Feeling adventurous and hoping to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere?
We scout the island for places where you can bask in the CNY festivities in a post-COVID-19 pandemic. There is a good mixture of on-site and online activities and events so take your pick.
CNY EVENTS
Come and join Fu-er and Shou-er as we usher in the Year of the Rabbit 兔gether. Be dazzled by the lantern displays, spectacular stage performances and a host of other festivities at River Hongbao 2023. No tickets are required for admission.
📅 20 to 28 January 2023
⏱ Refer to post
📍 Gardens by the Bay
🏷 Free
For more information, visit Singapore River Hongbao 2023.
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Photo: Eugene Yeo
Visitors can look forward to new features such as the enhanced Swan Pond with a new viewing deck and garden stream, as well as live performances and activity booths. The programme and fees can be found on IOH website. There will also be food stalls and a food truck as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs. All fees collected and proceeds from the merchandise booths will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge.
📅 23 January 2023
⏱ 8.30am – 6pm
📍 The Istana
For more information, visit Istana Lunar New Year CNY Open House.
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3. Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2023
The Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration 2023 returns to liven up the streets of Chinatown with physical festivities for the first time in two years, including the all-time favourite Festive Fair and Street Light-Up. Held in Chinatown, a culturally and historically significant precinct, the celebration aims to promote a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and traditions, among locals from all walks of life.
📅 3 January to 19 February 2023
📍 Chinatown
For more information, visit Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2022.
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4. Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign 2023
The Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign returns this year with new red packet designs based on the Chinese zodiac year of the Rabbit! From 6 Jan to 3 Feb 2023, visitors will be able to collect exclusively designed red packets at 39 participating museums, heritage institutions and galleries, while stocks last. Each set will contain eight pieces of red packets, themed respectively to the 39 participating museums, and is limited to one set per visitor.
For more information, visit Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Hongbao Campaign 2023.
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5. Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2023
‘Bunny-ful’ blessings abound at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall with a special outdoor installation to usher in a prosperous new year!
Featuring two rotund rabbits rendered in the form of daruma dolls decorated with the words 幸 (xing) meaning blessing, fortune, and luck, and 福 (fu) meaning happiness, visitors will receive a shower of double ‘hare-ppiness’ on the Memorial Hall grounds this Year of the Rabbit.
Date: 5 January to 19 February 2023
Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Admission: Admission is free; fees may apply for select programmes and activities.
For more information, visit Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2023.
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Look forward to ushering in the Year of the Rabbit with 100 rabbits as they take centrestage at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome, as part of the annual Chinese New Year floral display Dahlia Dreams. With 百兔 (băi tù) or a hundred rabbits being a homonym of 白兔 (bái tù) or white rabbit, various incarnations of 100 bunnies frolic among more than 2,000 colourful flowering plants.
📅 13 January to 26 February 2023
⏱ 9am – 9pm
📍 Flower Dome
🏷 Admission charge to Flower Dome applies
You can get tickets online at Klook, KKday or Trip.com.
For more information, visit Dahlia Dreams 2023.
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7. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Chinese New Year
SCCC’s Roof Garden comes alive with a spectacular rabbit-themed art installation exhibition to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. Entitled 兔gether, the art installations created by local art and design studio Whisky and Foxtrot LLP, the mixed-media artwork presents a cast of characters from Chinese New Year mythology. These characters will showcase local Chinese New Year practices enjoyed together with family and friends.
📅 18 December 2022 to 31 March 2023
⏱ 10am – 10pm
📍 Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Roof Garden
For more information, visit SCCC Chinese New Year.
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8. Uncle Ringo’s Bay Spring Carnival
Continuing the thrill and excitement of The Great Bay Fiesta, the Bay Spring Carnival promises to be an incredible festival of fun with newly-added elements to celebrate the prosperous Lunar New Year! The refreshed festive playground includes an enchanting cherry blossom garden decked out in fairy lights, and over 30 thrilling carnival rides and games for you to play to your heart’s content.
📅 13 to 29 January 2023
📍 Bayfront Event Space
For more information, visit Uncle Ringo’s Bay Spring Carnival.
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9. Punggol Town Chinese New Year 2023 Light Up
One Punggol will host its Lunar New Year celebrations at the integrated community hub. Festivities will begin from 6pm to 9pm. Colourful street lanterns, brightly lit flower décor and a giant rabbit installation will adorn One Punggol hub for the first time.
