Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time for family, friends, and feasting. In Singapore, the festivities are especially vibrant, with lion dances, fireworks, and colorful decorations adorning the streets. If you’re looking for things to do during CNY 2021, here are a few ideas:
- Visit Chinatown
Chinatown is the heart of CNY celebrations in Singapore. The streets are lined with red lanterns and festive decorations, and there are plenty of shops selling traditional food and souvenirs. You can also catch a lion dance or two, or simply soak up the atmosphere.
- Go to a temple
Many people visit temples during CNY to pray for good luck and prosperity. Some of the most popular temples in Singapore include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Thian Hock Keng Temple.
- Watch a fireworks display
Fireworks are a traditional part of CNY celebrations, and there are several places in Singapore where you can watch a display. Some of the best spots include Marina Bay, Sentosa Island, and East Coast Park.
- Eat some traditional food
No CNY celebration would be complete without some traditional food. Some of the most popular dishes include pineapple tarts, bak kwa, and nian gao. You can find these dishes at most Chinese restaurants and supermarkets.
- Get a red envelope
Red envelopes, filled with money, are a traditional CNY gift. They are usually given to children and unmarried adults. If you receive a red envelope, be sure to thank the giver and wish them a happy new year.
CNY is a great time to spend with family, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Here are a few ideas:
- Go to a lion dance performance
Lion dances are a traditional part of CNY celebrations, and they are always a hit with kids. The dancers wear colorful costumes and perform acrobatic stunts to the beat of drums and cymbals.
- Make some CNY crafts
There are plenty of easy CNY crafts that kids can make, such as paper lanterns, red envelopes, and paper dragons. These crafts are a great way to get kids excited about the holiday.
- Play some CNY games
There are several traditional CNY games that kids can play, such as mahjong and checkers. These games are a great way to teach kids about the holiday and its traditions.
- Go to a CNY fair
Many CNY fairs are held throughout Singapore during the holiday. These fairs usually have food stalls, games, and rides, and they are a great way for kids to experience the holiday atmosphere.
- Watch a CNY movie
There are several CNY movies that are released each year, and they are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Some of the most popular CNY movies include “The Monkey King” and “CJ7”.
CNY can be an expensive holiday, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate on a budget. Here are a few tips:
- Cook your own food
Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, so save money by cooking your own CNY dishes. There are plenty of easy recipes available online.
- Make your own decorations
Decorations can also be expensive, so save money by making your own. There are plenty of creative ways to decorate your home for CNY, such as using paper lanterns, red envelopes, and paper dragons.
- Go to free events
There are plenty of free CNY events held throughout Singapore, such as lion dances, fireworks displays, and temple fairs. Take advantage of these free events to save money.
- Shop for sales
Many stores offer sales on CNY-related items, such as food, decorations, and clothing. Take advantage of these sales to save money on your CNY shopping.
- Use coupons and promo codes
There are plenty of coupons and promo codes available for CNY-related purchases. Use these coupons and promo codes to save money on your CNY shopping and dining.
CNY is a time for family, friends, and feasting. There are plenty of things to do in Singapore during CNY, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate on a budget. So get out there and enjoy the holiday!
Here are a few tips for planning your CNY festivities:
- Start planning early
CNY is a popular holiday, so it’s important to start planning early to avoid disappointment. Book your hotel accommodations and transportation in advance, and make reservations for restaurants if necessary.
- Consider your budget
CNY can be an expensive holiday, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. There are plenty of ways to celebrate CNY on a budget, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Make a list of activities
There are plenty of things to do in Singapore during CNY, so make a list of activities that you and your family would like to do. This will help you to stay organized and make the most of your holiday.
- Be flexible
Things don’t always go according to plan during the holidays, so be flexible and don’t be afraid to change your plans if necessary. The most important thing is to enjoy the holiday and make memories with your loved ones.
CNY is a time for family, friends, and feasting. It is also a time for tradition and customs. Here are a few of the most popular CNY traditions and customs:
- Giving red envelopes
Red envelopes, filled with money, are a traditional CNY gift. They are usually given to children and unmarried adults. The amount of money in the red envelope varies depending on the relationship between the giver and the recipient.
- Eating reunion dinner
Reunion dinner is a traditional CNY meal that is eaten on the eve of the new year. The meal is usually eaten with family and close friends, and it symbolizes the coming together of the family.
- Watching lion dances
Lion dances are a traditional CNY performance that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The dancers wear colorful costumes and perform acrobatic stunts to the beat of drums and cymbals.
- Setting off fireworks
Fireworks are a traditional part of CNY celebrations. They are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
- Visiting temples
Many people visit temples during CNY to pray for good luck and prosperity. Some of the most popular temples in Singapore include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Thian Hock Keng Temple.
CNY is a time for feasting, and there are plenty of traditional dishes and drinks to enjoy. Here are a few of the most popular CNY food and drinks:
- Pineapple tarts
Pineapple tarts are a popular CNY snack. They are made with a pastry shell filled with pineapple jam.
- Bak kwa
Bak kwa is a type of barbecued pork jerky. It is a popular CNY snack and gift.
- Nian gao
Nian gao is a type of sticky rice cake. It is a popular CNY snack and dessert.
- Prosperity toss
Prosperity toss is a traditional CNY dish that is made with raw fish, vegetables, and a sweet sauce. The dish is tossed together while saying auspicious phrases to bring good luck.
- Chinese New Year cake
Chinese New Year cake is a type of steamed cake that is made with glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. The cake is usually decorated with red dates and lotus seeds.
CNY is a time for celebration, and there are plenty of decorations to help you get into the festive spirit. Here are a few of the most popular CNY decorations:
- Red lanterns
Red lanterns are a traditional CNY decoration. They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Paper cuttings
Paper cuttings are a type of traditional Chinese art that is often used to decorate for CNY. The cuttings are usually made with red paper and depict auspicious symbols such as dragons, phoenixes, and flowers.
- Mandarin oranges
Mandarin oranges are a popular CNY decoration. They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Kumquats
Kumquats are a type of citrus fruit that is often used to decorate for CNY. They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Watermelon
Watermelon is a popular CNY decoration. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
CNY is a time for shopping, and there are plenty of great deals to be found. Here are a few tips for CNY shopping:
- Start shopping early
The earlier you start shopping for CNY, the more likely you are to find the best deals. Many stores offer discounts and promotions in the lead-up to CNY.
- Make a list
Before you start shopping, make a list of what you need to buy. This will help you to stay organized and avoid overspending.
- Compare prices
Before you buy anything, compare prices from different stores. You may be able to find the same item for a cheaper price elsewhere.
