It’s almost time for CNY 2024 in Singapore, and this year’s celebrations are about to get more exciting. From a one-stop festive shopping experience to a myriad of fascinating cultural activities, here’s our rundown on the best activities to participate in to usher in the Chinese New Year spirit.

01 • River Hongbao

(Photo: River Hongbao)

Treat yourself to over a week of street food, riveting live shows, and picture-perfect exhibitions at River Hongbao 2024. This festive experience brims with colourful, striking lights amidst the iconic Gardens by the Bay.

Look out for the dragons and the 4-storey tall deity hovering over visitors at the Supertree Groves and lighting up the night sky — and make no mistake, they’re glowing lanterns! Once you’ve strolled through and witnessed the masterpiece, head on to watch some exciting stage performances featuring modern singers and percussion ensembles.

Don’t forget to join in the carnival games, explore traditional lanterns, and try out the mouth-watering offered in the bustling street food area. You’ll find authentic Chinese delights, as well as smoky satay, sticky mango rice, and piping hot takoyaki, just to name a few.

📍 Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
⏰ Opening hours: 8 Feb, 6.30pm – 10.30pm | 9 Feb, 6.30pm – 12.15am | 10 to 17 Feb 2024, 2.30pm – 10.30pm
💲 Price: Free
🌐 Website: riverhongbao.sg

02 • Takashimaya

(Photo adapted from: La Levain and oo-foodielicious)

Waltz into Takashimaya Square to catch Singapore’s biggest Lunar New Year fair. Expect a variety of booths and pop-ups offering everything you need for this CNY 2024 season — from cookies and freshly baked pastries to even plant-based fare, and more. Some of our favourites include the Nutella tarts, plant-based bak kwa, and dark chocolate egg rolls.

And if you have leftover ang bao packets from last year, remember to bring them along and drop them at the Ang Bao Recycling Bin.

📍 Address: Takashimaya, B2, 391A Orchard Road, Singapore 238873
📞 Phone: 6738 1111
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 10am – 9.30pm
🌐 Website: takashimaya.com.sg/takashimaya-square/lunar-new-year-festive-celebration-2024

03 • CNY Family FUN 2024

(Photo: SG Magazine)

Starting 2 weeks before the Chinese New Year, CNY Family FUN 2024 aims to entertain people of all ages and races with authentic cultural activities like Chinese opera, lion dance, traditional Chinese music, and busking performances.

Don’t miss out on the myriad of goodies at the CNY bazaar and the breathtaking dragon-themed art installations. Whether you’re celebrating the new year or want a peek into Chinese culture, this is the perfect place to be.

📍 Address: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
📞 Phone: 6812 7222
⏰ Opening hours: 26 to 28 Jan 2024, 12pm – 8pm
💲 Price: Free, unless otherwise stated
🌐 Website: singaporeccc.org.sg/events/cny-family-fun-2024

04 • Dahlia Dreams

(Photo: Q’s Advertising)

Teeming with fresh air, quiet greenery, and easy pavilions, Gardens by the Bay is a horticultural haven beating and blooming at the heart of Singapore. And this CNY 2024 has transformed it into a mythical retreat for dragons.

The main attraction is a formidable flower dragon, looming at around 7 metres tall and 15 metres long. Take a moment and run your discerning eye across its scaly body — and you’ll find that some of the scales are made with cut and preserved dahlias. Other highlights include 4 colourful dragon lantern sets and a magnificent dragon sculpture that took 9,000 hours to complete! 🐉

📍 Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
📞 Phone: 6420 6848
⏰ Opening hours: 19 Jan to 25 Feb 2024, 9am – 9pm
💲 Price: From $8 onwards
🌐 Website: gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/dahlia-dreams-2024.html

05 • Garden Rhapsody Spring Blossoms

(Photo adapted from: Brightwater Holidays)

Sit back and relax as the Supertree Grove serenades you into the New Year. Spring Blossoms is a specially curated light and music show that’s happening as part of a larger year-long series of attractions. It’s accompanied by a soothing ballad and a first-rate light show — and the best part is, it’s free of charge! Put your listening cap on and savour 5 minutes in paradise.

📍 Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
📞 Phone: 6420 6848
⏰ Opening hours: 8 to 17 Feb 2024, 7.45pm and 8.45pm
💲 Price: Free
🌐 Website: gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/garden-rhapsody.html

06 • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Have a thing for history and culture? Then, traverse the curious world of Chinese theology and learn something niche at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. With origins dating back to the 1980s, the temple is a pivotal piece of local Buddhist history.

Nestled in the third storey of this building is a rare and obscure gem — the Buddhas of the World Museum, which is a guaranteed fascination for religious and secular scholars alike. Note the lone statue presiding over the entrance. It is over 3,220 years old and acts as a teaser for the mesmerising museum interior! Despite their beauty, the artefacts are more than just aesthetic. They are treasures of knowledge.

The other levels are no less impressive, with the best of Tang dynasty architecture, gold accents, gilded decor, and elaborate ceiling designs.

📍 Address: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840
📞 Phone: 6220 0220
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 7am – 5pm
🌐 Website: buddhatoothrelictemple.org.sg

07 • Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

(Photo: Flickr)

Over 100 years old, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery will teleport and drop you into a refreshing new orbit filled with koi ponds, mini waterfalls, and edible gardens of fruits and vegetables. Did we mention that the temple also has a functioning well that you can drink water from just like the old days?

Chill out at the Zen Cafe and try the expansive vegetarian menu featuring everything from hearty meals and soups to coffee, and even smoothies. There’s also a minimarket called Lotus Place where you can snag a drink or snack to refuel while exploring the temple.

(Photo: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery)

Those who are interested in joining the temple’s CNY 2024 activities can kickstart by lighting up a wish-fulfilling lantern on the slopes of Bright Hill between 9 and 24 February. There are also other Buddhist activities and prayers on the lineup — including Longevity Blessings and Enhancement of Blissfulness.

📍 Address: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
📞 Phone: 6849 5300
⏰ Opening hours: Vary according to building. Learn more.
🌐 Website: kmspks.org
🧧 Chinese New Year activities: kmspks.org/major-events/chinese-new-year/

(Featured photo adapted from: Singapore Cultural Chinese Centre, DanielFoodDiary.com, Flickr, and River Hongbao)

Happy celebrations!
Mark 🧨