Punggol Town’s Year of the Rabbit festive decorations will be lit up every night from 20 January 2023 until 5 February 2023.
📅 20 January to 5 February 2023
⏱ 6pm – 9pm
📍 One Punggol, 1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629
For more information visit Punggol Town Chinese New Year 2023 Light Up.
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Singapore’s biggest multicultural Chingay parade is back to electrify and engage audiences with a live spectacle. Striding into the first year after its Golden Jubilee, the 2023 annual Chingay parade will present audiences with an entirely different experience of arts, culture, and heritage set in a musical format to mark a new beginning. A delight for the senses, Chingay Parade – Singapore’s largest community arts showcase – will involve over 10,000 residents, artists, and art groups including more than 3,000 performers. It will also mark the return of big resplendent floats alongside mini community-created floats. Spectators will also be able to see the floats and performers up close. The National Education (NE) show for primary school students is also back after a two-year hiatus.
📅 3 and 4 February 2023
📍 F1 Pit Building
For more information, visit Chingay Parade 2023.
PLACES OF INTEREST
An all-new event featuring multiple Mattel brands is in Singapore. Mattel Playhouse provides a fun, diverse and immersive atmosphere for young kids across 12 activities and splendid photo opportunities. Children will be able to experience different roles through various themed activities in one place.
📅 13 January to 9 April 2023
📍 Marina Square (Let’s Play @ 03-208/209)
🏷 Charges apply
You can get tickets online at Trip.com.
For more information, visit Mattel PlayHouse Singapore.
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Experience breathtaking, panoramic views of Singapore and beyond on Asia’s largest Giant Observation Wheel. Be awed by an interactive gallery for a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Singapore Story and the iconic Singapore Flyer, told via an engaging multimedia showcase.
📅 Daily, including Public Holidays
⏱ 2pm – 10pm (last admission at 9:30pm)
🏷 Charges apply
You can get tickets online at Klook or KKday.
For more information, visit Singapore Flyer.
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3. Amazonia
Photo credit: Klook
Amazonia is one of Singapore’s oldest and largest family play facilities operating to this date with gigantic multi-level play-gym covering over 3000 sqft of play area. Equipped with the highest indoor wave slide, super-sized play-gym, and offers all the thrills that any child could desire.
⏱ 9.30am to 7.30pm
🏷 Charges apply
You can get tickets online via Klook and KKday.
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4. S.E.A. Aquarium (S.E.A. 海洋馆)
Celebrate Spring in the Sea in the Year of the Water Rabbit with 100,000 marine animals at the wondrous S.E.A. Aquarium (S.E.A. 海洋馆) as it dons aqua-themed Lunar New Year decorations. Discover eight auspicious animals like the foxface rabbitfish and learn about their amazing traits along the Trail of Fortune.
PHOTO CREDITS: RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA.
Welcome a prosperous year with Singapore’s only Underwater Dragon Dance, back after a three-year hiatus! Join Ru Yi the Mermaid at Underwater Tales as she shares enthralling stories about her marine friends and how to protect their homes. Visitors can also capture treasured moments at the Festive Meet-and-Greet with the adorable Manta mascots dressed in their Lunar New Year best!
📅 13 January to 5 February 2023
You can purchase S.E.A. Aquarium tickets via Klook or KKDay.
For more information, visit S.E.A. Aquarium Lunar New Year.
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5. Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Singapore Zoo, River Wonders & Night Safari)
Resident Mini Rex Rabbits at Singapore Zoo’s Rainforest KidzWorld (from left) Rudy, Ronnie and Rosette take centrestage this Lunar New Year and get busy munching on CNY-themed goodies! Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Hop on down to Mandai Wildlife Reserve and welcome the Year of the Rabbit “兔” (tù)-gether with our Mini Rex Rabbits. Watch our bunnies gather and enjoy a “lo-hay” platter prepared by their care team at Buddy Barn in Singapore Zoo’s Rainforest KidzWorld. Receive prosperous greetings from our Capybara at River Wonders’ Once Upon a River, as well as our boisterous Sea Lion, Coatimundi and everyone’s favourite canines from Splash Safari, Rainforest Fights Back, and Animal Friends.
📅 21 January to 5 February 2023
You can get tickets via Klook for Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari.
