take-home set ($388, 4 – 6 persons) which includes delicacies like prosperity abalone and coral seaweed yusheng; claypot giant grouper fillet; and purple glutinous rice cake. Don’t forget the estive snacks, such as Chinese sausage lotus leaf rice and steamed auspicious nian gao, Huat ah!
Crystal Jade
When it comes to Chinese New Year food delivery and takeaway menus, you can always count on this Michelin-starred culinary brand in Singapore to bring its A-game. Order the likes of pen cai, fragrant glutinous rice and OTT yusheng to get in the spirit for a stay-home feast. Alternativley, the Auspicious Reunion Feast festive takeaway bundle is a brilliant all-inclusive spread.
Crystal Jade, order online and in-store
Mouth Restaurant
Mouth Restaurant is known for its excellent Cantonese dishes. During Chinese New Year, their set menus feature luxurious dishes like braised abalone, lobster, and suckling pig – ideal for a celebratory family extravaganza.
Copthorne King’s Hotel
Hold on tight for an exquisite Chinese New Year takeaway menu from the signature Teochew restaurant at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore. Award-winning master chef Lui Wing Keung has meticulously crafted a menu of all the greats, starting with the quintessential yusheng in two tantalising flavours available for six or 10 pax: the Prosperity smoked salmon yusheng and Prosperity abalone yusheng. For a fuss-free feast, go for the Auspicious Family Bundle Set that’s great for six featuring smoked salmon yusheng, stir-fried glutinous rice with preserved meat, and steamed nian gao with coconut and peanut.
Dine In
藝 yì by Jereme Leung
For a super-snazz Chinese New Year experience, head to 藝 yì located in Raffles Hotel Singapore, where renowned chef Jereme Leung has got a treat for you! Yu Sheng platters from 藝 yì by Jereme Leung come adorned with their signature Yunnan rose dressing. The Fortune Yu Sheng boasts salmon and sakura shrimp (S$108 nett for 4-6 persons, S$218 nett for 8-10 persons); the Longevity Yu Sheng is packed with octopus and sea whelk (S$152 nett for 4-6 persons, S$262 nett for 8-10 persons); and the Prosperity Yu Sheng offers abalone, Ibérico ham, and honey melon (S$172 nett for 4-6 persons, S$282 nett for 8-10 persons). There’s also delicacies like Peking duck, abalone, and festive dim sum – in short, you will not be hungry!
5 ON 25 at Andaz Singapore
Go all out chic with the buffet experience at 5 ON 25, Andaz Singapore. Their CNY spread includes traditional dishes like roasted meats and dim sum, in one of the coolest spots in town. It’s the perfect place for a festive family or group gathering.
5 Fraser Street, Andaz Singapore, 189354. andazsingapore.com
Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Beach Road
Si Chuan Dou Hua’s CNY set menus are curated for dining groups of all sizes, from two, to six, and more. Dishes includes the luxurious Stir-fried Lobster with Lily Bulbs, Asparagus, Chinese Yam, Macadamia and Black Fungus with Black Truffle, or turn up the heat with Steamed Silver Cod Fish with Homemade Sichuan Green Chilli Sauce, where fresh green chillies are combined with garlic, a Sichuan speciality.
7500 Beach Rd, 199591. Click here for more
JUMBO Seafood
No Chinese New Year round-up is complete without a mention of JUMBO Seafood! Their Celebration Sets are available from now until 16 February 2025 (excluding 28 January), ranging from six and seven courses to a grand 10-course feast. The Reunion Sets are only available on 28 January 2025 and comprise a platter of Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng for the celebratory toss, with dishes including Fish Maw Soup with Crab Meat, Soon Hock Steamed with Minced Garlic, Pork Ribs Glazed with Tangerine Honey, Lobster Steamed with Glass Vermicelli and Minced Garlic, and more.
Various locations. jumboseafood.com.sg
