As the Lunar New Year approaches, the lion dance takes centre stage in Singapore, bringing a rich tapestry of tradition, excitement, and cultural significance. The vibrant performances, characterised by energetic drumming, flamboyant lion movements, and skilled acrobatics, have become integral to the festive celebrations. In this guide, we explore the origins of the lion dance and provide a curated list of locations where you can witness these captivating performances during the Chinese New Year in Singapore.
The Origins of Lion Dance:
The tradition of lion dance can be traced back to ancient China, with different regional variations adding unique elements to the performances. Northern lions, adorned with thick shaggy coats, and southern lions, sporting shorter coat, showcase the diversity within this ancient art form. The lion dance is not merely a spectacle; it carries cultural significance, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.
Intricate Performances
During lion dance performances in Singapore, spectators may witness various elements such as the plucking of greens (采青) and pugilistic acts involving leaping about on high poles. These actions are deeply rooted in tradition and are believed to usher in good fortune for the coming year. The International Lion Dance Competition in Chinatown stands out as a must-see event for lion dance enthusiasts, showcasing the skill and artistry of troupes from around the world.
Where to Catch Lion Dance Performances in Singapore
For those eager to experience the thrill of lion dance during Chinese New Year, here are some recommended locations:
1. National Museum of Singapore
Catch a heart-thumping lion dance performance at the National Museum of Singapore as we usher in the year of the snake!
Lion Dance Performance
📅 30 Jan 2025
⏰ 11.30am
📍 National Museum of Singapore, The Platform L2
For more information, visit National Museum Lunar New Year.
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On 3 February, don’t miss the exhilarating Lion Dance Performance at the Atrium (Tower 3 & 4). Marvel at the traditional ‘plucking of the green’ and breathtaking high-pole stunts by the Yiwei Athletic Association, an award-winning local lion dance troupe. Fresh from their victory at the 2023 Genting World Lion Dance Championship, Yiwei promises a performance that is as thrilling as it is unforgettable.
Lion Dance Performance
| Item | Location | Date | Time |
| Lion Dance Performance | Atrium (Tower 1 & 2), Suntec City | 18 and 25 Jan 2025 | 2.30pm |
| Lion Dance Performance on high poles by Yiwei Athletic Association |
Atrium (Tower 3 & 4), Suntec City | 3 Feb 2025 | 10.28am |
For more information, visit Suntec City Chinese New Year.
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Usher in prosperity and good fortune with a lively lion dance performance and Cai Qing by Yiwei Athletic Association on the 7th day of Lunar New Year.
Lion Dance Performance
📅 4 Feb 2025
🕙 11.08am
📍 One Raffles Place shopping mall
For more information, visit One Raffles Place Chinese New Year.
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Lion Dance Performance
| Mall | Location | Date | Time |
| Parkway Parade | Basement Airwell | 5 Feb 2025 | 3pm |
| 313@somerset | L1 Main Entrance | 6 Feb 2025 | 11am |
| Paya Lebar Quarter | L1 PLQ Plaza | 6 Feb 2025 | 3pm |
| Jem | L1 Jem Street | 10 Feb 2025 | 2pm |
For more information, visit Lendlease malls Lunar New Year.
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5. One Punggol
Lion and Dragon Dance Performance
Enjoy the vibrant Lion and Dragon Dance featuring the ‘cai qing’ ritual for prosperity and thrilling pole-leaping ‘tiao zhuang’, accompanied by rhythmic beats and the majestic dragon symbolizing success and unity this festive season.
📅 25 Jan 2025
⏱ 8pm – 10pm
📍 One Punggol, 1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629
For more information, visit One Punggol Chinese New Year.
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6. HDB Malls
Lion Dance Performance
| Mall | Date | Time |
| Dawson Place | 4 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Depot Heights | 4 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Oasis Terraces | 5 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Loyang Point | 5 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Anchorvale Village | 11 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Rivervale Plaza | 11 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Hougang RiverCourt | 12 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Buangkok Square | 12 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Kitchener Complex | 16 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Bras Basah Complex | 18 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Pasir Ris West Plaza | 18 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Canberra Plaza | 25 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Plantation Plaza | 25 Jan | 12.30pm |
| Northshore Plaza | 26 Jan | 12.30pm |
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7. Giant IMM & Tampines Hypermart
Free Lion Dance performance by their prestige partners.
