Chinese New Year: How It’s Celebrated in Singapore
Chinese make up almost three-quarters of Singapore’s population. It’s no surprise then that Chinese New Year is one of the grandest and most important affairs Singaporeans celebrate.
If you plan to visit the country during this festive time, this simple guide might be of help to you. Here’s how to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Singapore.
Visit temples to get blessings for the year ahead.
Chinese New Year has traces of religious traditions, so devotees and foreigners alike visit temples to procure blessings and good luck for the year ahead.
Some of the most recommended temples you can visit in the city are Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, and Thian Hock Keng Temple.
Experience Hongbao-giving day.
Hongbao or gifts of money inserted into red envelopes or packets are traditionally exchanged during Chinese New Year. Hongbao is usually given personally, but due to the pandemic, people are encouraged to give e-hongbao.
Aside from health and safety reasons, this is also a convenient way for both senders and receivers. You see, you no longer have to queue for a long time just to get new notes, and you can send exact auspicious amounts without worrying about loose change.
Fortunately, for as long as you have a savings account or debit card from major banks in Singapore, you can easily send and receive e-hongbao using the PayLah or PayNow app.
Get ready to stuff yourself with various delicacies and cuisines.
CNY celebration will not be complete without enjoying lucky foods and flinging your food for luck. Well, this can be a bit messy, but it’s part of the tradition, so do your best to toss the Yusheng as high as you can while wishing everyone luck for the New Year.
You can plan an intimate dinner with your family in a Chinese restaurant or steamboat buffet. Some also prefer to spend some time watching fireworks displays at a boutique hotel or a restaurant with views of the city’s landscape.
However, even if you’re having a good time, make sure that you always follow the health and safety protocols imposed in that place.
Tick off the best CNY events.
If you’re visiting Singapore for this holiday, you might as well make the most of it by exploring some of the most recommended festive events:
- Chinatown Street Light-Up
- Chingay Parade
- Dahlia Dreams
- River Hongbao
- Universal Studios Singapore
To make your travel more convenient, you can opt for a car rental, or if you wish to be extra fancy, you can also check out some of the best luxury car rentals we reviewed.
This festive occasion also means sharing, and it’s not complete without gifts and treats. From sweet treats like tarts, cookies, and snacks, you can easily find excellent Chinese New Year hampers for your family and friends.
Aside from treats, you can also send a bunch of auspicious flowers and plants. If you need some choices, look into our reviews of some of the best places to buy Chinese New year flowers in the city.