Chinese New Year in Singapore is always a busy, exciting time for families.
Between school holidays, visiting relatives and festive outings, these five well-known events are popular picks for parents looking for easy, family-friendly plans.
1. Visit River Hongbao 2026: Lanterns, Food and Family Fun
One of the official highlights of Chinese New Year in Singapore is River Hongbao, a long-running festival celebrating Chinese culture with lanterns, performances and activities for all ages.
It’s been part of Singapore’s CNY tradition for decades and is hosted at a major public venue each year.
Where: Gardens by the Bay
When: 15 – 24 Feb 2026
Entry: Free (rides and some activities may be ticketed)
What to expect:
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Giant lantern installations celebrating the Year of the Horse
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Family-style activities, evening performances and live music
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A festive Food Street with snacks and local eats
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Fireworks displays on select nights (weather permitting)
This event is perfect for families who want a mix of cultural experience and festival vibes without a charged entrance fee.
Click HERE for more information.
2. Explore Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Liveliness and Light-Up
Chinatown is the heart of CNY celebrations in Singapore, and this year, the official Chinatown Festivals programme includes a street light-up and festive fair that runs for weeks before and after CNY itself.
Where: Chinatown precinct | New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street
Street Light-Up: 30 Jan – 18 Mar (lights on nightly)
Festive Fairs: Around 27 Jan – 17 Feb with pop-up stalls, crafts and snacks
Family highlights:
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A themed lantern trail shaped around the Year of the Horse
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CNY fairs with tasty snacks (think pineapple tarts and bak kwa) and small games
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Activities like traditional paper-cut workshops and community dance performances
Chinatown is ideal for early evening strolls.
Experience the classic festive specials, such as colourful lights and festive stalls.
Click HERE for more information.
3. Catch Chingay Parade 2026: A Colourful Cultural Showcase
Another official event tied to CNY festivities is Chingay Parade 2026, a large cultural street parade organised as a celebration of unity and creativity.
Where: F1 Pit Building, Singapore (venue for Chingay)
When: 27–28 Feb 2026 (weekend evenings)
Why families love it:
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Walls of colour, music and movement: think giant floats, dance troupes and performers
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A multisensory experience that’s exciting for kids and adults alike
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A great finale to the broader Chinese New Year season
While the parade usually runs later in the evening, it’s totally worth planning for with older or school-age children.
Click HERE for more information.
4. Experience CNY Markets and Festive Shopping
During the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, seasonal markets pop up around Chinatown (especially around People’s Park Complex and nearby streets), offering festive decor, snacks, kids’ gifts and cultural goodies.
Where: Chinatown markets & People’s Park Complex
When: 18 Jan – 16 Feb 2026
What kids enjoy:
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Choosing small lanterns, cheery red envelopes (ang bao) and zodiac horse trinkets
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Trying local sweet treats and traditional snacks
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Cherry-picking toys, puzzles and colourful items built around the CNY theme
Markets like these are ideal for a casual daytime visit!
5. Visit Parks and Gardens
If you prefer outdoor family time, Singapore’s green spaces also join in the festive spirit with light displays and thematic installations. One great choice is:
Jurong Lake Gardens Festive Light Projections: Lantern and light projections around the Chinese Garden area, plus decorative themes perfect for photos and a gentle evening walk.
Where: Jurong Lake Gardens
When: 7 Feb – 3 Mar 2026
This is a calmer option if you’d rather avoid big crowds but still want to feel the festive glow in a park setting.
Click HERE for more information.
Helpful Planning Tips for Families in Singapore
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CNY Public Holiday: Chinese New Year falls on 17 – 18 Feb 2026 in Singapore, so expect festive crowds around then.
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Evening Visits: Most light displays and lantern areas are best enjoyed after sunset, but early evening can be friendlier for young kids and strollers.
And, last but not least, however you choose to celebrate, Chinese New Year is really about spending time together and welcoming the year ahead with joy.
Whether it’s an evening walk under lantern lights or a full day out with the kids, these little moments often become the ones families remember most.
Gong Xi Fa Cai from Motherhood.sg, and may the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 bring good health, an abundance of prosperity and happiness for everyone!
For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Motherhood.sg!