First published on TripZilla.

Note: This article was published in 2016; festivities and decorations will vary from year to year.

Travellers, rejoice! Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Whether you are Chinese or not, it’s still an excuse to feast, laugh, and make merry.

If you are looking for something more than just stuffing your face with oh-so-yummy goodies and collecting the red packets, here are 3 places in Singapore you definitely want to be this new year! Non-Singaporeans who are here to visit, you are in for a treat. 

Chinatown

Chinatown is the quintessence of Chinese New Year in Singapore. The decorations change every year so if you have come here last time, it probably looks vastly different this time.

Over the span of a few streets – from Pagoda Street to Smith Street to Temple Street to Trengganu Street – the area is bursting with light, sound and colour. Stroll under a web of luminous red lanterns, the iconic symbol of Chinatowns across the world. To usher in the Year of the Monkey, glowing monkey lanterns have been hung from trees, adding a certain level of cheeky to the atmosphere.

What’s new: This year, Chinatown presents a juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, injecting a modern twist into its festivities. By uploading photographs and videos onto social media with the hashtag #CNY2016SG, users can contribute towards the lighting up of the “Mother Tree” art installation. Every 18 posts uploaded will set off an 18-second light show!

Besides the beautiful street light-up, join in the jamboree and visit the Festive Carnival and Street Bazaar. Be spoilt for choice with the endless decorations on sale or spoil your tummy rotten with all the tempting goodies on the shelves.

Enjoy the daily Night Stage Shows from 8pm – 10.30pm at Kreta Ayer Square, and gaze at the brightly lit Chinatown Wishing Tree at Chinatown Point! For a mere $2, purchase a wishing card and hang the card on the tree. All proceeds go to the Kreta Ayer Seniors Activity Centre. 

River Hongbao

Image credit: River Hongbao Sg

If you’re in for a traditional Chinese New Year carnival, the River Hongbao is where you have to go this Chinese New Year! From 6-14 February (2-11pm), come down to the Floating Platform at Marina Bay for a flurry of festivities. Feast your eyes on a nightly fireworks and pyrotechnics show at 9pm and watch as the sky erupts in an explosion of colour.

Image credit: River Hongbao Sg

Decorations and performances will be centered on the theme of Journey to the West, a popular Chinese folktale featuring “Sun Wukong”, the Monkey God.

Image credit: River Hongbao

In addition, enjoy getai performances and even a getai contest. Stroll amidst huge lanterns in the shape of Chinese myths and lanterns, and feel miniscule as they tower above you. Pose for a photo alongside the lantern of your Chinese zodiac, or perhaps with all 12.

Image credit: River Hongbao

Fill your tummies at Singapore’s largest Food Street, where you can find all kinds of food delicacies. Xiao Long Bao, Kueh Tutu or Laksa, anyone? Don’t leave without the God of Fortune’s Fortune Shower ­– the 18-metre God of Fortune returns to shower pieces of paper with auspicious numbers onto those waiting below. Come with open arms, and perhaps an open umbrella (or two!) to catch the lucky numbers! 

Don’t miss: Check out the local handicrafts on display too, ranging from calligraphy to clay sculptures to paper cutting and more. Have a rocking’ good time at Amusement Funland, and delight in exhilarating amusement rides and carnival games.

Chingay Parade

Image credit: Chingay Parade Singapore

The Chingay Parade is a Singapore tradition, and is Asia’s largest float parade and street performance. Held on 19 and 20 February, the Chingay Parade is expecting a strong 160,000 spectators in total. The Chingay Parade is a sheer eruption of noise, flair and flamboyance ­– the bigger, the better! – its’ magnificence showcased in the form of spectacular dancing dragons, stunning floats and daring stilt walkers.

Image credit: Chingay Parade Singapore

The word “Chingay” means the “art of costume and masquerade”, a true testament indeed to the dynamic floats, costumes, and dance showcased during the parade.

Despite traditionally being held during the Lunar New Year, the Chingay Parade is celebrated by Chinese, Indians, Malays and Eurasians alike. At Chingay, Singapore celebrates as one!

Image credit: Chingay Parade Singapore

What’s new: This year, the audience will have a chance to participate in the parade! Every audience member will be given a hand-held bulb to be part of this year’s theme – “Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore”. Watch as thousands of bulbs light up the night sky!

So apart from the usual feasting and visiting, be sure to get your Huat on and check out these 3 places in Singapore you definitely want to be this Chinese New Year!