On 3 February 2011, the Chinese around the world usher in the Year of the Rabbit. Here are a few exciting events to look out for if you are celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2011...
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[Chinatown Events] [River Hongbao @ Marina Bay] [Sentosa Flowers]
[Chingay Parade] [FAQs]
When: 15 Jan 2011 to 6 Mar 2011, 7pm till late.
Where:
Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, Garden Bridge and side-streets near Chinatown MRT station.
Switch your camera to Night Mode for those over-street fairy lights and over-sized lanterns. Nightly.
The Chinese New Year Street Light Up will be launched 15 Jan 2011. Expect fire crackers and fireworks.
When:
14 Jan 2011 to 2 February 2011; late afternoon till late night.
Where:
100+ stalls along Pagoda Street, Temple Street, Smith Street, Sago Street and Trengganu Street.
Getting here:
Take MRT to Chinatown Station. Take the Pagoda Street exit.
Take a break as you browse the night market and look out for the nightly stage performances at Kreta Ayer Square (beside Chinatown Complex).
In the years past, these have included lion dance competitions, acrobatics, and some enchanting Chinese dances. You can expect the same this year.
After dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve (2 Feb 2011), the vendors at the night market give hefty discounts on their wares - because nobody would buy them the next day. This might be a good time to snag some nice souvenirs or tidbits.
Thereafter, join the crowds near the MRT station for the Chinese New Year 2011 Countdown Concert, which is likely to culminate with fireworks at midnight.
See some photos of the shopping frenzy and performances during Chinese New Year in Singapore (past years).
When: 1-13 Feb 2011.
Festive bazaars, cultural performances and fireworks. Fireworks on the nights of 1 & 2 Feb 2011. Schedule of Fireworks!
Where:
The Floating Platform @ Marina Bay.
Getting here:
Take MRT to Esplanade or Promenade Stations and follow the directions to Esplanade Theatres. Thereafter, just follow the crowds.
There's always a great atmosphere at the River Hong Bao.
Watch a demonstration of Chinese cooking, or Chinese papercraft. Then join in the fun.
Watch the acrobats contort on stage. And the enchanting dancers in their beautiful costumes.
Then walk among the super-sized lanterns: animals of the Chinese zodiac, the god of fortune and other mythical beings. Photo opportunity.
And be sure to watch the fireworks displays (see schedule above).
See some photos of past River Hong Bao events.
The much-loved Sentosa Flowers Festival is back in 2011. On display were very enchanting light displays, including the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and the specially-lit Merlion.
This was a nice way to round up a day during Chinese New Year in Singapore 2010.
When : 3-13 Feb 2011, 10am-10pm.
Where:
Sentosa Boardwalk, Resorts World Sentosa, Imbiah Lookout, Merlion Walk
Getting here:
Take the MRT to Harbourfront Station, followed by the Sentosa Express (monorail) from Vivo City Level 3 to Imbiah Station. Sentosa Flowers 2011 was free but admission to Sentosa Island applies.
Photo:
A stilt-walker during the Chingay Parade.
Where:
Singapore F1 Grand Prix Pit Building @ Marina Bay
When:
Friday, 11 Feb 2011, 8.30pm
Saturday, 12 Feb 2011, 8pm
It started off in the 1970s as a street parade to 'raise the volume' during Chinese New Year.
Today it has become Asia's grandest street parade. Participants for Chingay 2011 come from almost every continent.
You can watch Chingay 2011 for free along the parade route. But the best views are from the ticketed seats.
Don't miss this if you plan on celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2011!
When in 2011: (to be confirmed!)
Where: Read Bridge at Clarke Quay; Singapore River.
Getting here: Take MRT to Clarke Quay Station.
Performances at Read Bridge: Stilt-walkers, acrobats and calligraphers entertain on Friday and Saturday evenings. Lion Dance on Boat: Lion dancers perform on a Chinese New Year boat as it sails down Singapore River. Evenings of Friday and Saturday. Fireworks on Saturday evenings. Watch from riverside locations at Clarke Quay.
Please note that these events at Clarke Quay may not be held in 2011. Watch this space for updates!
Chinese New Year in Singapore - FAQ!
Q. Does everything shut down during Chinese New Year in Singapore 2011?
A. Most shops do close on the first 2 days of Chinese New Year (3 & 4 February in 2011). You might want to avoid Chinatown on these 2 days.
But if you go to Little India or Kampong Glam Malay-Arab Quarter during these 2 days, it's business as usual.
Also, the major attractions such as the Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa are all open.
So there's still a lot to see and do.
Enjoy a great Chinese New Year in Singapore 2011.
Chinese New Year Celebrations in the Heartlands. Chinese New Year Lion Dance Performances. Past fireworks during Chinese New Year in Singapore.Page author: Gabriel Tan. All rights reserved.
Page created 3 January 2010. Updated 2 Feb 2011.
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