This Chinese New Year (CNY) 2026, it’s a quiet, slow and low key celebrations for me due to the passing of my 姑姑 (paternal auntie, my Dad’s youngest sister) about a week before CNY 2026, missing her big smile, warmest and caring personality. Besides that, balancing a caregiver role for my Mum over the past few months took a mental and emotional toll on me.

Instead, I took this CNY 2026 period to take more time to rest while I am still finding a balance point in caregiving, running my photography business and other different areas of writing/work. Meanwhile, I am getting myself back in action, stepping up the gears and kickstarting the journey ahead in the Year of the Horse.

In most of my previous CNY greetings, I would usually publish it on CNY Day 1 of Day 2, for this year, I posted in on CNY Day 9, a special day for the Hokkien community, 天宫诞, 敬天公，求平安，愿顺顺利利一整年!

Once again, I would still like to wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year! As the Horse runs free and strong, may you charge ahead with courage and unstoppable momentum this year! 祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，身体健康，心想事成！马年大吉，万事如意，愿你新的一年马到成功！

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Working on securing photography business deals for TGH Photography, creating visual stories / content creation for TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. The month of January 2024 and first week of February 2024 were kind of hectic and busy as I was also working to get my writing and content creation up some gears and pace, clearing backlogs and working on key interest topics for Year 2024 for my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog.

I want to start off Year 2024 on the right note and on a good foundation. A different set of uncertainties and challenges are looming ahead in 2024, along with geo-political risks, the route ahead might be rocky and challenging, yet it might bring some opportunities too. 

However during the past few weeks, there were also other matters that brought me back down to reality, on the topics of family ties and close friends around us. I just want to say family and health comes first. Whatever judgements, noise and arguments taking place on social media or against you, we have to block them out, let it go and carry on with life, on what really matters to us, beyond capitalism, status, wealth, saving face and narcissism. 

For this Chinese Lunar New Year 2024, enjoy your Lunar New Year festivities, gatherings and eating, a long weekend holiday, a short travel holiday away, or visiting family and relatives back in your home country. Have a good festive break before we return to the daily grind action. 

Wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2024, wishing you good health, abundance in prosperity, wealth and relationships with family, relatives and friends. Have a good long weekend, catching up with family, relatives and friends, feasting and eating Chinese New Year goodies and snacks. 

祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，身体健康，心想事成！

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There are many exciting, fun events and activities taking place at the Chinatown precinct leading up to Chinese New Year 2020, ushering in a Great Year of the Metal Rat, bringing great joy, prosperity and family bonding during this festive period. This would be a great and fun time for the extended family and also for friends from overseas visiting Singapore during this festive period! Time to come on down to Chinatown precinct, soak in the Chinese New Year festive atmosphere and have fun!

What are the list of exciting events and activities taking place at Chinatown precinct during this Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2020 themed “Ushering in a Great Year” (金鼠当先迎新春，万象更新福满城）

Street Light Up

4th January – 22nd February 2020

7pm – 12am (Daily)

7pm – 6am (Chinese New Year Eve)

Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge

At the junction of Eu Tong Sen Street and Upper Cross Street, you can’t miss the main centrepiece measuring 12m in height, 8m in width and 8m in length, there are eight rats, including the Golden Rat surrounded by other rats celebrating on top of a bed of gold coins, pink peonies and a giant gold ingot, symbols of prosperity.

Along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge road and Garden Bridge, there are 1,388 lanterns, lighting up the Chinatown precinct. At the Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road district, there are three sections showcasing

Success (功成名就）– The Rat is the first to arrive at the finishing line in the Chinese Zodiac race, outwitting the 11 other Zodiac animals in the order of Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Goat, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Celebration (欢天喜地）– Through the rat lanterns and celebratory props of gold coins, ingots, mandarin oranges, firecrackers and Chinese scrolls. Spot the ferris wheel made of gold ingots, representing an eternal cycle of luck and wealth.

Family (阖家欢乐）– Multi-generational rats celebrating Chinese New Year traditions such as exchanging red packets, mandarin oranges and tossing of Yusheng by a family of rats for good fortune.

Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony

4th January 2020

6pm – 10pm

New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street

The Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony marks the start of Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2020. A grand ceremony with entertaining performances by leading and overseas performing troupes.

