Chinatown vibrant Celebration welcoming the year of the Dragon in 2024

Saturday, January 20, 2024

The dazzling streets of Chinatown will once again be illuminated with the annual Chinese New Year Celebrations, running from January 11 to March 11, 2024, to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Set against the culturally and historically significant backdrop of Chinatown, these celebrations aim to showcase Singapore’s multiculturalism and diversity. They seek to foster an appreciation for Chinese heritage and traditions while uniting residents and international visitors as one community.

The 2024 festivities will feature a variety of engaging activities, such as the Official Street Light-Up and Opening Ceremony, Festive Fairs, Weekend Stage Shows, the Chinese New Year Countdown Party, and the highly anticipated Lion Dance Competition.

“We are delighted to welcome the Year of the Dragon with our series of festivities that unite diverse cultures and ages in Singapore and beyond. The theme this year is ‘Soaring Into The Auspicious Dragon Year’. With the fitting theme, I wish everyone would fearlessly embrace the unfolding opportunities ahead,” said Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs).  

The enchanting street decorations, designed by a team of 13 students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, will be on display from January 19 to March 9.

The Chinese New Year Celebrations 2024 Countdown Party will mark the start of the New Year at Kreta Ayer Square on February 9, 2024, with a live broadcast on Channel 8 and Chinatown Festivals’ social media platforms. At midnight, visitors can enjoy a spectacular showcase of firecrackers.

“The annual Chinese New Year festivities add vibrancy and excitement to the Chinatown precinct, showcasing the rich heritage and unique cultural tapestry of the Singapore Chinese community. Overseas visitors and locals alike will get to celebrate the new year through a wide selection of activities, including the countdown party, festive fairs, lion dance performances and food fairs offering delectable Chinese New Year goodies. We invite all to visit Chinatown to immerse in the celebratory atmosphere and discover more about the local culture and traditions of the festival,” said Ms Lim Shoo Ling, Director, Arts and Cultural Precincts, Singapore Tourism Board.

Additional family-friendly festivities include the Festive Fair at the open space in front of People’s Park Complex, the Festive Fair at Chinatown Street Stalls, and Weekend Stage Shows at Kreta Ayer Square.

The highly anticipated Lion Dance Competition, taking place on January 27 and 28 at Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, features top lion dance troupes from Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region competing for the title of ‘King of the Lions.’ Tickets are priced at $10 per day.

The Chinatown Festival Committee will continue its Adopt a Lantern initiative, allowing the public to adopt street lanterns used during the celebrations for repurposing, free of charge.

« Back to Page