Every February, we look forward to two special occasions characterised by abundance and affection: The Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. Beyond these two occasions however, there are other events that promise a fabulous February ahead!
1. River Of Richness
Kickstart your Chinese New Year festivities with River Hong Bao for a prosperous year ahead! This year marks the 32nd round of the iconic spring festival in Singapore, which will take place from 14th to 28th February 2018.
On the eve of Chinese New Year (15th February), programme hours will be extended till 1am, so don’t miss out on the food and fun waiting for you!
In addition to over 60 pieces of impressive lantern displays, River Hong Bao also features live stage performances by local talents as well as performers from China and Taiwan.
There will also be a wishing fountain, a lantern riddle booth, and visitors can try their hand at traditional Chinese crafts such as calligraphy, paper cutting and handicraft. We hear that there will also be a carnival with more than 30 rides and game stalls!
No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without the God of Fortune, who will be making a nightly appearance to shower the crowd with gold confetti.
At River Hong Bao, expect classic delights like Dragon Beard Candy and Kong Bak Pau, as well as carnival treats including churros and rainbow burgers!
Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks, which will begin from 9pm on 11 selected nights. Check out the event highlights here!
When: 14th February to 24th February, 2pm to 11pm Daily
Where: The Float at Marina Bay
Cost: Free admission
2. Prized Paws-perity
How should we celebrate the Year of the Dog? With our furry friends, of course! Chinatown will be hosting a special dog-themed carnival alongside festive street stalls and stage performances.
Dress your canines to the nines for the Costume Competition, and stand a chance to win cash vouchers and trophies. In addition, a variety of dog treats will be on sale, so your fur kid can enjoy a feast this Lunar New Year.
When: 3rd February, 9am – 1pm.
Where: Kreta Ayer Square
Cost: Free admission
3. Tying Tradition
Stuck with the standard “Gong Xi Fa Cai” greeting every Lunar New Year? Pick up some auspicious words and phrases at the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown, and discover the cultural significance and meanings behind these customary practices.
Experience a myriad of hands-on activities such as paper cutting, making red packet lanterns and sewing your own Chinese New Year fabric trays.
There will also be workshops on Chinese calligraphy, knot making, silk painting and bracelet customization, which are conducted by the experienced Chinatown Street market tenants.
Learn about traditions such as the Spring Festival couplets, which have a history dating back to a thousand years ago. Originally meant as protection from harm and danger, the modern form of couplets expresses well wishes on red paper.
Visitors are welcome to write their own Spring Festival couplets, and pen down their hopes and wishes for the new year.
When: 3rd February, 1.30pm – 5pm
Where: Kreta Ayer Square, Chinatown.
Cost: Free Admission, Material fees apply for Bracelet Customization and Fabric Tray Sewing
4. Spring Surprise
With the apt symbolism of flowers representing perfection and purity of heart, usher in the season of Spring at Gardens by the Bay. At Spring Surprise 2018, you’ll be treated to an array of exciting festive performances and interactive activities for the whole family.
While admission charges to Flower Dome still apply, all other programmes are free of charge! The line-up of events include themed handicraft-making and a meet-and-greet session with the God of Fortune!
At the Supertree Grove, bask in captivating Chinese orchestral melodies and enjoy spectacular ultraviolet light performances with the UV Lotus Dragon and Northern Lion dances, which are making their first ever appearances in Singapore.
Don’t miss the thrilling performance of lion dance on poles, as well as the Silver Talents performance, which is organised in collaboration with the People’s Association’s Active Ageing Council.
While you’re there, complete your experience with a visit to Dahlia Dreams Floral Display – a masterpiece inspired by the picturesque landscape of Chinese imperial gardens.
To celebrate the Year of the Dog, there will also be intricate driftwood sculptures and ornaments in the shape of dogs.
Find out more about the dates and times of these exciting events here!
When: 14th February to 25th February
Where: Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, The Canopy
Cost: Free
5. Colours Of Chingay
It’s the season for one of the largest and most vibrant national events in Singapore: the annual Chingay Parade!
From the dazzling array of colourful costumes and floats to the energetic dancing dragons, the Chingay Parade epitomises the vibrance and dynamism of Singapore’s multicultural society.
In Hokkien, “Chingay” refers to “the art of costume and masquerade,” and has become the Lunar New Year tradition for us in Singapore. With all its glamour and gaiety, the Chingay Parade is believed to drive away evil spirits in preparation for the new year.
Be mesmerised by the vibrant floats, talented stilt walkers and dedicated wushu masters. There will also be multi-ethnic cultural performances by both local talents and international acts, as well as a street party and fireworks display to end the night with a bang.