Lion Dance Performance
| Location | Date | Time |
| Tampines Hypermart | 4 Jan | 12pm |
| 5 Jan | 5pm | |
| 12 Jan | 12pm | |
| 18 Jan | 6pm | |
| 19 Jan | 5pm | |
| Tampines IMM | 11 Jan | 12pm |
| 12 Jan | 5pm | |
| 18 Jan | 10.30am | |
| 25 Jan | 1pm | |
| 26 Jan | 1pm & 2pm |
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8. ION Orchard
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an enthralling Lion Dance and God of Fortune roving performance at ION Orchard. Witness the vibrant energy of the traditional lion dance as it brings prosperity and joy with acrobatic moves and rhythmic drumbeats. Meanwhile, the God of Fortune will make his way around the mall, spreading good luck and handing out token of blessings to shoppers.
| Performance | Location | Date | Time |
| God of Fortune Mascot | Roving | 29, 30, 31 Jan | 2.15pm – 3.15pm |
| Twin Lion Dance | Level 1 Atrium | 29, 30, 31 Jan & 1, 2, 8, 9 Feb | 3.08pm |
| High Pole Lion Dance Eight Lion Dance Cai Qing Dragon Dance |
Level 1 Outdoor ION² | 5 Feb | 3.08pm |
For more information, visit ION Orchard Lunar New Year.
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Leap into the new year as you witness an award-winning lion dance performance by an acclaimed lion dance troupe from Yiwei Athletic Association! Made up of top performers from across Singapore, the lion dance troupe recently retained their National Freestyle Lion Dance title at the National Lion Dance Championships. Look forward to a variety of audacious tricks and gravity defying jumps accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums, gongs, and cymbals.
Lion Dance Performance & God of Fortune Appearance
📅 19, 25, and 26 Jan 2025
⏰ 3pm
📍 Marina Square Atrium
Lion Dance Cai Qing Performance
📅 4 Feb 2025
⏰ 1.38pm
📍 Marina Square Atrium
For more information, visit Marina Square Lunar New Year.
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10. IKEA
Join us to celebrate the Year of Snake with traditional lion dance and blessings for a prosperous year!
Lion Dance Performance
| Location | Date | Time |
| IKEA Alexandra | 2 Feb 2025 | 3pm |
| IKEA Jurong | 2 Feb 2025 | 10am |
| IKEA Tampines | 1 Feb 2025 | 3pm |
For more information, visit IKEA Lunar New Year.
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11. AMK Hub
Experience the Lunar New Year magic as the God of Fortune graces the mall, bringing blessings and prosperity to all! Be amazed by a majestic lion dance performance and the breathtaking high pole acrobatics, showcasing the spirit of strength and celebration. Don’t miss the chance to capture special moments with the God of Fortune and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
God of Fortune Blessing
📅 22 to 24 Jan & 4 Feb 2025
⏰ 6pm
📍 Around the Mall
📅 8 & 9 Feb 2025
⏰ 1pm & 5pm
📍 Around the Mall
Lion Dance Performance
📅 4 Feb 2025
⏰ 6.48pm
📍 AMK Hub B1 Atrium
High Poles Lion Dance Performance
📅 8 & 9 Feb 2025
⏰ 6.48pm
📍 AMK Hub Main Entrance
For more information, visit AMK Hub Lunar New Year.
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12. CompassOne
Roving God of Fortune Mascot
📅 11, 12, 18 & 19 Jan 2025
🕙 1pm & 3pm
Lion Leaping on High Pole Performance
📅 31 Jan to 2 Feb 2025
🕙 11.30am & 5.30pm
📍 Level 2 Atrium
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Usher in the Lunar New Year with majestic lion dance showcasing skill and tradition. Plus, the God of Fortune will be making a special appearance to bring blessings and joy to everyone.
Lion Dance Performance
📅 3 Feb 2025
⏰ 6.28pm
📍 The Canopy
God of Fortune Roving
📅 3 Feb 2025
⏰ 6pm
📍 Around the Mall
📅 7 to 9 Feb 2025
⏰ 12pm & 6pm
📍 Around the Mall
For more information, visit Swing By @ Thomson Plaza Lunar New Year.
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14. NEX
Catch our roving God of Fortune spreading luck and blessings around the mall.
