Welcome in the Year of the Horse at Singapore’s heritage precinct at the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026, taking place from 18 January to 18 March 2026.
During the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations, the historic precinct will be lit up with a vibrant festive light-up inspired by the Year of the Horse, and have a rich lineup of cultural performances and engaging weekend workshops to usher in the festive spirit. What’s more, this year also sees the return of the Lion Dance Competition.
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026
Chinatown Street Light-Up 2026
This year, the Chinatown Street Light-Up is themed “Galloping into the Prosperous Year” This decorations draw inspiration from traditional Chinese paper-cutting, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
The Chinatown Street Light-Up takes place from 30 January to 18 March 2026, 7 pm to 12 am. On the eve of Chinese New Year, the lights will stay on till 6 am of Chinese New Year Day 1.
The centrepiece of the Chinatown light up is a magnificent 8.8-metre golden horse, symbolising momentum, aspiration, and collective progress.
Look closely to appreciate it dynamic form and intricate detailing. This gives a sense of forward motion and reflects the hope and determination for the year ahead.
The installation also features orchids and peonies in woven baskets. These symbols of prosperity, harmony, and abundance, creating a festive landscape that speaks to unity and renewal across Singapore’s diverse communities.
Three surrounding sections feature a total of 60 horses and 48 fruits. The galloping horses surge dynamically toward the centrepiece, symbolising unity, aspiration, and collective progress.
The Chinatown Street Light-Up 2026 will stretch out along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road, and Eu Tong Seng Street. Look out for decorative elements such as eight lanterns adorned with the sacred treasures of the Eight Immortals, and six auspicious fruit motifs symbolising abundance.
Official Street Light Up & Opening Ceremony (30 January 2026)
The Official Street Light-Up & Opening Ceremony will be held on 30 January 2026, 6 pm, at Kreta Ayer Square. This will mark the formal launch of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations and the event will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.
During the opening ceremony, there will be cultural performances that celebrate Singapore’s multicultural identity. These will bring together Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western artistic traditions.
Key performances include a horse-inspired dance that blends Chinese dance with Malay Kuda Kepang, Indian Rajasthani horse dance, and Western styles.
Festive Fair at Chinatown
From 27 January to 17 February, head down to Chinatown to enjoy the Festive Fair. Shop for festive decorations, traditional snacks and seasonal favourites along Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street and Pagoda Street.
The Festive Fair at Chinatown will be open from Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 10.30 pm, Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 11.30 pm and 11 am to 1 pm on the eve of Chinese New Year.
Festive Fair at People’s Park Square
From 18 January to 16 February, the Festive Fair at People’s Park Square will feature a curated selection of Chinese New Year decorations, lifestyle accessories and seasonal favourites.
Countdown Party
On 16 February, 10 pm, make your way down to Kreta Ayer Square for the Countdown Party and an evening of live performances, music and festivities. Then join in the countdown to the Chinese New Year.
Lion Dance Competition
This year also marks the return with the Chinese New Year International Lion Dance Competition (新春国际狮王争霸邀请赛). This much-anticipated event will take place on 7 and 8 February 2026, at 6 pm at the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre. Tickets are priced at $10 per ticket, per day.
The Lion Dance Competition will showcase the skills of elite lion dance troupes from Singapore and across the region, including China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia, each presenting their distinctive styles, breathtaking stunts, and vibrant artistry, each competing for top honours on the grand stage.
Here are more details about the Lion Dance Competition and how to purchase tickets:
Those who are unable to get tickets for the Lion Dance Competition can still join in the excitement through a live screening at Kreta Ayer Square.
Festive Workshops & Performances
There will be various workshops organised as part of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations.
Temenggong Artists-in-Residence will present a Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop on 24 January 2026, 6 pm at the Kreta Ayer Square, with limited slots available.This will be conducted by Ms Xu Zunying, a renowned Chinese paper-cutting master from Chaoshan, China, who brings with her over 40 years of artistic experience.
The National Heritage Board (NHB) will be organising a Mandarin Orange Carrier Paper Craft workshop on 8 February 2026 at Kreta Ayer Community Club.
Participants can look forward to creating a unique and festive carrier to hold mandarin oranges.
More information on the workshops will be announced in due course.
There are also several lion dance performances scheduled to take place around Chinatown.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy this other story on another Chinese New Year event – River Hongbao.
