The Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar is a fixture of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore. During this time, Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Smith Street, Sago Street and Temple Street turn into a hive of activity for those looking for Lunar New Year goodies and other festive essentials.
For some, a visit to the Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar is an annual pilgrimage; for others, it a chance to check out the latest wares on offer. Whatever the case may be, a visit to Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period is a chance to soak in the festive atmosphere.
What to Buy at the Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar
Here are some things that you can look out for when visiting the Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar.
1. Chinese New Year Decorations
Want to decorate the home for the Lunar New Year? There is no shortage of shops selling Chinese New Year decorations around Chinatown during the festive period.
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You are also sure to come across cute versions of the upcoming year’s zodiac animal too.
2. Auspicious Plants
Another popular way to decorate the home during Chinese New Year is with auspicious plants. Whether you are looking for pussy willows or bamboo plants, you will find them along the streets of the Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar.
3. Chinese New Year Cookies and Goodies
It is traditional to have a few sweet titbits available at home to serve to guests who come by and visit. There is certainly a selection to choose from at the Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar.
Chinese New Year goodies include …
… cookies …
… peanuts and pumpkin seeds …
… and the sticky nian gao or New Year cake.
We even spotted durians on sale at the Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar.
4. Chinese New Year Clothes
Traditional Chinese New Year clothes can be found around Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period. Our favourite place to hunt for traditional costumes, particularly for children, is Chinatown Complex.
5. Ang Baos and Mandarin Orange Holders
Cute ang baos are always a plus during the Chinese New Year. Visit the stalls around Chinatown to pick up designs based on the zodiac animal for the upcoming year. You can also get hold of carriers for Mandarin oranges which are especially handy when making your rounds visiting friends and family.
