SINGAPORE PREPARES TO WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE HORSE WITH A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF TRADITION, CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
Singapore will welcome the Year of the Horse with a vibrant season of Chinese New Year festivities beginning from mid-January and continuing into March 2026. Symbolising energy, ambition, independence and forward momentum, the Horse represents renewal and optimism, aligning with the city’s dynamic and multicultural spirit. Residents and visitors alike can expect large-scale light displays, cultural showcases, community gatherings and immersive experiences celebrating heritage and togetherness.
1. CHINATOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL & LIGHT-UP
Website: https://chinatownfestivals.sg/
Dates: Wednesday, 18 January – Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Location: Chinatown, Singapore
The annual Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival returns with the theme “Galloping into the Prosperous Year” in celebration of the Year of the Horse. Key highlights include a striking 8.8-metre-tall golden horse installation, festive street light-ups along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street, as well as a bustling festive fair offering traditional snacks and decorations.
Visitors can also enjoy the International Lion Dance Competition, cultural stage performances and workshops showcasing Chinese heritage. The street lights will illuminate nightly from 7.00pm to midnight, extending until 6.00am on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
2. RIVER HONGBAO 2026 @ GARDENS BY THE BAY
Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/river-hongbao-2026.html
Dates: Sunday, 15 February – Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Location: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, River Hongbao 2026 returns as one of Singapore’s signature Chinese New Year events, bringing together cultural traditions, festive entertainment and family-friendly attractions at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition pays tribute to four decades of celebration while embracing the symbolism and energy of the Year of the Horse.
Programme Highlights
Lantern Displays
Fourteen illuminated lantern installations light up Gardens by the Bay, including the popular God of Fortune and Wishing Heart lanterns, symbolising prosperity, positivity and gratitude.
Locations: Golden Garden, Supertree Grove, The Meadow and Dragonfly Lake.
Fireworks Extravaganza
Fireworks return to River Hongbao after six years, with choreographed displays lighting up the night sky to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Showtimes: 15 Feb (8.00pm), 16 Feb (12.00am), 17–18 Feb (9.00pm)
Location: The Meadow.
Nightly Performances
Daily stage performances feature international and local acts, with themed evenings such as Movie Night, Getai Night and Xinyao Night.
Location: The Meadow.
Amusement Rides
Family-friendly carnival rides include the Double-Storey Horse Carousel and a range of classic fairground attractions.
Location: Supertree Grove.
Food Street
A festive Food Street offers a variety of local favourites and international treats for visitors throughout the event.
Location: Supertree Grove.
40th Anniversary Exhibition
An interactive exhibition showcases four decades of River Hongbao, tracing its journey from a riverside celebration to a national cultural highlight.
Location: SG50 Lattice.
3. SPRING BLOSSOMS: GALLOP INTO PROSPERITY
Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/spring-blossoms-2026.html
Dates: Friday, 16 January – Sunday, 1 March 2026
Location: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
The Spring Blossoms floral display features eight life-sized horse lanterns handcrafted by artisans from Zigong, Sichuan, inspired by the classic Ba Jun Tu (Eight Steeds) painting. Set amid plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo, the display draws on the aesthetics of traditional Jiangnan Gardens, inviting reflection and renewal.
Display Highlights
Eight Steeds
Eight 2.6-metre-tall lantern horses, handcrafted by Zigong artisans and inspired by Ba Jun Tu (八骏图), symbolise strength, vitality and success at the Flower Dome.
Jiangnan Gardens
A tranquil Jiangnan-style garden setting with moon gates, pavilions and seasonal blooms offers a moment of calm and reflection.
Blooming Drums of Spring
The 2.5-metre Blooming Drum of Spring features the traditional Bao Xiang motif, symbolising the arrival of Spring and new beginnings.
4. CHINGAY PARADE 2026
Website: https://www.chingay.gov.sg/
Dates: Friday, 27 February – Saturday, 28 February 2026
Location: Singapore
Singapore’s iconic Chingay Parade returns under the theme “WISH”, featuring illuminated floats, multicultural performances and modern creative expressions. The 2026 edition introduces a circular parade route and a transformable multi-tier stage, reinforcing Chingay’s status as the nation’s largest cultural street celebration.
5. CNY Family Fun 2026
Website: https://singaporeccc.org.sg/events/cny-family-fun-2026/
Dates: 30 January – 1 February 2026
Held at Shenton Way, CNY Family Fun 2026 offers a family-friendly celebration co-organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Singapore Chinese Orchestra, featuring lion dance performances, children’s workshops, interactive art installations and festive activities.
6. TRADITIONS, TEMPLES AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Temples including Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Thian Hock Keng and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple will host midnight prayers and blessings. Community clubs will organise lohei gatherings, cultural performances and festive markets, reinforcing Singapore’s emphasis on harmony and inclusivity.
7. ISTANA OPEN HOUSE
Website: https://www.istana.gov.sg/visit-and-explore/istana-open-house/visit-us/
Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026
Location: The Istana, Singapore
The Istana will open its grounds to the public for a special Chinese New Year Open House, featuring live performances and family-friendly activities, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the historic grounds during the festive season.
8. Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market
Website: https://chinatown.sg/event/heng-ong-huat-chinatown-smith-street-cny-festive-market/
Dates: 24 January – 1 February 2026
The inaugural festive market at Smith Street showcases a curated mix of local brands, festive treats and lifestyle products, complemented by God of Fortune appearances and a special lion dance performance.
9. Huat A Pot-sperity Festival @ Suntec City
Website: https://sunteccity.com.sg/huat-a-potsperity
Dates: 15 January – 1 March 2026
Suntec City’s Huat A Pot-sperity Festival combines playful installations, family attractions and festive markets, including a hot pot-themed inflatable playground and Chinese New Year performances.
10. Chinese New Year at Marina Square
Website: https://www.marinasquare.com.sg/articles/article-belnm35w
Dates: 12 January – 24 February 2026
Marina Square marks the Year of the Horse with festive fairs, Budao Weng performances, high pole lion dances and a family-friendly Prosperity Brickland play zone.
11. Chinese New Year Fair at Jurong Point
Website: https://jurongpoint.com/news/jurong-point-cny-fair-festive-snacks-huat-essentials
Dates: 19 January – 15 February 2026
Jurong Point’s CNY Fair at JP1, L1 Centre Stage offers festive snacks, decorations and household essentials, providing a convenient one-stop destination for Lunar New Year preparations.
