Things to do over the Chinese New Year 2018 long weekend

Check out our handy guide for lucky folks who get their obligatory visiting done and dusted in half a day, and for everyone else out there for whom Chinese New Year is a time to kick up your heels and indulge in some R&R. Enjoy your long weekend! (Cover image credits)

Here’s wishing all our readers 新年快乐，万事如意！Huat ah!

#1: Activities at Chinatown

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Europe may have its Christmas markets, but here in Singapore, we have our Chinese New Year bazaars! Head down on Chinese New Year eve (15th February) to check out the bazaar and the Chinese New Year countdown party.

Psst: once Chinese New Year is over, the Chinatown Festivals Organising Committee will be donating all the lanterns used in the street light-up in the spirit of recycling and being environmentally friendly. Submit an application here if you want to adopt a lantern!

For more information: http://chinatownfestivals.sg/chinatown-chinese-new-year-celebrations-2018/

#2: Continue to enjoy your cuppa

Gone are the days when businesses were shuttered and closed during the first two days of Chinese New Year. Check out the list of Starbucks joints and  Toast Box outlets you can continue to enjoy your caffeine and pastry fix at over the long weekend (even on the first day of Chinese New Year)!

#3: Catch up on grocery shopping

Anyone who’s been to a supermarket in the past week would have encountered the frenzied stockpiling of groceries before the festivities begin. Now that the masses are (safely) at home snacking on pineapple tarts and orange soda, here’s where you can do your groceries at – some branches of these supermarket chains remain open over the Chinese New Year break: NTUC Fairprice, Cold Storage, Sheng Shiong, and Giant. Click on the individual links for the list of branches and their operating hours.

#4: Singapore River Hongbao 2018

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The River Hongbao bills itself as an “eleven-day extravaganza of lights, sights, and sounds”. Slated to run from 14th Feb to 24th Feb, the festival consists of larger-than-life lantern displays, an amusement park, and getai performances. There will even be fireworks on display – every single night!

For more information: http://www.riverhongbao.sg

#5: Visit the Istana

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In celebration of Chinese New Year, the Istana will be open to the public on 17th February 2018. Admission is free for citizens and Permanent Residents, and for a nominal fee of $2-$4, you’ll even be able to take a peek into selected function rooms and check out a special display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister.

For more information: http://www.istana.gov.sg

#6: Visit Gardens By The Bay

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What’s new is the “Dahlia Dreams” floral display, which is available to view until 4th March 2018. The display consists of elegant dahlias, camellias and bromeliads in a Chinese courtyard garden setting; you can also expect palace lanterns, umbrella curtains, and intricate diorama cutouts, exquisite driftwood sculptures and ornamental topiaries in the shape of dogs.

For more information: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/whats-on/calendar-of-events/dahlia-dreams-2018.html

#7: Visit IKEA

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It feels as though everybody and their mom loves to hang out at IKEA (regardless of whether they actually have any furniture shopping to do). But here’s a way to beat the crowd: head down over the Chinese New Year period, when the majority of Singaporeans are spending time with their friends and family!

#8: Cafe-hop in JB

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Wanna make use of the long weekend to cafe-hop? Whilst most eateries in Singapore will be closed, you might have better luck over in JB. The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen, for example, will be open throughout Chinese New Year – make this your first stop for brunch, and then explore the rest of the other cafes along the Jalan Dhoby stretch.

#9: Take a workshop at Naiise

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Wanna get a little craftsy during Chinese New Year? There are three workshops Naiise are co-hosting over the long weekend, including this Two-Piece Bifold Wallet Workshop, this Three-Slot Zip Pouch Workshop, and this Floral Watercolour x Brush Calligraphy Workshop.

#10: Netflix and chill

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When all else fails, just stay at home and Netflix and chill. Personally, we’re hooked on Black Mirror, and we hear that Stranger Things is awesome as well.

If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends 9 reunion dinner spots to start Chinese New Year 2018 on the right note and Spring cleaning hacks to impress relatives with during Chinese New Year.

Surf around for the home of your dreams at Singapore’s largest property portal 99.co over the Chinese New Year break!