Tickets start from $28.50, but PAssion Card holders enjoy a 20% discount. Get your tickets now!
When: 23rd – 24th February 2018, 8pm – 9.30pm
Where: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd
6. Peranakan Projects
If you’re intrigued by the intricate designs on traditional Peranakan clothing, head down to the museum for the upcoming Straits Family Sunday.
Containing one of the comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects, the Peranakan Museum introduces the cultural traditions and distinctive visual arts of the Straits-born Chinese in Singapore.
Journey through the 9 themed galleries, which shed light on the origins, food culture, language and fashion of the Peranakans.
At this month’s edition: Tahun Baru, Baju Baru, spot classic batik prints and embroidered outfits featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colours. Enjoy the interactive drama performance, or grab a seat at the craft station, get creative and design some outfits inspired by Peranakan fashion.
Plan your visit here!
When: 4th February
Where: Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street
Cost: Adult $10, Concession $6.
7. The Magic Of Music
No clue where to take your date on Valentine’s Day? Join the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) at Gardens by the Bay for a memorable and melodic time.
For those who may not be familiar with the local music scene, SCO is Singapore’s only professional national Chinese orchestra, which aspires to be a world renowned Chinese orchestra with a uniquely Singaporean character.
It has performed at numerous prestigious events including Singapore Arts Festival, Edinburgh Festival and in Paris as part of the Singapour Festivarts. The SCO has even been featured twice in Guinness World Records for the largest Chinese drum ensemble!
This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a feast for the ears as the orchestra performs favourites including Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Over the Rainbow and West Side Story.
Check out the list of performances here!
When: 14th February 2018
Where: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay
Cost: Free
8. Haunts Of Haw Par Villa
For the younger generation who may not be familiar with Haw Par Villa, it’s a theme park built in 1937, by the man behind the medicated ointment Tiger Balm.
Unlike your usual theme park, Haw Par Villa is all about death and the afterlife, as seen in over 1000 statues and dioramas which depict scenes from Chinese Folklore.
If you’re game enough, join the exclusive twilight tour to experience Haw Par Villa after dark. Journey through the famous 10 courts of Hell and come face to face with the King of Ghosts.
Visitors will also enjoy a sneak preview of the upcoming Hell’s museum, which showcases differing perspectives on the afterlife across various religions.
While walk-ins are welcome, groups are encouraged to register here!
When: 2nd February 2018, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Where: Haw Par Villa (Registration is at MRT Exit A)
Cost: Adult $18, Child $9, Student $15
9. Action In The Air
Think the sky’s the limit? Reach new heights at Singapore’s Airshow, the largest aerospace and defence event in Asia.
The list of exciting activities lined up for you include aircraft displays and breathtaking aerobatic feats by The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Black Eagles and many other flying display teams.
Visitors can also look forward to meet-the-pilot sessions to get their autographs and snap a few pictures.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, RSAF will be offering a few lucky visitors a ride on a military helicopter, the Super Puma helicopter.
Find out how to participate in the ballot here!
When: 10th – 11th February
Where: Changi Exhibition Centre
Cost: Adult $22, Child $9
10. Cultural Charms
Head down to the National University of Singapore this February for the Japanese Cultural Festival and Night, where you’ll learn more about different cultural aspects of Japanese life.
In line with the theme of “Memories”, journey through different passages of time through captivating performances and games. Musically-inclined visitors are also welcome to belt out a few songs at the free karaoke booth!
The second segment, Japanese Cultural Night, features an array of exciting performances. From traditional taiko drum to modern J-Dance performances, there’s something for everyone.
Take a look all the activities here!
When: 3rd February, 10am-10pm
Venue: University Town, NUS
Cost: Free
11. Scribblers and Stuff
For a boost of artistic inspiration, head down to the hipster haven library@orchard anytime between 2pm and 6pm this February.
Scribblers Collective, a Western calligraphy and lettering collective, is presenting their month-long residency project which showcases a artworks from lettering artists and calligraphers.
Meet the artists, ask questions and witness live demonstrations at the weekly open studio sessions.
The resident artists specialise in multiple forms of calligraphy and lettering styles, which include historically accurate 18th century scripts, as well as contemporary designs.
As part of the art residency programme, Scribblers Collective will also be launching a Mentorship Programme, where mentees undergo individual coaching in a script of their choice. More details can be found here.
When: 1st – 28th February
Where:Imagine That Studio Space, Orchard Library
Cost: Free admission
