Chinatown Singapore is ushering in the Year of the Horse with the launch of its inaugural Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market, a nine-day celebration organised by the Chinatown Business Association (CBA). Running from 24 January to 1 February 2026, the festive market takes place daily from 10am to 9pm, marking the first time Chinese New Year celebrations are being held along the newly rejuvenated Smith Street.
Set within one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage precincts, the festive market transforms Smith Street into a vibrant hub of cultural experiences, festive shopping and family-friendly entertainment, offering visitors a refreshed way to celebrate Lunar New Year in the heart of Chinatown.
Rooted in Chinese New Year traditions and shaped by Singapore’s local identity, the festive market features a programme of engaging stage performances and interactive workshops designed to bring customs to life. Visitors are encouraged not just to watch, but to participate and create meaningful festive moments of their own. While selected workshops are ticketed, all performances and walkabout activities are free and open to the public.
A highlight of the programme is the calligraphy workshop led by acclaimed local poet and calligrapher Mr Guo Shu Ming, also known as Nan Shan Zi. Renowned for blending classical calligraphy techniques with local references, Mr Guo often incorporates his own poetry inspired by everyday Singaporean life, from hawker favourites like bak chor mee to familiar neighbourhood scenes, offering participants a contemporary take on this traditional art form.
Adding to the festive atmosphere are dynamic lion dance performances and workshops conducted by established troupes, including Tian Eng and the Chin Woo Athletic Association. Through guided, hands-on sessions, children and youths will be introduced to the movements, rhythms and cultural significance behind one of Chinese New Year’s most iconic traditions.
Enhancing the celebratory mood along Smith Street, the God of Fortune will make walkabout appearances on selected weekends, delighting visitors with cheerful interactions and the distribution of blessings to usher in good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Complementing the cultural programme is a curated selection of local and lifestyle brands offering festive treats and gift ideas. Participating brands include Starbucks, Boon Tong Kee, Tong Heng Delicacies, Spring Court, and Elegance of Nanyang, inviting visitors to browse, shop and savour local flavours as they soak in the festive spirit.
Bringing together cultural traditions, interactive workshops, lively performances and festive shopping, the Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market promises a warm and welcoming Lunar New Year experience for visitors of all ages.
Lion Dance Performance by Tian Eng
Lion Dance Performance by Chin Woo Athletic Association
Lion Dance Performance by Tian Eng
Calligraphy Workshop by Mr Guo Shu Ming
Lion Dance Workshop by Tian Eng
God of Fortune Walkabout
Thrill seekers and beachgoers in Singapore have a brand new reason to head down to…
A new cocktail destination has arrived on Neil Road, but Hi Stranger is positioning itself…
The Pokémon Company has announced Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration, a special commemorative expansion…
Magnum has launched its new Signature range in Singapore, introducing two premium flavours that elevate…
South Korean burger chain Lotteria is set to expand its presence in Singapore with the…
Leica has unveiled its latest innovation in home entertainment with the launch of the Leica…
