From a magnificent golden horse light-up to lion dance showdowns and hands-on heritage workshops, Chinatown comes alive with vibrant, multicultural celebrations this Chinese New Year.
Venue: Chinatown precinct (including Kreta Ayer Square, Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, surrounding streets)
Date: Now – 18 Mar 2026
Time: Various timings across programmes
Fee: Free for most programmes (selected events ticketed)
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026
Chinatown is set to usher in the Year of the Horse with the return of the much-anticipated Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations, transforming the historic precinct into a dazzling hub of culture, art, and community spirit. From now to 18 March 2026, visitors can look forward to a vibrant festive light-up inspired by the strength and momentum of the horse, alongside cultural performances, weekend workshops, and the exciting comeback of the International Lion Dance Competition.
This year’s celebrations are further enriched by a renewed collaboration with the Temenggong Artists-in-Residence, the creative minds behind the street light designs, whose contemporary interpretations of traditional motifs bring added depth and cultural resonance to the festivities—uniting Singapore’s diverse communities through shared celebration.
Official Street Light-Up & Opening Ceremony
Venue: Kreta Ayer Square
Time: 6pm onwards
Ushering in the Year of the Horse, the Official Street Light-Up and Opening Ceremony will mark the start of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations with an evening of cultural performances and festive highlights. The ceremony will officially unveil the street light-up and lantern installations, setting the tone for the season’s celebrations and bringing the community together in the heart of Chinatown.
The ceremony will be officiated by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group and Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs) (Kreta Ayer—Kim Seng), alongside Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education.
Street Light-Up
Venue: New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street
Date: 30 Jan - 18 Mar 2026
Time: 7pm - 12am (6am on CNY Day 1)
As part of the annual Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations, the Street Light-Up will once again illuminate the streets with vibrant lanterns and festive installations inspired by the Year of the Horse. Stretching across key streets in Chinatown, the glowing displays create a lively evening atmosphere that invites families and visitors to stroll, explore and soak in the festive spirit throughout the celebration period.
‘Voices of Spring’ Chinese New Year Dialect Songwriting Grand Finale
Venue: Kreta Ayer Square
Date: 1 Feb 2026
Time: 7pm - 9pm
New for 2026, the programme will also showcase the finale of the Dialect Songwriting Competition, highlighting original works inspired by local dialects and cultural heritage.
Lion Dance Competition & Live Screening
Venue: Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre
Date: 7 – 8 Feb 2026
Time: 6pm onwards
Top lion dance troupes from Singapore and neighbouring countries will compete in an electrifying showcase of skill, precision and traditional artistry at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre.
This ticketed event will also be screened live at Kreta Ayer Square, allowing members of the public to enjoy the performances together in a festive community setting.
Ticketing details will be announced via Chinatown Festivals’ official social media platforms.
Countdown Party
Venue: Kreta Ayer Square
Date: 16 – 17 Feb 2026
Time: 10pm onwards
The Countdown Party brings families and visitors together for an evening of live performances, music and festive entertainment, building up to the midnight countdown into the Chinese New Year.
Festive Fair at People’s Park Square
Venue: People’s Park Square
Date: 18 Jan – 16 Feb 2026
Time: 10am – 10pm
Bringing festive cheer to the heart of Chinatown, the Festive Fair at People’s Park Square features a curated selection of Chinese New Year decorations, lifestyle accessories and seasonal favourites.
Inspired by the Year of the Horse, the fair celebrates energy, movement and togetherness, offering families a vibrant space to shop, explore and spend time together.
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop by Temenggong Artists-In-Residence
Venue: Kreta Ayer Square
Date: 24 Jan 2026
Time: 6pm - 7.30pm
Participants can look forward to a Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop conducted by the Temenggong Artists-in-Residence, offering an opportunity to experience the artistry of traditional papercutting.
For this workshop series, the Temenggong Artists-in-Residence have specially invited Ms Xu Zunying, a renowned Chinese paper-cutting master from Chaoshan, China.
Further details on the workshop will be announced via Chinatown’s official social media channels.
Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market
Venue: Smith Street
Date: 24 Jan - 1 Feb 2026
Time: 10am to 9pm daily
Step into the heart of the Lunar New Year celebrations at the Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market, lighting up the newly rejuvenated Smith Street daily from 10am to 9pm, between 24 January to 1 February 2026.
Usher in the Year of the Horse with energetic Lion Dance performances and workshops, engaging Calligraphy, and festive walkabouts by the God of Fortune (财神爷), spreading blessings of luck and prosperity throughout the day.
Visitors can also stroll through the CNY Festive Market, featuring a curated mix of local and lifestyle brands, including Starbucks, Sanrio, Boon Tong Kee, Tong Heng Delicacies, Spring Court, and Elegance of Nanyang - perfect for picking up festive treats and meaningful gifts.
From cultural showcases and interactive workshops to lively festive shopping, the Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market promises a joyful Lunar New Year experience for visitors of all ages along one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage streets.
Please note that the Calligraphy workshop is fully booked. Limited spots remain available for the Lion Dance workshop at: https://peatix.com/event/
Performances
- Lion Dance Performance by Tian Eng
- 17 Jan 2026
- 2pm at Pagoda Street
- Lion Dance Performance by Chin Woo Athletic Association
- 24 Jan 2026
- 1pm at Smith Street | 1.30pm at Pagoda Street
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Lion Dance Performance by Tian Eng
- 31 Jan 2026
- 1pm at Smith Street | 6pm at Pagoda Street
Workshops
- Lion Dance Workshop by Tian Eng
-
- 31 Jan 2026
- 2pm - 3.30pm | 4pm - 5.30pm
Festive Walkabout
- God of Fortune Walkabout
- 24 & 25 Jan 2026 | 31 Jan & 1 Feb 2026
- 12pm - 6pm
Festive Fair at Chinatown
Venue: Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street, Pagoda Street
Date: 27 Jan – 17 Feb 2026
Time: 11am – 10.30pm (Mon - Thu) | 11am – 11.30pm (Fri - Sun) | 11am - 1pm (CNY Eve)
Spanning the bustling streets of Chinatown, the Festive Fair invites visitors to explore a lively marketplace filled with festive decorations, traditional snacks and seasonal favourites.
Set against the backdrop of Chinatown’s heritage streets, the fair brings together time-honoured traditions and contemporary touches, offering a vibrant shopping experience for families and visitors of all ages.
Lantern Adoption Applications
Date: 11 – 18 Mar 2026
As part of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026, members of the public are invited to take part in the Lantern Adoption Application. Selected lanterns used during the celebrations will be made available for adoption, allowing families and visitors to bring home a festive keepsake and continue the joy of the season beyond Chinatown.
Check the Chinatown Festival Committee’s socials for more details.
