Chinese New Year 2026
· Singapore · Public holiday
Chinese New Year — also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival — is the most important festival of the year for Singapore's Chinese community, which makes up roughly three-quarters of the population. The first two days of the lunar new year are gazetted public holidays in Singapore.
When is Chinese New Year in Singapore?
Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the lunar new year, which moves each year on the Gregorian calendar but typically falls between late January and mid-February. Both the first and second day of the lunar new year are gazetted public holidays in Singapore.
Traditions and customs
The festival centres on the family reunion dinner held on the eve of the new year, when extended families gather for an elaborate meal. Common Singapore traditions include lo hei — the prosperity toss of yusheng (raw fish salad) — eating reunion-dinner staples like steamboat, pen cai and bak kwa, and the giving of red packets (hong bao / ang pao) by married adults to children and unmarried adults.
The two-week festive period ends on Chap Goh Mei, the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, traditionally celebrated as the Chinese Valentine's Day.
Where to go
Chinatown along Pagoda Street, Smith Street and New Bridge Road is the visual heart of Chinese New Year in Singapore — with the Chinatown light-up, street bazaar, nightly stage shows and a countdown on the eve of the new year. The River Hongbao at Marina Bay runs a multi-week festival of lanterns, fireworks and performances. The Chingay Parade — typically the weekend after Chinese New Year — is the largest street and floats parade in Asia.
What is open and closed
Most businesses, banks and government offices close for the first two days. Many heartland coffee shops and hawker stalls close for up to a week. Tourist attractions, hotels and major malls remain open with adjusted hours.
Greetings
The standard Mandarin greeting is Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐, happy new year) and Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财, wishing you prosperity). In Hokkien, the same prosperity wish is Kiong Hee Huat Tsai. In Cantonese, Gong Hei Fat Choi.
Frequently asked questions about Chinese New Year
Is Chinese New Year one day or two days in Singapore?
Two days. Both the first and second day of the lunar new year are gazetted public holidays.
What is yusheng / lo hei?
Yusheng is a Singaporean / Malaysian raw-fish prosperity salad. 'Lo hei' is the practice of tossing the salad together at the table while shouting auspicious phrases — believed to bring prosperity for the new year.
Is the Chingay Parade on Chinese New Year?
Chingay is typically held on the Friday and Saturday following the first weekend after Chinese New Year, not on the holiday itself.
Key dates for Chinese New Year in Singapore
| Year | Date | Day of week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this page) | 17 Feb 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | 06 Feb 2027 | Saturday |