You know Chinese New Year is around the corner when the town is painted red.
Since most of the shops are closed during this public holiday, it may seem there’s nothing much to do for those of us who do not celebrate Chinese New Year or those of you who finish your CNY visiting early!
However, fret not! There are still loads of things you can do during Chinese New Year and our list below will help you get started.
1. Have a picnic at Marina Barrage
Public holidays are a great time to catch up with family and friends you otherwise won’t have the time to.
Head down to Marina Barrage with a picnic basket in hand to simply soak in the sun, fly a kite and waste the time away with your favourite people.
2. Get your fitness on
Although most shops are closed during Chinese New Year, SOME gyms will be still open for a few hours!
This includes:
Here’s your chance to try out all the equipment you usually wouldn’t have the chance to in a crowded gym.
No excuses this time to put your fitness resolution on hold with all this free time to spare… if you’re not going for any New Year visiting!
3. Watch a movie
Another place that will definitely be open during Chinese New Year is cinemas!
We would however recommend you to book your tickets early as the shows get sold out real fast!
The movies to get you into the festive CNY mood are:
1. Stephen Chow’s The Mermaid
2. From Vegas To Macau III 赌城风云 III
3. The Monkey King 2 西游记之孙悟空三打白骨精
4. Long Long Time Ago 我们的故事
4. Visit Universal Studios Singapore
We can’t guarantee USS will be less crowded than usual as well but since it is a public holiday and you are looking to have fun, might as well give it a try!
Crowded or not, one thing we can promise is the immense fun you will have!
5. Plan a staycation
Looking to de-stress without travelling out of the country?
A staycation is a cost-effective way to rest, relax and rejuvenate without the costly expenditure of a getaway.
There are a many cosy and affordable hotels in Singapore you can escape to be it whether you are planning a solo staycation or with your best friends.
6. Pamper your hair
On the note of relaxation, a pampering visit to the hair salon might be just what you need to de-stress yourself.
Now, you don’t have to go too far as to research which salons will be open during Chinese New Year. We saved you the hassle and included 2 quality Japanese hair salons you can check out.
Do however make an appointment ahead of time in case the salons get super crowded on that day!
1) Art Noise Japanese Hair Salon @ Holland Village
Open on: 8 February 2016
20% off hair services for First-Timers
Remember to quote Beauty Undercover to enjoy the promotion!
2) COVO Japanese Hair Salon @ Keong Saik Rd / Katong (close to i12)
Outram Park Keong Saik Branch open on: 8 and 9 February 2016
Katong Branch open on: 8 February 2016
20% off hair services for First-Timers
Remember to quote Beauty Undercover to enjoy the promotion!
7. Head down to Waterway Point
There’s a new mall that has just opened on 18 January 2016. Conveniently located within walking distance from Punggol MRT, Chinese New Year is a good time to beat the crowd and check out Waterway Point. Though most shops will be closed for the public holiday, we still think it’s a good opportunity to check out the place and have a nice meal with your family at one of the restaurants.
8. Go for a Guided Nature Walk in Istana
There isn’t a lot of opportunity to visit the Istana so why not take the chance to visit the grounds to understand more about the flora and fauna that lie within the Istana?
A great way to spend your time with your kids, we think!
Guided walk fees
- $2.00 for each child aged 3 years & above.
- $4 for Singaporeans / PRs aged 13 and above.
- $10.00 for foreigners (aged 13 & above).
- Family package, $12.00 for Singaporeans / PRs (family of 4) and $30.00 for foreigners (family of 4).
Read more here: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/events-and-workshops/2016/2/istana-nature-guided-walk-on-9-feb-2016
9. Don’t miss the quintessential River Hongbao!
There is no better place to immerse in the Lunar New Year’s festive ambience than at the River Hongbao, which is in its 30th year!
There are more than 60 pieces of lanterns on display… but really, we’re there more for the Food Street!
Opening Time: 2.00pm
Closing Time: 11.00pm
Note that the light-up happens usually from 8pm to 10pm
Read more about River Hongbao here!
10. BBQ
A favourite pastime of Singaporeans is eating and since most residential areas have BBQ pits within the neighbourhoods, you don’t have to head out far to have a BBQ.
So what more reason do you need to invite your family and friends over for good food, fun and laughter!
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Did you know you can book your barbeque pits online here?
11. Host a game night
If you are not up for heading out during Chinese New Year and prefer to stay indoors, there are still lots of ways you still can put the holidays to great use, like hosting a game night at your place.
Complete with tasty food and great company, you are sure to have a great time as you would outdoors!
We hear that Exploding Kittens are particularly popular this year… if you haven’t gotten sick of it already!
Alternatively good old mahjong can work just as well!
12. Netflix and chill …
Besides game night, another indoor activity you can host is a slumber party and binge watch TV till the wee hours of the morning.
Now that Netflix is available in Singapore, did you know that Netflix offers you a free trial subscription for one month?
All the more reason to binge watch TV during the Chinese New Year!
How do you usually spend Chinese New Year?
Let us know in the comments!