Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year in Singapore. The streets of Chinatown fill with lanterns, families gather for reunion dinners and the city takes two public holidays. If you are visiting at this time, you may wonder what will be open. This guide explains what's open during Chinese New Year in Singapore, what closes and how to plan your days around the holidays.
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so the date changes every year, usually falling in late January or February. The first two days are public holidays in Singapore. If one of them falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is usually a holiday too.
What's open during Chinese New Year in Singapore
Hawker centres and small shops
This is where you will notice the biggest change. Many family-run hawker stalls close for several days, and some for up to a week, so owners can spend time with their families. Hawker centres stay open, but with fewer stalls. Popular spots in Chinatown, such as Chinatown Complex Food Centre, can be busier than usual.
Shopping malls
Most malls stay open, though some shops may close or open later on the first two days. Supermarkets are open but can be very busy on New Year's Eve, as families shop for reunion dinners.
Restaurants
Chain restaurants and hotel restaurants usually stay open, and many serve special festive menus. Chinese restaurants are very busy on New Year's Eve for reunion dinners, so book well ahead if you want to join in. Browse our list of Chinese and dim sum restaurants for ideas.
Attractions
Major attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, the zoo and Sentosa usually stay open and can be busy with local families. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Transport
The MRT and buses run as normal, and some services may run later on New Year's Eve. Taxis and ride-hailing can be more expensive and harder to find around reunion dinner time.
Things to do during Chinese New Year
- Chinatown light-up and bazaar: in the weeks before the new year, Chinatown's streets fill with lanterns and stalls selling festive snacks and decorations.
- River Hongbao: a festival with lanterns, food and performances, held around the new year near Marina Bay.
- Chingay Parade: a large street parade with floats and performers, held in the weeks after the new year.
- Lion dances: you may see lion dance troupes performing at malls, shops and offices for good luck.
Explore the area on our Chinatown heritage walk, and see more places to eat in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar.
Festive foods to try
- Yu sheng: a raw fish salad that diners toss high in the air for good luck.
- Pineapple tarts: small pastries filled with pineapple jam, sold everywhere before the festival.
- Bak kwa: sweet barbecued meat slices, with long queues at popular shops before the new year.
- Mandarin oranges: given as gifts when visiting family and friends.
Tips for visiting at Chinese New Year
- Book restaurants and hotels early, especially for New Year's Eve.
- Expect some hawker stalls to be closed, and have a back-up plan.
- Wear red for good luck, and avoid giving clocks or white flowers as gifts.
- Visit Chinatown early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
FAQs about Chinese New Year in Singapore
Are hawker centres open during Chinese New Year?
Hawker centres stay open, but many stalls close for a few days, so there will be fewer choices than usual.
Are shopping malls open during Chinese New Year?
Yes, most malls stay open, though some shops may close or open later on the first two days.
Is Chinese New Year a good time to visit Singapore?
It is a lively and colourful time to visit, especially in Chinatown. Just plan around stall closures and book restaurants early.
Does the MRT run during Chinese New Year?
Yes. Public transport runs as normal, and some services may run later on New Year's Eve.
More festival tips in our Chinese New Year guides.