Festive Street Bazaar

3rd January – 24th January 2020

6pm – 1030pm (Daily)

6pm – 1am (Chinese New Year Eve)

Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street

A market not to be missed, the locals head to this one-stop market to stock up and prepare for the upcoming Chinese New Year Celebrations. For our overseas visitors, this market is worth a visit, it’s lively with a great opportunity to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere, taste some Chinese New Year delicacies, traditional goodies and buy decorative items, apparel and many more!

As this is the Year of the Rat, there is an array of merchandise by Disney’s authorised dealer, Goldwood Singapore, and enjoy the digital bazaar at the Shop booth! Do online shopping with next day delivery, courtesy of Shopee24!

Nightly Stage Shows

4th January – 24th January 2020

8pm – 1030pm

Kreta Ayer Square

Head down to Kreta Ayer Square, catch entertaining nightly performances of festive songs, cultural music and lively dance performances.

Heritage & Food Trail

5th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th January 2020

230pm – 5pm

Chinatown precinct

Food lovers alert! Sign up for this guided food tour along the culturally rich streets of Chinatown and Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery, experience and learn more about the history, heritage and vibrancy of Chinatown precinct.

Slots are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis, tickets are at $15 each (inclusive of food tasting) and can be purchased at Kreta Ayer Community Club, 28A Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 088995.

Enjoy 10% discount when you purchase tickets online using the links below:

5 Jan : https://go.gov.sg/heritagefoodtrail05012020

11 Jan : https://go.gov.sg/heritagefoodtrail11012020

12 Jan : https://go.gov.sg/heritagefoodtrail12012020

18 Jan : https://go.gov.sg/heritagefoodtrail18012020

19 Jan : https://go.gov.sg/heritagefoodtrail19012020

Chinatown Wishing Tree

3rd – 24th January 2020

11am – 9pm

Chinatown Point

During this festive season, let’s all not forget about those less fortunate and elderly. Spread some festive cheer with a “Make a Wish” card and hang them on the banyan tree. Each card costs $2 and all proceeds collected will benefit Kreta Ayer Seniors Activity Centre for the underprivileged elderly residing in Chinatown.

Traditional Cantonese Opera

5th January 2020

7pm – 1030pm

Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre

Take a journey back in time to watch and experience nostalgic and timeless art form of Cantonese Opera.

Tickets can be purchased at Kreta Ayer Community Club, 28A Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 088995.

Ticket price:

S$50, S$30, S$20

13th International Lion Dance Competition

11th & 12th January 2020

Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre

An iconic event of Chinatown Festivals, the first time that the International Lion Dance Competition will be held indoors, allowing a bigger audience to watch and enjoy in air-conditioned comfort.

Ticket Price:

Single Show ticket on 11th OR 12th January 2020 – S$15

Two Shows ticket on BOTH 11th & 12th January 2020 – S$25

Tickets can be purchased at Kreta Ayer Community Club, 28A Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 088995

Enjoy a 10% discount when purchasing tickets online at www.onepa.sg using the links below:

11 Jan: https://go.gov.sg/liondance11jan2020

12 Jan: https://go.gov.sg/liondance12jan2020

11-12 Jan: https://go.gov.sg/liondance11-12jan2020

Chingay 2020 @ Chinatown

2nd February 2020

6pm – 10pm

New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street

Mark this date down, The Chingay Parade, the largest annual street performance and float parade in Asia, is coming down to Chinatown, ending the Chinese New Year 2020 celebrations on a high note.

There are many exciting events and activities for the extended family during this Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2020, a great time for family bonding and activities. For those visiting Singapore during this period, come on down and check out this awesome festive season at Chinatown precinct!

Do Pay It Forward and Pass It On, Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2020 with your family, loved ones, relatives and friends. Let’s spread the festive joy, ushering in a Great Year 2020 with a big bang!

For more information and updates on Chinatown Singapore, visit them at:

Website: www.chinatownfestivals.sg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Chinatown.Festivals

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chinatown_festivals

Address: Kreta Ayer Community Club, 28A Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 088995

Telephone: 6222 3597

Email: info@chinatownfestivals.sg

I would like to thank Kreta Ayer – Kim Seng Citizens Consultative Committee and Affluence Public Relations for the invitation to the media preview.

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The Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2019 is organised by the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. On 20^th January 2019, it would be the official light up and opening ceremony for Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2019 in Singapore.

