Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most important cultural festivals in Asia and among Chinese and East Asian communities worldwide. It marks the start of the lunar calendar and is closely linked to family reunions, new beginnings, good fortune, and hope for the year ahead. The festival usually takes place between late January and mid-February.
In Singapore, Chinese New Year is a nationwide public holiday and one of the country’s biggest festivals. This year, it falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, and marks the start of the Year of the Horse. To celebrate, Singapore observes the festival over two public holiday days:
- Day 1 on Tuesday, 17 February
- Day 2 on Wednesday, 18 February
During the public holidays, offices, schools, and government services remain closed. At the same time, shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions generally stay open, but often with shorter or adjusted operating hours.
Well before the Chinese New Year arrives,all families begin getting ready for the celebration. Homes are cleaned carefully to clear away bad luck from the past year and make space for good fortune in the new one. They use the red and gold decorations because they believe that those colors represent happiness, prosperity, and good luck. As the holiday gets closer, streets, neighbourhoods, and shopping centres across Singapore start to look bright and festive.
On this occasion, families come together for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important meal of the year. It is a special way to welcome the new year together. During the holiday period, people visit relatives and friends and exchange New Year greetings. They also give red packets (ang bao) with money, especially to children and unmarried adults, as a sign of good luck and blessings.
There is a popular local tradition in Singapore, yusheng. It is a colourful raw fish salad shared during the festive season. Family members and friends stand around the table and toss the ingredients high into the air while saying wishes for success, wealth, and good health. This lively activity reflects the joyful and hopeful spirit of the festival.
Public celebrations can be seen all across the country during the Chinese New Year. Chinatown is especially busy with festive lights, decorations, and markets, drawing large crowds. You will also see lion dances at shopping malls, housing estates, and business openings to bring good luck. Because of big events like the Chingay Parade, public transport, shopping areas, and tourist spots usually remain more crowded than usual.
Traditionally, Chinese New Year celebrations start on New Year’s Eve. They last for up to 15 days and end with Chap Goh Mei, the final day of the festival. In Singapore, only the first two days are public holidays. Even after that, people continue visiting family, eating together, and celebrating. And that makes the Chinese New Year a special festival across the country.
