10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls
Chinese New Year is no doubt a joyous occasion that most look forward to every year. This festive period usually encompasses several days of collecting red packets, munching on delectable new year goodies, buying new clothes and visiting friends’ and relatives’ homes for even more red packets!
However, we all know that there are only that many red packets to be collected and that many homes to visit. Additionally, most shopping malls are typically closed during Chinese New Year. This usually means watching endless re-runs of hilarious Stephen Chow’s comedies while snacking away on those love letters and pineapple tarts.
We are all too familiar with this rather “mundane” way of spending the Lunar New Year. Besides all the non-stop eating and talking, here are 10 activities to do during Chinese New Year that doesn’t involve empty malls!
1. Rooster In The New Year At Jurong Bird Park!
No better way to usher in the Year of the Rooster than at the bird paradise itself – Jurong Bird Park!
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Credit: 2. Embark On A Zoo-diac Trail At Singapore Zoo
Keen to know what is in store for you for the year ahead? Go on a zoo-diac trail at Singapore Zoo to shed some light on what to expect this Rooster Year based on your zodiac animal!
[caption id="attachment_21455" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] All the munching of delicious Chinese New Year goodies and stomach-filling steamboats are bound to leave you feeling bloated and chubby. Take this chance to burn off some of those unwanted calories by hitting the gym! [caption id="attachment_21453" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Ever wondered what goes on behind those massive iron gates of our President’s official residence, the Istana? [caption id="attachment_21456" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Look forward to this year’s 31st edition of the River Hongbao Festival, which will feature an elaborately-decorated heart-shaped design entrance walkaway to usher in the Year of the Rooster! Furthermore, be dazzled by the spectacular lantern displays all around the area. To top it off, you can expect a delightful spectacle of fireworks and lasers shows at 9pm every night. [caption id="attachment_21457" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] We cannot guarantee that the S.E.A Aquarium will be less crowded than usual given that it will be a long weekend holiday. However, we are pretty sure that the numerous species of marine animals here as well as the massive viewing panel will certainly provide an amazing and fascinating time as opposed to simply staying at home! [caption id="attachment_21458" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Soak in the spring beauty of floral displays while enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities at Gardens By The Bay! [caption id="attachment_21574" align="aligncenter" width="2096"] Besides admiring the floral displays at the flower dome, there are also several engaging activities that you and the entire family could participate in. Their Spring Surprise 2017 offers an array of entertaining traditional performances as well as the biggest ever LED Phoenix making its debut appearance here in Singapore. If you absolutely have to stay indoors this Chinese New Year and those Stephen Chow comedies are starting to get less comical, there are still other ways to maximise this festive holidays – such as hosting a game night! [caption id="attachment_21462" align="aligncenter" width="1027"]
Credit: 3. Hit The Gym And Work Off Those CNY Goodies
Credit: , Evolve MMA, local parks and reservoirs4. Visit The Green Lawns Of The Istana
Credit: 5. Be Right At The Heart Of Festivities At River Hongbao 2017
Credit: 6. Gong SEA Fa Cai At S.E.A Aquarium
Credit: 7. Check Out The Floral Displays And Performances At Gardens By The Bay
Credit: Gardens by the Bay[/caption]
Credit: 8. Plan A Mahjong or Blackjack Night
Credit: Credit: Credit: 9 Incredible Yu Sheng To Toss So You Get Good Luck In The Year Of The Rooster
8 Unmissable And Fun Events To Attend So You Can End Your Year With A Bang! [16-31 Dec]
We’re in the final weeks of 2016! What better way to end this year than to head down to these Singapore events!
Christmas Events Aren’t Over Just Yet!
1. Trees Of The World @ Botanic Gardens
If you’re keen to get away from the Christmas crowd yet still want to feel the Christmas spirit, head down to the Botanic Gardens.
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Singapore Botanic Gardens1 Cluny Road, S259569
Opening Hours: 5am – 12am
2. Christmas @ Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be bidding us farewell with an all day Christmas carnival.
The national monument, which will be making way for the Cantonment MRT station on the Circle Line, will be holding its last open house on 25 Dec. Featuring a Christmas market selling Christmas treats, visitors will also be able to enjoy live jazz performances along the tracks of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
30 Keppel Road, S089059
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm
Play & Discover
3. Cirque Adrenaline
From the producers behind acclaimed shows, The Illusionists and Le Noir, Cirque Adrenaline is in Singapore this December!
Head down to MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay for a heart pounding show that is guaranteed to keep you at the edge of your seat. Featuring over 30 performers carrying out death defying acts such as the Wheel of Death and the Sphere of Fear, Cirque Adrenaline will be a circus like no other you’ve witnessed!
Ticket prices start from $38.50.
Get your tickets for 
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There’s the Bounce area which allows both the young and old to conquer 15 inflatable obstacles. Slide, which features a wet adventure segment (perfect for the humid Singapore weather)! Jump is Southeast Asia’s Tallest Blob Jump sponsored by DBS. Of course, there’ll be Feast, where you can savour a wide array of international and local fare.
Conveniently located in the CBD, blow off some steam after work at BounceOff! Fiesta!
BounceOFF! Fiesta
Bayfront Event Space
2 Dec – 1 Jan
Opening Hours: Weekdays 5pm – 11pm; Weekends 2pm – 11pm
5. The Local People Market @ CHIJMES
Keen to pick up some last minute Christmas presents without the crowd?
The Local People, in partnership with CHIJMES, will be throwing their own Xmas In The Tropics party.
Booths offering up handmade jewellery, knick knacks, pieces of art and food (of course) will be filling CHIJMES. Best part? They’re still on the look out for booths. So if you’re a looking to sell your handmade creations or if you’re shopper keen to pick up Christmas gifts, head on down to CHIJMES!
For one, this race takes place when the sun goes down. Second, the neon glow water you will be splashed with will light participants up like the Christmas lights along Orchard Road. With different themed music zones and a huge party at the finish line, you’re bound for a ‘colourful’ time at Illumi Run 2016! Illumi Run 2016 Arriving after its hit premiere in Taiwan, this Chinese romantic-comedy musical presents its own unique take on the popular legend of Hua Mulan.
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Palawan Green, Sentosa
17 Dec, 7pm7. Mulan The Musical
Ticket prices start from $68
Mulan The Musical
Resorts World Theatre
Resort World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway S098269
16 Dec – 5 Feb
Eat
8. Yogurtland
American froyo brand Yogurtland has opened its doors at Suntec City.
The popular frozen yoghurt brand boasts an array of over 200 different and customised flavours.
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Franchise Help[/caption]
Yogurtland not only carries the freshest and best ingredients, but there’s also a colourful topping bar filled with both healthy and indulgent options.
The Yogurtland outlet in Suntec City will also see a rotating list of flavours changing every three weeks such as Salted Caramel Pecan and Dragon Passion Tart.
They are currently running an Instagram contest where you can stand a chance to win an Apple Watch!
First, snap a picture of your best fro-yo creation either at the Photo Booth provided at Yogurtland or with your own backdrop. Next, post it on Instagram with hashtags #YogurtlandSingapore and #WatchMyYogurtland to stand a chance to win the Apple Watch!
Yoghurtland
#B1-165/166
Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard S038983
From musicals to outdoor festivals, December is bound to be an exciting month. Drop us a comment and let us know which ones you’ll be checking out!
Also, read Fit For A King: You’ll Need These Delectable Desserts To Complete Your Christmas Feast!
