Chinese New Year 2021: Things to do with kids

Chinese New Year has to be one of the most colourful celebrations of the year and Singapore offers many ways to mark the occasion. 

Chinatown

You could visit Chinatown to try mouthwatering New Year delicacies at its festive street bazaar and see illuminated lanterns of Chinese Zodiac animals along the way. Or join in Chinatown’s annual countdown party, which includes live performances of festive songs, before watching a spectacular firework display to welcome in the New Year.

Street parades and lion dances

If you’re down near the Singapore Flyer, you could check out the Chingay Parade, the largest annual street performance and float parade in Asia. A short drive away the National Museum of Singapore offers storytelling sessions and live music as well as drop-in craft activities. Or, if you’re in Sentosa and want to watch a CNY performance with a difference, consider watching an underwater lion dance at S.E.A. Aquarium!

Spring festival

The Wan Qing Festival of Spring offers Chinese painting and drumming workshops, heritage tours and craft activities. Additionally, there are free nightly stage shows, including singing and dance performances, at Kreta Ayer Square, and you can see beautiful floral displays and a sparkling Golden Pyro Dragon Dance at Gardens by the Bay.

Holiday camps

Newtonshow’s CNY Camp is designed to make learning about this colourful festival as much fun as possible. Kids will learn about topics as diverse as Chinese inventions, Guinness World Records, superfoods and dinosaurs, and get the opportunity to make their own 3D dragons. There will be plenty of hands-on activities, including slime and bubble workshops, as well as the chance to make magic potions and take part in a science battle! And of course the zodiac animal for 2021, the Ox, will feature throughout. As with all Newtonshow camps, lunch and 2 snacks will be provided for all participants.