A Lunar New Year Festival
Chinese New Year begins with the first day of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. Its customs draw on centuries of regional family, religious, and seasonal traditions.
History of Chinese New Year
Explore the events, people, and milestones that shaped Chinese New Year in Singapore.
History at a glance
3 chapters · 4 key milestones
Chinese New Year is one of Singapore's major cultural festivals and a two-day public holiday. Families welcome a new lunar year through reunion meals, visits, red decorations, gifts, temple worship, and public celebrations.
Lanterns, mandarin oranges, and blossoms welcome Chinese New Year in Singapore.
Origins and recognition
3 chaptersHistorical Background
A Singapore Celebration
Singapore's Chinese community carried diverse New Year customs from southern China and Southeast Asia. The festival is now a prominent part of the country's multicultural calendar.
Public Holiday and Public Life
The first two days are public holidays. Chinatown light-ups, markets, performances, and community events add a public dimension to family-centered observance.
Key dates
4 milestonesTimeline
Before New Year
Families clean homes, shop for food and gifts, and settle preparations before the festival begins.
New Year's Eve
The reunion dinner brings family members together.
First two days
Families visit relatives, exchange greetings and red packets, and attend religious or community events.
Fifteenth day
The festive period traditionally concludes with the Lantern Festival.
Common questions
Chinese New Year FAQ
Clear answers about the date, meaning, and observance.
When is Chinese New Year in 2026?
Chinese New Year in 2026 is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Are Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year the same?
Chinese New Year is a Lunar New Year tradition; Lunar New Year is a broader term that also includes other cultures' new-year festivals.
Why does the date change?
The festival follows the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date.
How many public-holiday days are there in Singapore?
Singapore observes the first two days of Chinese New Year as public holidays.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated in Singapore?
Families hold reunion meals and visits, exchange red packets, pray, enjoy festive foods, and attend public markets and performances.