If you aren’t Chinese or forego typical Chinese New Year visitations, the long weekend is a welcome respite from work, but can also be pretty boring. Most of the shops are closed, your friends are busy, and you’re stuck with no plans. But if you’re feeling the itch to get in on the festivities, here are some options for you to consider!
Bai Nian At Friends’ Places
Chinese New Year is more than just red packets, it’s also a good time to catch up with friends and wish them good luck in the coming year. Heading over to their house (with their permission, of course, Chope does not support breaking & entering) to ‘bai nian’, aka receiving well wishes in Mandarin, is a good way to join in the celebrations. Bring two oranges and exchange them with your friend or the head of their household while saying simple Mandarin wishes such as Gong Xi Fa Cai – wishing you a prosperous year, and Wan Shi Ru Yi – may all your wishes come true. Then, settle in for delicious snacking and chit chats!
Cr: little day out
Watch Lion Dance Performances
The lion dance is an icon of Chinese New Year, and no to-do list would be complete without it. If you’re in school, you may be lucky enough to watch one as part of the annual Chinese New Year festivities. If you’re not in school, fret not. There are plenty of lion dance performances complete with stunts and confetti tossing performed at heartland malls and community centres all across the island during Chinese New Year. You may even catch an orange, if you’re lucky.
Find it at various locations.
Click here for more information on Lion Dance Performances.
Cr: The Straits Times
Chinatown Light Up
Chinatown is already pretty colourful, but it’s especially bedazzled this time of year. If you missed the light-up celebrations earlier this year, now’s your chance to enjoy the elaborate, festive splendour of one of Singapore’s best-loved heritage districts. Without the large crowds thronging the area, this is the perfect time to soak in the sights without the hassle of jostling pedestrians. Start at People’s Park Complex and work your way down the streets.
Find it at various locations.
Click here for more information on the Chinatown Light Up.
Unique Reunion Dinners
If you want to have a reunion dinner but aren’t in the mood for a 10-course Chinese meal, why not opt for some unique spots instead? Here’s a roundup of fancy festive menus from all over the island at varying price points. From spicy sour Thai cuisine to delightfully fresh Japanese fare, there’s something for everyone on this list. Gather some friends together, toss some lo hei, and ring in the New Year with a twist!
Find it at various locations.
Click here for more information on unique Chinese New Year spots.
Chingay Parade
Looking to snap some stunning photos? Look no further. Organised by the People’s Association, this parade is now in its 46th installment. The parade has become synonymous with Chinese New Year, and it’s easy to see why. This gorgeous street parade, modeled after the Carnival of Brazil, features multiracial performers and colourful floats decked out in twinkling lights, as well as iconic festive props such as dragons and ingots.
Find it at 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
Click here for more information on the Chingay Parade.
