As the Year of the Horse approaches, Chinatown is once again set to become one of Singapore’s most vibrant cultural heartlands, transforming its streets into a glowing celebration of movement, unity and renewal. From mid-January through to mid-March, the precinct will come alive with festive light installations, multicultural performances and hands-on community programmes designed to bring people together across generations.

At the centre of the celebrations is a striking street light-up inspired by the spirit of the Horse — a symbol of strength, endurance and forward momentum. Traditional paper-cutting motifs have been reimagined through a contemporary lens, creating a visually rich streetscape that blends heritage with modern artistry. Anchoring the display is a monumental golden horse centrepiece, surrounded by galloping forms, auspicious fruits and floral elements that collectively represent prosperity, harmony and shared progress.

The official opening ceremony will take place on 30th January 2026 at 6pm (Kreta Ayer Square) and marks the formal start of the festivities, unveiling the illuminated streets across key roads such as South Bridge Road, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. The evening will feature a dynamic line-up of performances that reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity, including a specially choreographed dance inspired by horse imagery that weaves together Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western traditions.

The ceremony will be officiated by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group and Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC Grassroots Organisations (GROs)(Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng), alongside Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education.

Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted how the imagery of horses moving forward together reflects Singapore’s collective resilience and shared purpose. She noted that Chinese New Year is not only a time for renewal, but also a moment to strengthen the bonds that unite families and communities — a message echoed throughout the season’s programmes.

Beyond the light-up, visitors can look forward to the much-anticipated return of the International Lion Dance Competition, where elite troupes from across the region will showcase breathtaking stunts, precision and artistry. The excitement extends beyond ticketed venues, with live screenings allowing the wider community to soak in the festive atmosphere together.

For those keen to engage more deeply with tradition, a series of cultural workshops will also be held throughout the season. Highlights include a Chinese paper-cutting workshop led by a master artisan, as well as a mandarin orange carrier craft session that blends creativity with festive symbolism — perfect for families and intergenerational participation.

Mindful celebration is also a key theme this year. Sustainability-focused initiatives such as the Lantern Adoption Programme encourage visitors to give selected festive lanterns a second life beyond Chinatown, reinforcing values of responsibility and community care alongside celebration.

From bustling festive fairs and countdown parties to illuminated streets ideal for evening strolls, Chinatown’s Year of the Horse celebrations invite both locals and visitors to slow down, reconnect and welcome the new year together — with hope, harmony and momentum leading the way.

To view the full programme, please visit chinatownfestivals.sg.

Images: Chinatown Festivals Committee (CFC)