All the Festivities at Chinatown's Chinese New Year Celebrations 2016

Media Invite

DONG DONG QIANG!

Yes, it's that time of the year once again. Just like how Christmas light-up is synonymous with Orchard Road, one can never separate the Chinese New Year bustling festivities from Chinatown.

And this year - starting from 16 January 2016 - everything promises to be an even more rousing affair!

For starters, a record number of customised lanterns ever made for the Street Light-Up - 2,668 in case you are interested - will be lit up in spectacular fashion along the streets of Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road.

The lanterns come in the shape of monkeys, peaches, spring blossoms and gold zodiac coins depicting the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

FUN FACT: Did you know that one can request to adopt the lanterns after the light-up? Interested parties can contact the organiser, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC) for more details. Lanterns which are not adopted are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

The theme of this year's display is "Year of Prosperity and Success", with this year’s decorations being designed in partnership with final-year students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

The magnificent parade of handcrafted lanterns transforms Chinatown into a heavenly garden filled with playful monkeys and peach trees that convey joy, longevity and prosperity. And here's the fun part: get the kids to spot the mechanical monkey lanterns that move - there are 28 of them!

Oh and speaking of kids, something tells me that they will prefer spotting the much cuter monkey lanterns along South Bridge Road (the 'back' of Chinatown). Personally, I prefer this stretch of lantern displays.

Truly the year of the (cheekie)MONKIE! Heh.

For something novel, head to the Garden Bridge (above Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road) and look out for the pink tree (left of the photo below).

For the first time, the public will be able to actively interact with the Street Light-Up through the
'Mother Tree' (大地回春树), an interactive tree designed by SUTD students. Lit in pink, every 18 social media posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #CNY2016SG will activate an 18-second light show of golden spotlights and fairy lights!

So if you are planning to head down to Chinatown to soak in the festivities, here are a few highlights to take note:

Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony 

16 Jan 2016 | 6pm - 10pm | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
The Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony will awe visitors with entertaining performances by leading local and foreign troupes. Daring displays of acrobatics will be accompanied by musical performances that will culminate in a spectacular display of firecrackers and fireworks that will officially launch the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations to usher in the Year of the Monkey.

Street Light-Up

16 Jan - 8 Mar 2016 | 7pm - 2am (Fri & Sat); 7pm - 12mn (Sun - Thu); 7pm - 6am (7 & 8 Feb 2016) | Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge

The annual Street Light-Up will set the festive mood in Chinatown abuzz for 53 days as the streets of the precinct are decorated with handcrafted lanterns of playful monkeys, peaches, peach trees, spring blossoms and gold zodiac coins symbolising joy, longevity and prosperity.

Festive Street Bazaar & Festive Carnival

Festive Street Bazaar:  15 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 6pm - 10.30pm (Daily); 6pm - 1am (CNY Eve) | Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street

Festive Carnival: 9 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 11am - 10.30pm | Open Space in front of People’s Park Complex

With 440 stalls lining up the streets of Chinatown, visitors can look forward to the widest range of

Chinese New Year-themed delicacies, traditional goodies, decorative items, traditional costumes and many more! 

Nightly Stage Shows
16 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 8pm - 10.30pm | Kreta Ayer Square | FREE
Be entertained by nightly performances of festive songs, cultural music and lively dance performances each night at one of the most popular gathering spots for the local Chinese community here in Chinatown.

Chinatown Walking Trail

23, 24, 30 & 31 January 2016 | 3.30pm - 5pm | Information Booth in front of the stage at Kreta Ayer Square | FREE

Discover Chinatown’s rich heritage and culture in this free Walking Trail that covers Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street and New Bridge Road. Led by volunteer guides, immerse in the Chinese New Year festivities and street ambience while strolling through the bustling streets of the Chinese precinct.

*The Walking Trail is conducted in English and limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required on first-come-first-serve basis. For more information and to sign up, visit www.chinatownfestivals.sg.

9th International Lion Dance Competition
23 & 24 Jan 2016 | 7pm - 10.30pm | Hong Lim Park | Single Show ticket on 23 OR 24 January 2016: S$10; Two Shows ticket on both 23 & 24 January 2016: S$15
Into its ninth installment, this year’s International Lion Dance Competition will see 14 top lion dance troupes from eight countries vie for glory. This is also the first year the international competition will take place at Hong Lim Park. From the rhythmic beat of the drums to jawdropping stunts, the lion dance is steeped in tradition and culture. Each troupe will put on their best performance on the meihuazhuang in this exciting and intense tournament to clinch the ultimate title of ‘King of the Lions’!

Tickets are available for purchase at either Kreta Ayer Community Club (Blk 5 Banda Street, #03-68, Singapore 050005) or Chinatown Visitor Centre @ Kreta Ayer Square (2 Banda Street - Behind Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum). Opening hours: Everyday from 9am to 9pm.

Chinatown Wishing Tree
12 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 11am - 9pm | Chinatown Point
Bring festive cheer to the less fortunate and the elderly while making New Year wishes for you and your loved ones at the Chinatown Wishing Tree. Each “Make a Wish” card costs $2 each and all proceeds will go to the Kreta Ayer Seniors’ Activity Centre.

Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party
7 Feb 2016 | 9.30pm – 12.30am | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Soak in the festive atmosphere in the heart of Chinatown as we officially usher in the Year of the Monkey with live performances, interactive games and a rousing countdown celebration. Hosted by MediaCorp artistes, the countdown party will culminate with a joyous and spectacular display of fireworks and firecrackers.

For more information and details, visit chinatownfestivals.sg.