Most Singaporeans mark their calendars around the same date every year—but for visitors, the lunar new year can feel like a surprise. Chinese New Year 2025 lands on Wednesday, January 29, and the city-state transforms into a 15-day festival of light, food, and family gatherings.

4 related posts

Chinese New Year 2025 date: January 29, 2025 (Wednesday) · Public holidays in Singapore: January 29-30, 2025 · Major celebration venue: Chinatown Singapore (light-up, street market, countdown) · Annual visitor estimate during period: 1.2–1.5 million tourists

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Book flights/hotels 60+ days ahead to avoid peak surge (Klook travel advice)
  • Plan around Jan 29-30 closures for dining and retail (Trip.com Singapore guide)
  • Prepare for crowds at Chinatown, Orchard Road, Marina Bay (Klook)

Six key facts at a glance, with one pattern: the official dates are fixed, but many event schedules remain provisional until late 2024.

Here is the data table for quick reference.

Detail Value
CNY 2025 Date January 29, 2025 (MOM)
Public Holidays January 29 and 30, 2025 (MOM)
Zodiac Animal Year of the Snake
Biggest Holiday Chinese New Year (Trip.com)
Forbidden Colors Black and white (traditional taboo)
Peak Crowd Areas Chinatown, Orchard Road, Marina Bay (Klook)

What date is Chinese New Year 2025?

Chinese New Year 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, according to the Ministry of Manpower Singapore’s official holiday calendar. The first day marks the start of the lunar new year, and the festivities last for 15 days, ending with Chap Goh Meh on February 12. Singapore observes two public holidays—January 29 and 30—giving residents and visitors a consecutive break.

The MOM public holidays page confirms that Chinese New Year is enshrined as a two-day national holiday, and the data.gov.sg open dataset mirrors the same dates for machine-readable planning.

Bottom line: The 2025 Chinese New Year in Singapore is a government-fixed two-day public holiday starting Jan 29. For travelers arriving between Jan 27 and Feb 2, expect most government offices and many retail businesses to be closed on the 29th and 30th. Book accommodation at least 60 days in advance to avoid surcharges.

Do they celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore?

Yes—Chinese New Year is the most significant public holiday in Singapore. Roughly 74% of the population is of Chinese descent, but the festival crosses ethnic lines: all communities enjoy the public holiday and many participate in the citywide events. Trip.com’s Singapore holiday guide describes the period as anchored by family reunions, temple visits, and Chinatown festivities.

What is the biggest holiday in Singapore?

  • Chinese New Year is the most widely observed festival.
  • It draws 1.2–1.5 million tourists annually (Klook visitor estimates).
  • Public holidays are set by the Ministry of Manpower and apply to all employees.

How many days holiday in Singapore for Chinese New Year?

Singapore officially grants two consecutive public holidays for Chinese New Year: January 29 and 30, 2025. This is codified in the MOM press release of August 5, 2024. While many workers also take the preceding or following days off, the statutory entitlement is two days.

The upshot

Singapore’s Chinese New Year is not a minor event—it’s the biggest holiday of the year, with government-mandated closures that affect everything from MRT schedules to restaurant hours. Visitors who fail to plan for the Jan 29-30 window will find many doors shut.

Is it good to visit Singapore during Chinese New Year?

It depends on your priorities. The streets are alive with decorations, street food, and cultural performances—but prices spike and crowds swell. Hotel rates jump 20–50% compared to non-holiday weeks, as noted by Klook’s travel guide, and many shops close for 1–3 days.

Is Singapore crowded during Chinese New Year?

Extremely. Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Marina Bay see peak foot traffic. Klook warns that the Chinatown street light-up alone draws massive crowds nightly. The official estimate of 1.2–1.5 million tourists (Klook) during the period confirms the density.

What is the 60 90 rule in Singapore?

The “60-90 rule” is not a formal government regulation for Chinese New Year, but it’s commonly cited among travel advisors. It refers to the 60-day advance booking window for hotels (the sweet spot for rates) and the 90-day visa-free stay eligible for many nationalities. Klook advises booking flights and hotels 60+ days before CNY to secure availability and avoid surge pricing.

The trade-off

Visiting Singapore during Chinese New Year means accepting higher costs and tighter crowds in exchange for an unmatched cultural spectacle. The pattern: the busier the venue, the more authentic the experience—but plan your meals around closures.

Chinese New Year in Singapore: what to expect in February

February 2025 brings the full festival calendar. The key events cluster around the public holidays, with some extending through Chap Goh Meh on February 12.

What events are there for Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore?

  • Chinatown Street Light-Up and Market – mid-January through early March (Klook).
  • River Hongbao – tentative dates January 17–19, 2025 at Marina Bay (Time Out Singapore).
  • Chingay Parade – tentatively February 7–8, 2025 (Time Out Singapore).
  • Festive floral displays and light installations across the Civic District (Klook).

