If you’re visiting Singapore in January, you’ll certainly be starting 2020 off with a bang. Chinese New Year celebrations abound on our island during this time of the year, alongside a whole slew of concerts and art-themed events.
Arts and Theatre
Arts and Theatre
Light to Night Festival
The iconic beauty of Singapore’s Civic District comes to life with art, creativity and ideas at the Light To Night Festival.
Inspired by the theme ‘Invisible Cities’, the third edition of the festival features an exciting line up of programmes that span both day and night, as writers, performers and artists bring visitors on a mind-expanding journey.
The event centres on five of the Civic District’s most iconic cultural institutions—National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Keep an eye out for activities in spaces like the Padang, Empress Lawn and Esplanade Park.
Date: 10 Jan–19 Feb
Venue: Various locations across Singapore’s Civic District
Click here for more information.
Singapore Art Week
One of Singapore’s most beloved celebrations of the arts, Singapore Art Week comprises over 100 events, happening all across Singapore.
Among many other activities, you’ll be able to uncover the prodigious talents of Southeast Asian artists at S.E.A. Focus, feast your eyes on a fusion of Javanese aesthetics and Singaporean history at Justice for All, and revel in Art After Dark at Gillman Barracks.
From fairs and exhibitions to walking trails and in-depth discussions, this event has something for every art lover.
Date: 11 Jan–19 Jan
Venue: Various locations across Singapore
Click here for more information.
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival
Contemporary, thought-provoking and cutting-edge art take centre stage at the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival, which gears up for its 16th edition in 2020.
This year’s festival centres on the theme ‘My Country and My People’, with artists, dancers and theatre practitioners alike exploring the notions of patriotism, individuality and national identity.
Date: 8 Jan–19 Jan
Venue: Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay
Click here for more information.
Art Encounters
Gain insight into the rigours of creation with Art Encounters, a mobile studio and museum featuring art that evolves as it travels around the island. Each of the space’s locations will host an artist-in-residence, who will create and exhibit a new work of art.
The inaugural programme features Lionel Sabatte, one of France’s most respected contemporary artists.
Date: 12 Jan–26 Jan
Venue: Orchard Road (in front of Mandarin Gallery or Orchard ION)
Click here for more information.
History and Culture
History and Culture
Dahlia Dreams - The heavenly race floral display
Inspired by the Lunar New Year, this enchanting floral showcase tells the mythological story of the Chinese zodiac animals. Weave your way through the Flower Dome’s elaborate topiaries and traditional pavilions, and indulge in an unforgettable visual feast.
Date: 17 Jan–23 Feb
Venue: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome
Click here for more information.
Huayi - Chinese Festival of Arts
Discover the rich traditions of Chinese arts at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. This annual cultural festival brings you an exciting array of ticketed and free programmes that span theatre, music and the visual arts. Expect to be enchanted by performances from local and international artists alike!
Date: 31 Jan-9 Feb
Venue: Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay
Click here for more information.
Celebrations and Festivities
Celebrations and Festivities
Have a Wild New Year!
Animal lovers can take a walk on the wild side at this Chinese New Year-themed event, happening across the Singapore Zoo.
Keeping in theme with this year’s Chinese zodiac animal, rodents of all shapes and sizes take centre stage at the festivities. Marvel at the Gambian Pouched Rats of Sub-Saharan Africa, and keep an eye out for Cloud rats from the Philippines.
The event will be accompanied by lion dance performances, themed mascots and a special Zoo-diac trail that will uncover your fortunes in the upcoming year.
Date: 24 Jan–9 Feb
Venue: Singapore Zoo
Click here for more information.
Sentosa Celebrations CNY 2020
Fun-filled performances, live music and zodiac-themed décor abound on sunny Sentosa. Soak in the sun at this island resort’s beautiful beaches and enjoy a plethora of themed activities to usher in the Chinese New Year.
Date: 25 Jan–9 Feb
Venue: Sentosa
Click here for more information.
Chingay Parade Singapore 2020
Join Singaporeans as they celebrate the largest street performance and float parade in Asia. An annual celebration of Singapore’s multicultural tapestry, this year’s extravaganza is themed ‘Colours in Harmony’, and will feature a mix of dazzling spectacle and dynamic performances.
Grab some street food and participate in games at the Carnival along the parade route, and don’t forget to drop by NS Square for River Hongbao to marvel at the lanterns and fireworks.
Date: 31 Jan–1 Feb
Venue: F1 Pit Building
Click here for more information.
Music and Sports
Music and Sports
SMBC Singapore Open
The world’s top golfers return to Singapore to compete for glory at the SMBC Singapore Open. Voted ‘Best Tournament of the Year’ by the Asian Tour, this unmissable sporting event will see 156 players showcasing their skills and competing for the prize of US$1 million.
Date: 16-19 Jan
Venue: Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club
Click here for more information.
Jay Chou Carnival World Tour
The King of Mandopop returns to Singapore for two nights of spectacular music and live performance, with his 8th world tour. Die-hard stalwart and new fans alike can expect to be serenaded with familiar classics and electrified by the singer’s latest hits.
Date: 10 Jan–11 Jan
Venue: National Stadium
Click here for more information.
Bon Iver
Iconic indie folk band Bon Iver return to Singapore for a captivating, one-night only performance, hot off the release of their latest album i,i. The Grammy-awarded six-piece is famous for its contemplative lyrics, rich composition and haunting melodies.
Date: 17 Jan
Venue: The Star Performing Arts Centre
Click here for more information.