Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010
A one-stop guide to celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010... |
On 14 February 2010, the Chinese around the world usher in the Year of the Tiger. Here are a few exciting events to look out for if you are celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010...
Chinese New Year Celebrations in Chinatown
Chinatown Street Light Up
When: 23 Jan 2010 to 7 March 2010
Switch your camera to Night Mode for those over-street fairy lights and over-sized lanterns. Nightly.
The Chinese New Year Street Light Up will be launched from around 7.30pm on Saturday, 23 Jan 2010. Expect fire crackers and fireworks.
Chinese New Year Shopping @ the Festive Night Market
When:
23 Jan 2010 to 13 February 2010; late afternoon till night.
Where:
100+ stalls along Pagoda Street, Temple Street, Smith Street, Sago Street and Trengganu Street.
Getting here:
Take MRT to Chinatown Station. Take the Pagoda Street exit.
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Take a break as you browse the night market and look out for the nightly stage performances at Kreta Ayer Square (beside Chinatown Complex). In the years past, these have included lion dance competitions, acrobatics, and some enchanting Chinese dances. You can expect the same this year. After dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve (13 Feb 2010), the vendors at the night market give hefty discounts on their wares - because nobody would buy them the next day. This might be a good time to snag some nice souvenirs or tidbits. Thereafter, join the crowd near the MRT station for the Chinese New Year 2010 Countdown Concert, which will culminate with fireworks at midnight. |
See some photos of the shopping frenzy and performances during Chinese New Year in Singapore (past years).
Celebrations at Clarke Quay:
New for Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010
When:
Friday & Saturday evenings, 29 Jan 2010 to 13 February 2010.
Where:
Read Bridge at Clarke Quay; Singapore River.
Getting here:
Take MRT to Clarke Quay Station.
Events on Fridays and Saturdays (29/1, 30/1, 5/2, 6/2, 12/2, 13/2):
- Performances at Read Bridge: Stilt-walkers, acrobats and calligraphers entertain on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Lion Dance on Boat: Lion dancers perform on a Chinese New Year boat as it sails down Singapore River. 7.30pm-8.30pm, Friday and Saturday.
Events on Saturdays (30/1, 6/2, 13/2):
Celebrations at Marina Bay:
The River Hong Bao 2010 Carnival
When: 12-20 February 2010
- Daily, except 13 Feb 2010
- entry from 12pm to 11.30pm
- nightly performances from 8pm to 10pm
- 13 Feb 2010 (Chinese New Year's Eve)
- entry from 12pm to 1am
- performances from 10pm to past midnight
- Fireworks displays:
- 12 Feb 2010, for 3 minutes after sundown at the opening ceremony
- 13 Feb 2010, for 5 minutes at 11.59pm
- Where to see the fireworks
Where:
The Floating Platform @ Marina Bay.
Getting here:
Take MRT to City Hall Station and follow the directions to Esplanade Theatres. Thereafter, just follow the crowds.
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There's always a great atmosphere at the River Hong Bao. Watch a demonstration of Chinese cooking, or Chinese papercraft. Then join in the fun. Watch the acrobats contort on stage. And the enchanting dancers in their beautiful costumes. Then walk among the super-sized lanterns: animals of the Chinese zodiac, the god of fortune and other mythical beings. Photo opportunity. And be sure to watch the fireworks displays (see schedule above). See some photos of past River Hong Bao events. |
Celebrations on Sentosa Island:
New! Sentosa Lights of Spring
Replacing the much-loved Sentosa Flowers Festival, Sentosa Lights of Spring is the new free event on Sentosa. Expect very enchanting light displays, including the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and the specially-lit Merlion.
This is a nice way to round up a day during Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010.
When: 13-21 February 2010, 7pm - 10.30pm
Where:
Imbiah and Merlion Walk
Getting here:
Take the MRT to Harbourfront Station, followed by the Sentosa Express (monorail) from Vivo City Level 3 to Imbiah Station. Sentosa Lights of Spring is free but admission to Sentosa Island applies.
Chingay Parade 2010 - A Great Street Parade Must See!
 Photo: A stilt-walker during the Chingay Parade. |
Where: When: It started off in the 1970s as a street parade to 'raise the volume' during Chinese New Year. Today it has become Asia's grandest street parade. Participants for Chingay 2010 come from almost every continent. You can watch Chingay 2010 for free along the parade route. But the best views are from the ticketed seats. Don't miss this if you plan on celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010! |
Chinese New Year in Singapore - FAQ! Q. Does everything shut down during Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010? A. Most shops do close on the first 2 days of Chinese New Year (14 & 15 February in 2010). You might want to avoid Chinatown on these 2 days. But if you go to Little India or Kampong Glam Malay-Arab Quarter during these 2 days, it's business as usual. Also, the major attractions such as the Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa are all open. The first day of Chinese New Year in 2010 (14 February 2010) is also Valentine's Day. So expect many restaurants and clubs to break tradition! They will open because young Singaporeans demand it. So there's still a lot to see and do. Enjoy a great Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010. |
See also...
Chinese New Year Celebrations in the Heartlands.
Chinese New Year Lion Dance Performances.
Past fireworks during Chinese New Year in Singapore.
Page author: Gabriel Tan. All rights reserved.
Page created 3 January 2010. Updated 12 Feb 2010.
