CNY 2024 celebrations expected to wow locals and international tourists
As the Year of the Wood Dragon approaches on 10 February, Singapore is set to celebrate Chinese New Year (CNY) with an impressive range of activities and events, reflecting the dragon’s symbolic power, strength, and fortune in the Chinese zodiac.
The island is already filled with excitement as it plans to offer various experiences to mark this occasion.
In the heart of Chinatown, the CNY mood is set with the theme “Soaring into the Auspicious Dragon Year.” Stunning dragon-themed dioramas light up major streets, creating a mesmerising spectacle from 19 January to 9 March, from 7pm to midnight.
The festive atmosphere is further heightened by a bustling fair in Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street, and Pagoda Street, open daily until 9 February, and a countdown party at Kreta Ayer Square.
For a hands-on experience, the Chinatown Business Association will offer workshops on traditional crafts at the Chinatown Visitor Centre. Visit Chinatown.sg to know more.
The library@chinatown in Chinatown Point is also having dragon-themed craft activities and Chinese calligraphy workshops. Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in cultural artistry. More information is available at library@chinatown programs.
Chingay, Singapore’s beloved multicultural parade, also promises an extravaganza at the F1 Pit Building on 23 to 24 February. Themed “Blossom,” this year’s Chingay Parade showcases 3,500 performers, community floats, and an unprecedented 230m interactive floor projection, the longest of its kind in Singapore. The event extends into the community with heartland performances and a caravan of floats starting February 25.
Set against the backdrop of Gardens by the Bay from 8 to 17 February, the River Hongbao 2024 will mark its return with international performances. A breathtaking 140m-long dragon will be the centrepiece, accompanied by the God of Fortune and a grand display of firecrackers. The Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay will also be transformed into “Dahlia Dreams,” featuring a majestic dragon among a vibrant array of dahlias.
Resorts World Sentosa also invites visitors to experience the Starlit Dragon Spectacular, a stunning 88m LED dancing dragon, from 10 to 13 February and 16 to 18 February. The celebration continues with various activities and live performances at AVE8 and Gourmet Park. Head over to Resorts World Sentosa CNY Events for more details.
Meanwhile, The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Chinese Orchestra plans to bring families together with the CNY Family Fun event from 26 to 28 January. During this time, guests can enjoy a range of activities and sights, including an art installation and an illuminated dragon dance at the SCCC’s roof garden. More details can be seen at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre CNY Family Fun.
Additionally, the Wan Qing Festival of Spring at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall will have workshops, performances, and the unique inflatable installation of Dino, a modern take on the dragon. This will be on 17 and 18 February.
Finally, the Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign until 9 February allows locals and tourists to collect special red packets featuring dragon designs by Colombian artist Carlos Puentes at 43 participating museums and galleries. To know more about this, check out Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup of events, Singapore’s Chinese New Year celebrations promise to be a memorable experience, filled with cultural richness and festive joy.
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