The theme for this year’s Chinatown is “Celebration of Abundance and Prosperity” and there are many events and activities for the extended families to come together and celebrate this Chinese New Year festive season together. This is the Year of the Pig, they are a symbol of wealth and good luck, normally associated with abundance. Three key themes for the Year of the Pig festive celebrations at Chinatown are “Wealth, Celebration and Knowledge”, they would be showcased through various elements through the props and displays.

The traditional festive street bazaar held at Chinatown is an iconic feature, many people visit the street bazaar for Chinese New Year goodies purchases and international tourists visiting the festive street bazaar, getting a feel of the Chinese New Year atmosphere and ambience.

One of the key highlights that I like about Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations is the Chinatown Street Light Up. Since this is the Year of the Pig, this year’s street light up is pig-themed handcrafted lanterns, designed in collaboration with students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) for the eighth year. There are a total of 2,688 lanterns, bright, colourful, pig lanterns, gold coin lanterns, flower lanterns, red lanterns, yellow lanterns, decorating and lighting up Chinatown during this Chinatown Chinese New Year 2019 festive season.

Do keep a lookout for the main Chinese New Year lantern centrepiece at the junction of Eu Tong Sen Street and Upper Cross Street. They are a family of 8 pig lanterns! This centrepiece pig lanterns display has received interesting reviews and comments from both sides! Therefore, you cannot miss them and please visit this lantern centrepiece at the junction of Eu Tong Sen Street and Upper Cross Street. Personally, I kind of find this centrepiece pig lanterns to be pretty cute looking pigs!

There are many other events, activities and festivities during this period leading up to Chinese New Year 2019 held at Chinatown in Singapore. I have listed them down below for your reference without going into lengthy details of the events.

They are ideal for families to participate, bond and have fun together during this Chinese New Year festive season! More information can be found on Chinatown Festivals website!

I would like to wish everyone of you a Happy Chinese Lunar New 2019! Have a good time with your family, relatives and friends during this festive season, feasting, bonding and having quality time together! Do keep a lookout for my Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2019 photographs in this Flickr photo album!

Key Events for Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2019

1) Chinatown Street Light Up

Date: 20^th January 2019 to 6^th March 2019

Time: 7:00pm to 6:00am (4^th & 5^th February 2019)

            7:00pm to 2:00am (Friday & Saturday)

            7:00pm to 12:00mn (Sunday to Thursday)

Location/Venue: Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge

2) Official Light Up and Opening Ceremony

Date: 20^th January 2019

Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Location/Venue: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street

3) Festive Street Bazaar

Date: 18^th January 2019 to 4^th February 2019

Time: 6:00pm to 10:30pm (Daily)

            6:00pm to 1:00am (CNY Eve)

Location/Venue: Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street

4) Chinatown Wishing Tree

Date: 15^th January 2019 to 3^rd February 2019

Time: 11:00am to 9:00pm

Location/Venue: Chinatown Point

5) Nightly Stage Shows

Date: 19^th January 2019 to 4^th February 2019

Time: 8:00pm to 10:30pm

Location/Venue: Kreta Ayer Square

6) Chinatown Walking Trail

Date: 26^th & 27^th January 2019 ; 2^nd and 3^rd February 2019

Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Location/Venue: Information booth in front of the stage at Kreta Ayer (Meeting Point)

7) Traditional Cantonese Opera Performances

Date: 19^th & 20^th, 26^th & 27^th January 2019

Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Location/Venue: Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre

Website: http://peoplestheatre.com.sg

8) Pineapple Tart Making Workshop

Date: 27^th January 2019

Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm

Location/Venue: Kreta Ayer Community Club

9) Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party

Date: 4^th February 2019

Time: 9:30pm to 12:30am

Location/Venue: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street

10) Chingay 2019 @ Heartlands

Date: 17^th February 2019

Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Location/Venue: New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street

11) 12^th International Lion Dance Competition

Date: 26^th January 2019

Time: 6:30pm to 10:30pm

Location/Venue: Kreta Ayer Square

For more information on the above events, you can find out more from the following:

Website: www.chinatownfestivals.sg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Chinatown.Festivals

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chinatown_festivals

YouTube: Chinatown Festivals

* I would like to thank Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC) and Affluence Public Relations for the invitation to the media preview of Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2019 *

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

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