Chinese New Year 2021: What to Do in Singapore to Celebrate the Year of the Ox

Usher in the Year of the Ox with these entertaining activity ideas

The Chinese New Year celebrations are probably going to be a little different this year, since it’s the first we’ll be celebrating with pandemic control measures officially in place. Still, it doesn’t mean that the holidays can’t be spent as joyfully as they were in previous years. Let us be thankful that we are healthy and safe, and take heart in the fact that, at the very least, we are now able to plan a reunion meal outside for a party of eight.

While some large-scale festive activities will, of course, not be taking place, others have moved onto a digital channel, which may actually bring us new and interesting experiences instead. But besides these major events, there are plenty of things that you can do before, during and even after the long holiday weekend.

Here are a few good ways to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Ox.

1. Get in touch with nature

For those who love flowers, a visit to Gardens by the Bay is a must every year around the period approaching Chinese New Year. The popular annual festive floral display returns with an extravaganza featuring approximately 1,400 dahlias of mixed varieties, all grown in-house for the very first time by the attraction’s own horticulturists, along with plenty of other auspicious floral favourites such as azaleas, chrysanthemums and cymbidiums. It’s also a good chance to use up those SingapoRediscovers vouchers if you haven’t yet done so.

When January 15 to February 21, 9am to 9pm

2. Check out an interactive exhibition

There’s an interesting exhibition happening at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre from next week onwards. Moo Moo Park features the works of eight local artists that have been transformed into 3D installation art, selfie filters and augmented reality murals—sure to be great fun for families with kids. The exhibition takes place in the centre’s carpark and can even be experienced in two ways—on foot, obviously, and via a chauffeured drive-thru in an electric car. How unusual is that?

When January 22 to March 28

3. Tune into our first digital Chingay

Aptly themed “Light of Hope”, Singapore’s very first digital Chingay parade will be aired live on television, online and social media channels. Expect a new digital programme, along with special CGI effects and a 100-lion dance performance involving local and overseas troupes from over 10 different countries and cities.

When February 20, 8pm to 9pm

4. Bake your own Chinese New Year goodies

Try your hand at making your favourite festive snacks and if they turn out to be good, you can even present them as gifts to family and friends. There are plenty of recipes to reference on the Internet or, if you’d prefer professional guidance, sign up for a class at Tott or BakeFresh, where you can learn how to make goodies like pineapple tarts, kueh bangkit, and other Chinese New Year-themed cookies and cakes.

5. Create your own festive floral arrangements

It’s a time to decorate your home and fill it with all things bright and cheery—flowers and plants are among the essentials you’ll need. Besides shopping at the nurseries, it’ll be fun to put together a couple of self-created floral centrepieces. For that, we’d suggest you attend a floral jamming session (you can even attend them online via Dawn Q) or for something out of the ordinary, learn how to make a kokedama (an ornamental plant display created with a moss ball)at Little Big Garden instead.

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6. Watch a local play at Wild Rice @ Funan

Celebrate Chinese New Year at the theatre this year by catching a fun-filled play that's perfect to watch as a family. The Amazing Celestial Race is about all the animals in the Heavenly Kingdom who are all set to race till the end where an amazing prize awaits: the opportunity to become a legend.

Directed by Glen Goei and written by Dwayne Lau, watch as the characters in the play figure out how they one-up each other and fight till the bitter end to achieve everlasting glory. Only 12 coveted prizes are up for grabs, with just one animal that will emerge the champion. It's a thrilling adventure fit for anyone from the ages of five to 95. Book here.

When 19 February to March 21

Topics

year of the ox cny 2021 cny activities chinese new year traditions singapore celebrations

Tatler Asia