For more information, visit Hare-py Lunar New Year at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
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6. Adventure Cove Waterpark (水上探险乐园)
Splash into Spring at Adventure Cove Waterpark (水上探险乐园) and delight in an abundance of good fun on thrilling water slides or mesmerising close-up experiences with marine life. Its rides and attractions include the adrenaline-pumping Riptide Rocket as well as the relaxing Adventure River, where guests can lay back and drift through stunning themed zones.
📅 13 January to 5 February 2023
You can purchase Adventure Cove Waterpark tickets via Klook or KKDay.
For more information, visit S.E.A. Aquarium Lunar New Year.
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7. SkyHelix Sentosa
Located within the collection of attractions at Imbiah Lookout, SkyHelix Sentosa is an unforgettable gondola ride that reveals breathtaking views as it gently rotates 35 metres above ground along a vertical helix-like structure. Guests will enjoy unparalleled 360° sights of Sentosa and the developing Greater Southern Waterfront while dangling their feet in the air with a cool drink in hand. The ride’s apex is 79 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest vantage points on Sentosa.
Operation hours: 10am – 9.30pm daily
Admission: Charges apply.
You can purchase Skyhelix via Klook or KKday.
For more information, visit SkyHelix Sentosa.
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8. KF1 Karting
Operation hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 9pm | Weekends & PH: 9am – 9pm
Admission: Charges apply
Go for a spin around the tracks of KF1 Karting Circuit in Singapore. Get your adrenaline pumping with fun kart circuits of different speeds. Enjoy a thrilling day of go-kart racing at one of the largest go-karting tracks in the city.
You can get tickets via KKday.
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Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Butterflies Up-Close with a complimentary colouring session! Limited to 1 per ticket holder. Please approach our friendly staff for redemption. Hurry! Our Butterflies Up-Close exhibition closes end-March 2023.
📅 20 to 24 January 2023
⏱ 10am – 5pm
🏷 Charges apply
You can get tickets online at Klook or Trip.com.
For more information, visit Butterflies Up-close.
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10. Universal Studios Singapore
Photo credit: Universal Studios Singapore
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with a fun-filled and auspicious start at Universal Studios Singapore. Hop into Fun with festive meet and greets, an exciting night Lo Hei event during extended weekend opening hours, beautiful cherry blossom trees and the chance to collect attractive gifts.
Operation hours: 12pm – 7pm (Thu-Sat) | 10am – 5pm (Sun)
Admission: Charges apply
You can purchase Universal Studios Singapore One-Day Ticket via Klook or KKday.
For more information, visit Universal Studios Singapore Lunar New Year.
SHOPPING MALLS
1. AMK Hub Festive Celebration
Enjoy a fun day out with the young ones at AMK Hub! From indulging in arcade and virtual reality games at Timezone to catching the latest movie at Cathay Cineplex, there are endless entertainment choices for you.
After a long day, treat the whole family to delicious cuisines, from Japanese to Korean and western. Get your hair done and look your best self for house visiting at the salons! Shopping for Chinese New Year essentials? Spend and get rewards such as a lucky draw entry, special gifts, limited-edition red packets as well as angbaos filled with e-vouchers.
For more information, visit AMK Hub Lunar New Year.
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2. Swing By @ Thomson Plaza
Have a swinging good time with the whole family at Swing By @ Thomson Plaza! Time will fly at Cow Play Cow Moo, where a plethora of arcade games awaits. Shop for all your hosting needs at Daiso and FairPrice Finest! Beautify your house with the creations of Steve Florists too.
After a day of fun, rejuvenate yourself with lip-smacking delights, from local to Japanese and western. This festive season, spend at the shopping mall and get rewards such as special gifts, red packets and organisers as well as e-vouchers!
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3. ION Orchard
An exciting line-up of celebrations can also be expected at ION Orchard. Catch the roving God of Fortune on 22 and 23 January between 1 to 2pm and get to watch exciting lion dance & drums performances on selected days. Shoppers can also get a special calligraphy done at Level 1 Atrium from 22 to 24 January 2023.
For more information, visit ION Orchard Lunar New Year 2023.
OTHER EVENTS
Light to Night 2023 boasts an exciting line-up of day-to-night immersive art experiences. Through its theme “Here and Now”, the illuminating visual arts festival explores what it means to be in the present. The theme is inspired by the artistic process of responding to one’s time and space through art and is centred on the concept of play and innovation.
