Chinese New Year in Singapore 2011

A one-stop guide to celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2011...

On 3 February 2011, 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 2011...

Jump down to:
[Chinatown Events] [River Hongbao @ Marina Bay] [Sentosa Flowers]
[Chingay Parade] [FAQs]

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Chinatown

Chinatown Street Light Up

When: 15 Jan 2011 to 6 Mar 2011, 7pm till late.

Where:
Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, Garden Bridge and side-streets near Chinatown MRT station.

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 15 Jan 2011. Expect fire crackers and fireworks.

Chinese New Year Shopping @ the Festive Night Market

When:
14 Jan 2011 to 2 February 2011; 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.

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 (2 Feb 2011), 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 crowds near the MRT station for the Chinese New Year 2011 Countdown Concert, which is likely to culminate with fireworks at midnight.

See some photos of the shopping frenzy and performances during Chinese New Year in Singapore (past years).

Celebrations at Marina Bay:
The River Hong Bao 2011 Carnival

When: 1-13 Feb 2011.

• Festive bazaars, cultural performances and fireworks.
  
• Fireworks on the nights of 1 & 2 Feb 2011. Schedule of Fireworks!

Where:
The Floating Platform @ Marina Bay.

Getting here:
Take MRT to Esplanade or Promenade Stations and follow the directions to Esplanade Theatres. Thereafter, just follow the crowds.

Photo: Tiger lantern. Usher in the Year of the Tiger at River Hong Bao 2010.

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: Sentosa Flowers

Replacing the much-loved Sentosa Flowers Festival, Sentosa Lights of Spring was the new free event on Sentosa in 2010. On display were very enchanting light displays, including the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and the specially-lit Merlion.

This was a nice way to round up a day during Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010.

When : 3-13 Feb 2011, 10am-10pm.

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 2010 was free but admission to Sentosa Island applies.