Your Ultimate Guide To Chinese New Year 2026 In Singapore

17th Dec 2025

Written by:

Gracie Stewart
Editor | Urban List Singapore

Singapore turns electric during Chinese New Year and 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most colourful years yet. Lantern-lined streets, lion dances at every corner, feasting galore, and two glorious public holidays mean you’re in for a full-on festive takeover. Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or you just want the low-down on what’s happening and when, here’s your complete guide to CNY 2026 in Singapore.

When Is Chinese New Year 2026?

CNY falls slightly later in 2026:

Day 1: Tuesday, 17 February 2026 (Public Holiday)

Day 2: Wednesday, 18 February 2026 (Public Holiday)

Top Tip: Want to turn it into a mini-vacation? Take Thursday 19 and Friday 20 February off work for a sweet six-day break.

What Is Chinese New Year All About?

Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) marks the start of the lunar calendar and is one of Singapore’s biggest cultural celebrations. Expect:

Reunion dinners on the eve
Lo hei (yu sheng) tosses for prosperity
Lion and dragon dances islandwide
Temple visits for blessings
Ang baos (red packets) symbolising luck
Feasting that might actually qualify as a competitive sport

The Year Of The Horse

The Year of the Horse officially kicks off with Chinese New Year 2026 and is part of the Chinese zodiac, a repeating 12-year cycle that assigns an animal to each year, based on the lunar calendar. The zodiac is rooted in ancient Chinese astrology and folklore, and each animal is believed to influence the personality traits of people born in that year, as well as the overall "vibe" of the year itself. The 12 animals run in a set order (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig) and are also paired with one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) as part of a larger 60-year cycle that adds extra personality layers to each year. In simple terms: it’s part horoscope, part cultural tradition, part cosmic calendar.

2026 is the Fire Horse, which turns the volume way up on the usual Horse energy. Think confidence, independence, speed and a strong "do it now" attitude, with extra spice from the Fire element (aka passion, leadership and a tiny bit of chaos). Traditionally, Horse years are linked to career leaps, travel, increased social energy and a bigger appetite for risk (great for bold moves, not so great for playing it safe). It’s a year that thrives on action over overthinking, encouraging you to chase momentum, trust your instincts and go all-in on experiences that feel exciting and alive. Basically, if the Chinese zodiac is the cosmic mood ring, 2026’s is glowing hot, bright and ready to run.

Image credit: Chingay Parade | Singapore Tourism Board

What To Expect In Singapore During CNY

Chinatown In Full Festive Mode
Chinatown transforms into a glowing display of lantern installations, street markets, traditional snacks, and nightly performances. It’s high energy, unapologetically chaotic, and totally iconic.

Lion Dances Everywhere
From shopping malls to office lobbies, you’ll hear the drums before you see the lions. Performances typically kick off in the weeks leading up to CNY.

Massive Reunion Feasts
Families gather for symbolic dishes—fish for abundance, dumplings for wealth, and yu sheng for good fortune. The higher you toss, the luckier the year (allegedly).

Temple Visits
Many head to temples at midnight before Day 1. Expect crowds, incense, and a beautifully charged atmosphere.

Red, Red, And More Red
The colour of luck takes over the city—from decorations to outfits to packaging.

Confirmed And Strongly Expected Chinese New Year 2026 Events

While not all 2026 event programmes have officially dropped, several major annual events are already confirmed or historically guaranteed to return.

River Hongbao 2026 (Dates TBC)
One of Singapore’s largest CNY events with giant lanterns, cultural exhibitions, carnival games, nightly shows, and food stalls. The 2025 edition featured SG60-themed lanterns and firecracker displays so you can expect similarly large-scale vibes.

Chingay Parade 2026: 27 And 28 February 2026
Singapore’s iconic street parade with massive floats, performances, dancers, acrobats, and multicultural showcases. It’s a CNY staple and nearly always takes place the weekend after CNY.

Full details can be found here.

Chinatown Street Light-Up And Festive Bazaar (Dates TBC)
Chinatown’s annual lantern display, market streets, and nightly entertainment are hallmarks of every CNY season. Expect crowds, snacks, handicrafts, and photo ops galore.

Gardens By The Bay Spring Blossoms Gallop Into Prosperity: 16 January - 1 March 2026
Canter into the Year of the Horse with this festive showcase of Chinese culture featuring iconic blooms, lantern horses, striking architecture, and vibrant elements from the Maritime Silk Road.

Full details can be found here.

Tips If You’re Visiting Or Staying In Singapore During CNY

Expect closures: Some shops and restaurants close on the first two days.
Book restaurants early: Especially reunion dinners as they fill up fast.
Plan travel smart: Roads near Chinatown may be partially closed for events.
Catch lion dances early: They become harder to find after Day 3.
Bring your camera: Singapore is ridiculously photogenic this time of year.

So, whether you’re feasting, exploring, or chasing lion-dance performances, CNY 2026 is set to be a big one.

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Main image credit: Singapore Tourism Board | Facebook