📅 6 to 26 January 2023
For more information, visit Light to Night Festival 2023.
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2. Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice
Singapore’s biggest winter themed pop-up playground, Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice is back by popular demand! The overwhelmingly popular attraction was the perfect answer to many Singaporeans longing for a winter holiday and the opportunity to swap out summer-wear for snuggly coats, hats and gloves.
📅 7 to 29 January 2023
⏱ 10am – 12pm, 12pm – 2pm, 2pm – 4pm, 4pm – 6pm, 6pm – 8pm, 8pm – 10pm
📍 Bayfront Event Space
For more information, visit Ice Magic.
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3. Disney100 Light & Sound Show at Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel) launched a range of Disney-themed activities and retail offerings for travellers to enjoy when they visit Singapore. The Disney100 activities and displays pay tribute to nearly 100 years of iconic storytelling from The Walt Disney Company. Jewel visitors will be able to explore a Disney100 Light & Sound Show featuring some of Disney’s most beloved characters and photo spots inspired by select Disney films. Shoppers can also enjoy retail offerings featuring Disney merchandise and collectables.
📅 12 January to 9 April 2023
📍 Jewel Changi Airport
For more information visit Disney100 Jewel Changi Airport.
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4. Avatar: The Experience at Gardens by the Bay
Set at Cloud Forest with its iconic vision of waterfalls, spiraling walkways and a unique architectural glass greenhouse, Avatar: The Experience invites guests to connect with the alien world of Pandora, its bioluminescent environments, mystical creatures, flora, and the captivating culture of its indigenous people, the Na’vi. This immersive experience brings two worlds together and opens your eyes to the magnificent story of AVATAR, the highest-grossing film of all time.
📅 28 Oct 2022 to 30 Jun 2023
📍 Cloud Forest
You can get your tickets via Klook.
Get $5 OFF with UOB Cards: Apply promo code ‘UOBSGAVATAR5’ and check out with UOB Cards. Limited redemptions available per month. Valid for Singapore users only. Other T&Cs apply
For more information, visit Avatar: The Experience at Gardens by the Bay.
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5. Let’s Play @ D’Marquee Downtown East
Looking for something fun this Chinese New Year? Head to Mega Carnival at Downtown East with over 20 stations of UNLIMITED games, rides and activities! Look forward to a variety of games and rides such as Animatronic Dinosaur, Motorbike Adventure, VR Skiing Experience, VR Motorbike, Swan Pedal and many more!
📅 19 November 2022 to 5 February 2023
📍 Downtown East
Book your tickets here!
For more information, visit here.
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6. The Doraemon Exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore
Happy birthday, Doraemon! In conjunction with this special day, fans of Doraemon have another reason to celebrate, as The Doraemon Exhibition Singapore 2022 makes its debut outside Japan at the National Museum of Singapore. Presented by LEYOUKI, with support from the National Museum of Singapore, the exhibition will bring together a selection of contemporary artworks that reinterprets Doraemon in our changing world and showcases its cultural impact in contemporary history.
📅 5 November 2022 to 5 February 2023
You can get your tickets via Klook.
For more information, visit The Doraemon Exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore!
STAYCATION
1. PARKROYAL Otterly Adventure Staycation with Otah & Friends
Pan Pacific Hotels Group and KKday extend the fun and delight for the little ones in An Otterly Adventure with Otah & Friends. Families can look forward to more exclusive collectibles, treats and staycation experiences with the popular Otah & Friends.
The Otterly Adventurous Staycation with Otah & Friends includes a one-night stay with breakfast for two adults and one child. Every package comes with a pair of collectible plushies featuring Otah the Otter and his little brother Chaotah, each dressed in a themed T-shirt for the ultimate adorable limited-edition souvenir. Additionally, there will be a welcome pack filled with themed goodies to keep the little ones on their toes!
You can book the staycation via KKday for Kitchener Road Hotel, Beach Road Hotel, Marina Bay Hotel and Pickering Hotel.
For more information, visit PARKROYAL Otterly Adventure Staycation with Otah & Friends.
MUSEUMS
The following museums are open during the Chinese New Year Period. The list is not exhaustive, visit here for a list of Museums in Singapore.
The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum that seeks to inspire with stories of Singapore and the world. Its history dates back to 1849. Known then as the Raffles Library and Museum, the museum moved to its current premises on Stamford Road in 1887.