Where can I see Chinese New Year fireworks in Singapore 2025?

Fireworks light up the sky on CNY Eve (January 28) above Marina Bay and near the Chinatown countdown. The Klook guide notes that the display is part of the River Hongbao program, but exact times are confirmed closer to the date.

What food is eaten during Chinese New Year in Singapore?

The festival table revolves around symbolic dishes:

  • Yusheng (lo hei) – a raw fish salad tossed for prosperity.
  • Pineapple tarts – sweet, buttery pastries symbolizing wealth.
  • Bak kwa – grilled pork jerky, a perennial favorite.
  • Nian gao – sticky rice cake for a “higher” year ahead.

Trip.com highlights the tradition of family reunion dinners and temple visits alongside these foods.

What is the forbidden color for Chinese New Year?

Black and white are traditionally avoided because they are associated with mourning and funerals. Instead, red and gold dominate—red for luck and prosperity, gold for wealth. Klook’s Singapore guide advises visitors to pack red or bright clothing and avoid wearing black when visiting homes or temples.

Timeline

  • Mid-January 2025 – Chinatown street light-up and market open (exact date TBC).
  • January 17-19, 2025 – River Hongbao preview events (tentative, Time Out Singapore).
  • January 28, 2025 (CNY Eve) – Chinatown countdown, fireworks, family reunion dinners.
  • January 29-30, 2025 – Public holidays; lo hei, visiting relatives, ang pao exchange.
  • February 7-8, 2025 – Chingay Parade (tentative, Time Out Singapore).
  • February 12, 2025 – Last day of celebrations (Chap Goh Meh).

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Chinese New Year 2025 is January 29, 2025, per MOM.
  • Public holidays are January 29 and 30, 2025 (MOM).
  • Chinatown light-up and market happen annually in January-February (Klook).

What’s unclear

  • Exact River Hongbao 2025 dates (announcement expected late 2024) (Time Out Singapore).
  • Exact Chingay Parade 2025 date (typically early February) (Time Out Singapore).
  • Fireworks schedule on CNY Eve (subject to permit and weather) (Klook).

Voices from the festival

“Chinese New Year is one of Singapore’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals, featuring street light-ups, parades, and family gatherings.”

— Singapore Tourism Board (official tourism authority)

“Chinese New Year’s Day 2025 in Singapore falls on Wednesday, January 29.”

— Timeanddate.com (global holiday calendar)

“Visitors can enjoy snake-themed activities at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre from 17-19 January 2025.”

— Klook (travel experiences platform)

For a traveler arriving in Singapore between January 27 and February 12, 2025, the choice is between embracing one of Asia’s most exuberant festivals or avoiding the peak altogether. The implication is clear: book accommodation 60 days out, pack red, prepare for closures on the 29th and 30th, and expect crowds that make Chinatown feel like a carnival. For the visitor seeking authentic cultural immersion, there is no better time to see Singapore—but only if you plan for the surge.

Related reading: Ghost Month 2026: Start and End Dates, Taboos, Lucky Signs · SG60 Vouchers Where to Use: Rules, Expiry, & FAQs 2025

Additional sources

ltl-singapore.com, youtube.com, publicholidays.sg, instagram.com, qppstudio.net, facebook.com

For those planning their celebrations, a detailed guide to Chinese New Year 2025 traditions and greetings offers additional context on the Year of the Snake.

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Frequently asked questions

When does Chinese New Year 2025 start in Singapore?

It starts on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 (MOM). The eve (January 28) is when family reunions happen.

Are shops open on Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore?

Most shops close on January 29 and 30. Some supermarkets and convenience stores remain open, but plan meals ahead (Trip.com).

What is the best area to see Chinese New Year decorations in Singapore?

Chinatown and Marina Bay have the most elaborate displays. The Klook guide recommends the Chinatown Street Light-Up as a must-see.

Can I wear black during Chinese New Year in Singapore?

It’s traditionally avoided—black and white are associated with mourning. Red and gold are the preferred colors.

What is the 60-day rule for booking hotels during CNY in Singapore?

It’s not a legal rule, but Klook advises booking 60+ days ahead to lock in lower rates before surge pricing kicks in.

Is Chinatown worth visiting during Chinese New Year?

Yes—the street light-up, market stalls, and countdown party make it the epicentre of celebrations. Expect heavy crowds (Klook).

What is meant by ‘lo hei’ during Chinese New Year?

Lo hei is the Cantonese term for the prosperity toss—a communal salad tossing of yusheng, symbolizing abundance and good luck.

Are there fireworks at Marina Bay for Chinese New Year 2025?

Yes, fireworks are expected on CNY Eve (Jan 28) as part of River Hongbao at Marina Bay, pending permit approvals (Klook).