God of Fortune Appearance
📅 25 & 26 Jan 2025
⏰ 5pm
📍 NEX, L1 in front of Dyson
Join us as we usher in prosperity & good fortune with our Pluck The Green performance.
Lion Dance Performance
📅 3 Feb 2025
⏰ 12pm
📍 NEX, L1 Atrium
For more information, visit NEX Lunar New Year.
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15. Jurong Point
Join us and be showered with a wealth of blessings from the God of Fortune as they rove through the mall, making a special pit stop at the JP2 Main Entrance. Witness the exhilarating lion dance high-pole performance and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the celebration.
God of Fortune Appearance
📅 18 & 19, 25 & 26 Jan, 1 & 2, 8 & 9 Feb 2025 (Sat & Sun)
⏰ 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
📍 JP2 Main Entrance
Lion Dance Performance
Join us for a spectacular lion dance, featuring an exhilarating high-pole performance.
📅 6 & 8 Feb 2025 (Thu & Sat)
⏰ 2.30pm
📍 JP1 Centre Stage, L1
Information is accurate at time of print and is subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, visit Jurong Point Chinese New Year.
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16. Pasir Ris Mall
Join us to witness a captivating lion dance performance by Teng Yang Troupe to usher in blessings and good fortune for the New Year!
Lion Dance Performance
📅 6 Feb 2025
⏰ 12pm
📍 Pasir Ris Mall B2 Atrium
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17. Capitaland Malls
Lion Dance Performance
| Mall | Date | Time |
| Aperia Mall L1 Atrium | 31 Jan | 11am |
| Bedok Mall L1 Atrium | 4 Feb | 11am |
| Bugis Junction L1 Fountain Square | 3 Feb | 11am |
| Bugis+ L1 Mall Entrance | 3 Feb | 12pm |
| Bugis Street L1 Mall Entrance | 3 Feb | 1pm |
| Bukit Panjang Plaza L2 Atrium | 3 Feb | 1pm |
| CQ @ Clarke Quay L1 Fountain Square | 4 Feb | 6pm |
| Funan L1 Atrium | 3 Feb | 3pm |
| IMM L1 main Entrance | 5 Feb | 11am |
| Junction 8 L1 10m Walkway | 6 Feb | 10.30am |
| Kallang Wave Mall L1 Atrium | 5 Feb | 11am |
| Lot One Shoppers’ Mall L1 Atrium | 3 Feb | 11am |
| Plaza Singapura and The Atrium@Orchard L1 Atrium | 6 Feb | 12pm |
| Raffles City L1 Fashion Walkway | 7 Feb | 12.30pm |
| SingPost Centre L1 Atrium | 4 Feb | 1pm |
| Sengkang Grand Mall L1 Event Space | 7 Feb | 10.30am |
| Tampines Mall L1 Main Atrium | 5 Feb | 11am |
| Westgate L1 The Courtyard Main Entrance | 4 Feb | 11am |
For more information, visit Capitaland Malls Lunar New Year.
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18. City Square Mall
Be sure not to miss the exhilarating Lion high-pole dance performance that features dynamic and vibrant movements of the lion dancers which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
Lion Dance Performance
📅 4 Feb 2025
⏰ 12pm
📍 City Square Mall L1 City Green Park
For more information, visit City Square Mall Lunar New Year.
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Other Lunar New Year Festivities
Beyond lion dance performances, Singapore offers a plethora of Lunar New Year festivities. Explore the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations, attend the Chingay Parade, and partake in various cultural activities to pass on traditions and customs to future generations.
In Singapore, the lion dance transcends being a mere performance; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the collective spirit of ushering in a prosperous new year. From the heart of Chinatown to the bustling shopping malls, the lion dance adds a dynamic and colorful dimension to the Chinese New Year festivities. Embrace the roar of the lions and the rhythm of the drums as you join in the joyous celebration of a new beginning.
Note: All details are correct as of the time of publishing. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given nor responsibility is taken for errors or omissions in the compilation. Readers are advised to check with the respective event organisers for the most updated schedules, venues and details.
🧧🏮 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025 🏮🧧
Feeling adventurous and hoping to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere? We have compiled a list of Where to go during Chinese New Year 2025 and CNY Lion Dance Performances 2025, especially for our readers.
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