📅 Daily
⏱ 10am to 7pm. Last admission 6.15pm (Glass Rotunda) | 6.30pm (All other galleries)
🏷 Free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents and Children 6 years and below (any nationality)
Non-citizens/PRs can get tickets online at Klook or KKday.
For more information, visit National Museum.
• CNY Celebrations at National Museum
“Hop” into the Lunar New Year at the National Museum of Singapore with your family and friends, with an exciting array of activities prepared to usher in the Year of the Rabbit. From the lively lion dance performance to hands-on activities where you can create your Lunar New Year mementoes based on the museum’s collection, there is something for everyone to experience at the museum!
📅 4 February 2023, free admission to the museum’s permanent galleries on 4 February
For more information, visit CNY Celebrations at National Museum.
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2. Reflections At Bukit Chandu Museum
Photo credit: Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a World War Two interpretative centre that commemorates the battle of Pasir Panjang and the men of the Malay Regiment who fought in it, as well as the history of Bukit Chandu itself. Housed in a bungalow that is closely connected to the site’s history, the interpretative centre uses immersive experiences and contextual artefacts to present a multi-faceted look at Bukit Chandu and Pasir Panjang, while inviting visitors to reflect on our nation’s wartime experience and the brave sacrifice of the soldiers.
⏱ 9.30am to 5pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Closed every Monday except Public Holidays
Last admission at 4.30pm
🏷 Free for Citizens and Permanent Residents
For more information, visit Reflections At Bukit Chandu Museum.
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3. Changi Chapel and Museum Singapore
The Changi Chapel and Museum tells the story of the prisoners of war and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation. Managed by the National Museum of Singapore, the Changi Museum was revamped and reopened in May 2021. The revamped museum features new content and artefacts, including stories and personal objects collected from families of former internees, presented in an intimate and engaging format. The museum’s narrative is centred on remembrance and reflection, encouraging visitors to contemplate both the hardships that the internees underwent, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of difficulties.
⏱ 9.30am to 5.30pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Closed every Monday except Public Holidays
Last admission at 5pm.
🏷 Free for Citizens and Permanent Residents
For more information, visit Changi Chapel and Museum Singapore.
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📅 Daily
⏱ 10am – 7pm
🏷 Free for Citizens and Permanent Residents
Non-Citizens can get tickets at Klook or KKday.
For more information, visit National Gallery Singapore.
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5. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is home to over 1 million specimens from fossils to flora and fauna, of which about 2,000 specimens are on display.
📅 Tuesday to Sunday
⏱ 10am – 6pm
🏷 Charges apply
You can get tickets at Klook.
For more information, visit Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.
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FREE PLACES
The Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases the best and most spectacular of tropical flora, including more than 10,000 types of plants and the region’s most significant living collection of documented palms, orchids, cycads and gingers. Its historic 19th century garden landscape is well preserved and includes the earliest ornamental designed lake in Singapore.
📅 Daily
⏱ 5am – 12am
For more information, visit Singapore Botanic Gardens.
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Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore’s new national gardens in the heartlands. It is a people’s garden, where spaces will be landscaped and created for families and the community to come together.
📅 Daily
⏱ 24 hours
For more information, visit Jurong Lake Gardens.
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Haw Par Villa is a unique garden that is rich in educational value and grand in architecture. It is an undisputed wonderland of beautiful landscape and over a thousand sculptures that artistically portray stories and events based on famous Chinese historical personalities, mythology and legends.
📅 Daily
⏱ 9am – 8pm (last entry: 7.30pm)
For more information, visit Haw Par Villa.
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4. Lau Pa Sat
This Chinese New Year, hop for joy with your friends and family at Lau Pa Sat and experience their one-of-its-kind collaboration. The iconic heritage food hall brings the iconic White Rabbit from the candy ubiquitous in all our childhoods to life for a food hall experience that is steeped in nostalgia. From 5 January to 5 February 2023, a series of family-friendly promotions and activations will be in full swing for all to enjoy, centred around the White Rabbit.
Note: All details are correct as at 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.
Looking for CNY goodies for your home? Here’s where to buy pineapple tarts and bak kwa in Singapore.
Want to shower your family and friends with blessings and bountiful gifts this CNY? Here is a list of unique CNY gifts and hampers to consider gifting!
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