CNY, Pongal Events and Festivals Headline the First Month of the Year with Cultural Experiences for All

Looking for things to do in Singapore this January 2026? From immersive art festivals and theatre shows to toddler-friendly concerts and family fun runs, January is packed with exciting events for kids, parents, and everyone in between. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, school holiday activity, or a special family experience, this quick guide highlights the best general events happening across Singapore — complete with dates, venues, ticket prices, and age recommendations.

Event Dates & Time Location Tickets / Price Best For What’s it about? Book Here
Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience 7 Jan – 19 Feb 2026 Venue WEAVE @ RWS Sentosa From ~S$18 Kids 6+, Teens, Adults Immersive, interactive rooms designed to stimulate the senses through colour, sound and playful installations. Book Now
Light to Night Festival 2026 9 – 31 Jan 2026 Civic District Free All ages Annual arts festival featuring large-scale light installations, performances and nighttime art trails. Free entry
T5 In The Making Exhibition 6 Jan – Mar 2026 Changi Airport Free Kids 7+, Teens, Adults An immersive exhibition offering a first look at the future plans for Changi Airport Terminal 5. Free entry
VERSE 2026 – Singapore Literature & Art 9 – 31 Jan 2026 The Arts House Mostly Free Teens, Adults A multi-sensory festival celebrating Singapore literature, poetry, storytelling and visual arts. Free / Walk-in
Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour 31 Jan 2026
(3 showtimes)
Green Canvas, Mandai Wildlife Reserve From S$65.55 Toddlers 1–5 A toddler-first electronic music experience blending EDM beats with childhood favourites, designed especially for young children and their adults. Book Now
Tradition in Motion: Singapore’s Lion Dance Heritage Now – 30 Apr 2026
Daily, 9am – 10pm
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (Concourse Level 1) Free All ages A vibrant exhibition featuring over 50 artefacts and eight lion heads, tracing the evolution of lion dance in Singapore. Free entry
Family Pickleball Carnival 31 Jan 2026
9am – 11am
Play! Pickle Chai Chee From S$78 per family Kids 5+, Parents Beginner-friendly family pickleball session with guided play, coaching, photo corner, ice cream and snacks. Sign Up
BURP – Esplanade PLAYtime! Series 30 Jan – 15 Feb 2026 Esplanade Theatre Studio S$23 Preschoolers 3–6 A whimsical theatre experience about a sound collector and a mischievous burp, filled with humour, sound and imagination. Book Tickets
Baby Shark Run 2026 17 Jan 2026
6.45am – 10am
Marina Barrage From S$68.88 Kids 3+, Families A cheerful 2km or 4km family fun run with Baby Shark vibes, race entitlements and a non-competitive atmosphere. Register Now
Capybara Run 2026 17 Jan 2026
From 7am
Marina Barrage From S$58.88 Kids 4+, Families A relaxed, family-friendly fun run with adorable capybara-themed race gear and keepsakes. Register Now
Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel Valentine’s Run 2026 18 Jan 2026
From 7am
Marina Barrage From S$58.88 Kids 4+, Families A Valentine-themed fun run featuring Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel, exclusive race packs and optional merchandise. Register Now

Pongal Festival Events in Singapore

Pongal is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community, and in Singapore, it comes alive each January with colourful cultural events, family activities, and traditional festivities. From free community celebrations and festive bazaars to hands-on cultural experiences for kids, Pongal events in Singapore are a wonderful way for families, students, and culture lovers to learn about Indian traditions while enjoying a meaningful day out.

Event Dates Location Tickets / Price Short Description
Pongal Open House @ Indian Heritage Centre 10, 11, 17 & 18 Jan 2026 Indian Heritage Centre, Little India Free Family-friendly Pongal celebrations with cultural activities, crafts, performances and festive markets.
Mantra Pongal Bazaar 2 – 4 Jan 2026 Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniar Temple, Yishun Free Festive bazaar featuring traditional food, attire and accessories while supporting community initiatives.
Pongal Festival @ Toa Payoh Central CC 17 Jan 2026 (2pm – 5pm) Toa Payoh Central Community Centre Free Community Pongal celebration with live cooking demos, folk dance, kids’ activities and food stalls.
Pongalo Pongal Festival 25 Jan 2026 (9am – 1pm) Basketball Court beside Hwi Yoh CC, Serangoon North ~S$7 per person Heartland Pongal festivities with performances, activity booths and refreshments.

Chinese New Year Festivities in Singapore (January–February 2026)

As January draws to a close, Singapore begins its annual countdown to Chinese New Year — with festive lights, vibrant markets, and family-friendly celebrations popping up well before the first day of CNY in February. From lantern-lit streets and floral displays to lion dances and cultural performances, Chinese New Year events in Singapore offer plenty of ways to soak up the festive atmosphere early, whether you’re planning a weekend outing, school holiday activity, or a simple evening stroll.

EventDatesLocationTickets / PriceBest ForShort DescriptionInfo
Spring Blossoms @ Flower Dome16 Jan – 1 Mar 2026Flower Dome, Gardens by the BayFrom ~S$12All agesChinese New Year-themed floral displays and lantern installations in a cooled conservatory.Ticketed entry
River Hongbao 2026Late Jan – Feb 2026 (TBA)
✨ Best on weekends
Gardens by the BayFreeFamilies, KidsSingapore’s largest Chinese New Year festival with giant lantern displays, food stalls and carnival rides.Free entry
Chinatown CNY Street Light-UpJan – Feb 2026ChinatownFreeAll agesIconic lantern displays lighting up Chinatown streets throughout the festive season.Free entry
Chinatown Festive Fair & PerformancesJan – Feb 2026
✨ Weekend peak crowds
ChinatownFreeFamiliesCNY street market with snacks, decorations, lion dances and cultural performances.Free entry
Lion Dance Heritage ExhibitionJan – Feb 2026Singapore Chinese Cultural CentreFreeKids, TeensExhibition showcasing the history and cultural significance of lion dance in Singapore.Free entry
Changi Airport CNY DisplaysJan – Feb 2026Changi Airport (All Terminals)FreeFamiliesSeasonal Chinese New Year decorations and family-friendly photo spots.Free entry
Suntec City LEGO CNY ActivitiesJan – Feb 2026Suntec CityFreeKidsLEGO play zones, mascot appearances and festive installations for children.Free entry

Lunar New Year Extravaganza at Marina Square!

Event / Activity Dates & Time Venue Promotions / Highlights Entry Fees
Lunar New Year Festive Celebration 12 Jan – 24 Feb 2026 Marina Square, Central Atrium Festive fair, cultural performances, family-friendly activities Free admission
Red Packet Rewards Redemption 12 Jan – 24 Feb 2026 Central Atrium Spend $80 to redeem festive red packets (2 sets/day per member) Free with qualifying spend
Lion Dance Building Blocks Redemption 12 Jan – 24 Feb 2026 Central Atrium Spend $128 to redeem a Lion Dance building blocks set Free with qualifying spend
Budao Weng (不倒翁) Performances 16–18 Jan & 23–25 Jan 2026
11:30am – 7:30pm (multiple sessions)
Central Atrium First-in-Singapore traditional Chinese performance Free
High Pole Lion Dance Performances 31 Jan, 1 Feb, 7 & 8 Feb 2026
1pm & 5pm
Central Atrium Award-winning lion dance troupes Free
Prosperity Brickland Play Zone 14 Jan – 24 Feb 2026 Central Atrium Interactive carnival games, workshops & dress-up experiences Credit Packages:
$20 (20 credits)
$40 (44 credits)
$60 (72 credits)
$100 (130 credits)