Soak in the festive cheer at Chinatown, or be dazzled by fireworks down at River Hongbao. Stroll through gardens of bloom at Sentosa or watch a cultural performance at the Esplande.
There's an abundance of activities for all - tourist or local alike - during the 15 days of Chinese New Year in Singapore.
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CHINATOWN
As the centre of all Chinese New Year festivities, Chinatown is certainly the best place to immerse yourself in all things Chinese. Experience the hustle and bustle on the various streets of Chinatown; join the throngs of local Chinese as they get into the festive mood by shopping for essential New Year items or just happily soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Street Light-Up
Where Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge and South Bridge Roads When January 19 to February 24 2008 Timings 7pm - 6am [Lunar New Year's Eve (Feb 6) and Lunar New Year's Day (Feb 7)]
7pm - 2am (Fridays and Saturdays)
7pm - 12am (Sunday to Thursday)
As a fitting tribute to the Lunar Year of the Rat, Disney icons Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with other Disney characters, will be featured on the arches along the main streets of Chinatown.
2008 Countdown
When February 6 2008, 9pm - Past midnight
Mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year with an exciting bang! Join the merrymakers at the Countdown Party, and welcome the Year of the Rat with noisy firecrackers and a dazzling firework display.
Chinatown Yuan Xiao Jie
When 17 February 2008, 7pm to 10pm
Celebrations reach a high note on the 15th day of the New Year. Get a taste of the magical Chingay Street Parade, as mesmerising floats and dazzling performers make an appearance at Chinatown. And while you are there, do catch the celebrations that will be happening at the Chinatown Heritage Centre and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Just a stone's throw away, it would be the perfect way to spend the last day of the Lunar New Year.
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SINGAPORE RIVER HONGBAO
Where Esplanade Park When February 5 to 16, 2008 Opening hours
Feb 5: 7pm to 11pm
Feb 6 to 15: 11am to 11pm daily
Feb 16: 1pm to morning of 17 February (4am)
Part of Singapore's unique way of welcoming the Lunar New Year, the Singapore River Hongbao is an annual Chinese New Year cultural event which has taken place since 1987. The Esplanade Park will be transformed by majestic large-scale sculptures of popular Chinese mythical characters such as the God of Fortune and the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Visitors enter through a double-dragon gate filled with strings of gold ingots, and step into a fairyland of dazzling flower-themed street lightings. Staying true to tradition, impressive firework displays can be enjoyed at beautiful Marina Bay on 5 - 8 February. You'll see why Singapore River Hongbao has grown to be one of the biggest and most anticipated events with this year's line-up of unique cultural activities, performances and demonstrations.
Showcase on Tibet
This year's highlight event is a 35-person strong Tibetan song and dance troupe, that will give us an insight into Tibetan culture. Apart from nightly performances, you can catch exhibitions and artist demonstrations on Tibetan culture, as well as pick up interesting souvenirs from the Tibetan handicrafts section.
88 Contemporary Installation Art Pieces to Usher in the Year of Rat
5, 9 and 10 February: 5pm
Renowned Singaporean installation artist, Benjamin Puah, will work with local students to create 88 unique large-scale art paintings to welcome the Lunar Year of the Rat. Join in the fun and take part in the making of this installation at interactive sessions with the artist.
Night Performances Sharing the stage with the Tibetan troupe is a 25-person Taiwanese contemporary acrobatic troupe. Heart-thumping acrobatic stunts blending gracefully with modern dance, this is one performance that will take your breath away. And no show will be complete without a line-up of Chinese and multi-ethnic performances such as Chinese Orchestra, Chinese Martial Art Demonstrations (wushu), Mandarin contemporary pop, Malay dance and more.
Cultural Exhibition and Demonstrations What better time to understand the uniquely Singapore way of celebrating Chinese New Year than during the festival itself? Get insights through a rich lineup of Chinese and multi-cultural culinary demonstrations, martial art performances, as well as an exhibition on Chinese festivals celebrated in Singapore. To complete the experience, enjoy your pick of traditional Chinese handicrafts from the various stalls.
Festival Fun Kids will love the variety of fun-filled amusement rides, while the rest of the family can treat themselves to unusual Tibetan cuisine and local delights at food stalls.
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THIAN HOCK KENG TEMPLE
Where 158 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068613 When Feb 6 to 21, 2008 Web www.thianhockkeng.com.sg Contact (65) 6222 8212
Celebrate Lunar Chinese New Year in a 168-year old historical temple: Thian Hock Keng. Revered Buddhist monks and Taoist priests, lion and dragon dances will herald in the Year of the Rat in religious, traditional and cultural ceremonies during this festive period. Join the local devotees as they start the year with earnest prayers for good fortune and prosperity in one of Singapore's famous landmarks. On February 21 (15th day of the first lunar month, also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day), there will be a mass wedding ceremony. On this day, in keeping with the yesteryear theme, stalls selling snacks and handicrafts will also be set up along Telok Ayer Street, where the temple is located.
A celebration of the Chinese culture, an amazing array of talents both local and foreign, a visual feast for the senses; this annual festival showcasing the diversity and depth of performance arts is back. For 10 exciting days, enjoy a stunning spectacle of theatre, music, dance, visual arts and more. You can also look forward to a host of free programmes, both indoors and out. Spend S$100 at any Esplanade Mall outlets and enter a contest to win a trip to Taipei on EVA Air from 11 January to 17 February 2008. The first 300 customers will also receive a S$10 Huayi ticket voucher.
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SENTOSA FLOWERS 2008
Where Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa When Feb 7 to 17, 2008, 9am - 10pm daily Webwww.sentosa.com.sg
Free admission to event grounds. Normal Sentosa Island admission and transportation charges apply.
Celebrate the season of Spring with a myriad of colours and fragrances at the annual springtime floral and botanical extravaganza, Sentosa Flowers. Held over the first 11 days of the Lunar New Year, discover a wonderful world of unique and rare species on display at this award winning festival. New to this annual event will be the delightful floral floats decorated with fresh flowers.
For opening hours of shopping malls and attractions during the festive period, click here.
