With Chinese New Year around the corner, here is a list of places you can go to! If you have not found time to plan your Chinese New Year holiday, do not fret. These are fail-safe options to entertain your family and have a day or a good evening out with your friends. Eat, drink, see and be merry!

River Hongbao 2023

The River Hongbao event is a celebration of the Lunar Chinese New Year held in Singapore. Established in 1986, it is organized by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association. Visitors can join in on the fun with Fu-er and Shou-er as they welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The event, held at Gardens by the Bay, offers a variety of activities such as lantern displays, stage performances, and other festivities.

Admission is free and no tickets are required. The gardens are transformed into a magical wonderland with over 18 lantern sets, including the star of the festival, the "Dance of Spring" lantern set. This year, the lanterns have been updated with modern themes, ideas, and pop-culture references.

From January 20th to 28th, there will be a range of entertainment programs on the main stage including dance and musical performances by Chinese cultural troupes and Mediacorp artists. 

Istana Open House

The Istana is open to the public during the Chinese New Year celebration. This year, visitors can enjoy the newly upgraded Swan Pond, featuring a viewing deck and a garden stream. Additionally, traditional activities such as candle-making and Chinese calligraphy will be available at the Main Tent.

There will also be a variety of performances by student groups, including Chinese drum performances by Nan Hua Primary School and dance performances by NAFA School of Young Talents. Those interested in exploring the Istana grounds can register for guided tours at the ticketing booth in the Ceremonial Plaza.

Chinatown 

The Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration 2023 is back in full swing, with a variety of in-person festivities planned for the first time in two years. This year's celebration, which runs from January 1st to February 19th, 2023 is organized by the Chinatown Festival Committee and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Visitors can look forward to the return of the popular Festive Fair, the annual street light-up, weekly stage shows, and the Chinese New Year Countdown Party. This event, held in the culturally and historically significant precinct of Chinatown, aims to promote an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and tradition among people from all backgrounds.

SCCC's Roof Garden

The Cultural Centre's Roof Garden is the perfect setting for a family-friendly,  Instagram-worthy moment. You will get to see larger-than-life pineapple installations that can reach up to 3 meters in height, illuminated in gold as night falls. Visitors can also take photos with giant mahjong tiles and even sit on a pile of gold for the perfect photo opportunity. 

Inspired by the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year in Singapore- from lion dances at the coffee shop to children of various ethnic backgrounds playing downstairs, to the aroma of freshly peeled mandarin oranges and chicken curry, the experience will be nothing short of delightful. 

Come and appreciate the local flavors and multicultural landscape that make spending Chinese New Year in Singapore special.

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall invites you to join in on the celebration of the Year of the Rabbit with the Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2023! The event features a variety of programs and activities suitable for all ages.

Participate in family-friendly activities such as lion dance and festive drumming workshops, take a tour of the temple, and explore heritage trails. There will be storytelling, craft activities for children, and much more! Capture your Lunar New Year OOTDs with the giant rabbit installation of Bit Bit Forest. The fun never ends at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.

During the annual Museum Roundtable Hongbao Campaign, families who visit the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall can collect limited edition SYSNMH hongbao for free!

To claim, simply visit the Memorial Hall, follow the SYSNMH Facebook page, and verify at the visitor services counter from January 6th to 22nd, 2023. Only the first 50 visitors per day will be eligible (1 pack per person) and it is available while supplies last.

Summary

Book a car for rent in advance with Drive lah so you can enjoy the festivities with your friends and family this Chinese New Year. Avoid the last-minute rush. Cars are available for rent per hour or for a day on Drive lah. Choose personally owned, well-maintained cars with comprehensive insurance for your next trip.

Also Read: How to Get the Most from the Drive lah Car Sharing App

Wish you a very Happy Lunar New Year! May your New Year be as lucky and lovely as the Rabbit! Wherever you go, may prosperity and good fortune always be with you.