In the blink of an eye, Santa has already retired his sleigh, and we’re left stumbling into 2025 with Chinese New Year in our sights. We’re expecting the red packets and annual steamboats to come knocking end-January, but for those who can’t sit still, we’ve got just the thing for you.
To borrow some festive inspiration for your IG feed, swing by the “蛇(Shé)prise” CNY Art Installation at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the CBD, and its rooftop has been spruced up with snake-themed installations and various family-friendly activities; here’s all you need to know before slithering down.
The “蛇prise” CNY Art Installation is located on the rooftop garden of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre in Tanjong Pagar. It plays host to a number of snake-themed installations to celebrate the Year of the Snake, and is part of their annual CNY Family Fun event to usher in the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.
Image credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The “蛇prise” CNY Art Installation will be available for the public to visit from now till 30th April 2025, from 10am-10pm daily. On the other hand, most of the CNY Family Fun 2025 activities will be held from 18th-19th January 2025, where families can sit in for a slew of festive performances and craft workshops.
Aside from hosting a slew of exhibitions and guided tours about the unique Chinese culture in Singapore, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre is also home to a “hidden” rooftop garden. The zen garden sits on the tippy top of the 11-storey building, and gives visitors a great aerial view of the bustling CBD down below.
The rooftop garden periodically gets a makeover to commemorate special occasions. A few years back, the garden was decorated with faux sakura trees and a moon swing as part of their Love in Many Colours exhibit.
This Chinese New Year, they’re working their magic once again to transform it into an IG-worthy backdrop for visitors to hold their own photoshoots. For starters, head to this coiled snake structure in the middle of the garden that bears auspicious phrases to manifest some huat all year long.
Image credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
By the way, the garden lights up beautifully at night, turning it into quite the spectacle. Time your visits well by arriving just in time to watch the sun dip below the towering buildings in the area, and watch as warm hues of orange bathe over the plants and installations.
Image adapted from: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The little ones can have a go at the slide that’s reminiscent of a snake’s flickering tongue, or step into the cube-like photo op emblazoned with cute motifs of the zodiac reptile.
Before you make your leave, there’s even a huge Snakes And Ladders board on Level 1, designed with CNY-inspired tiles and a pair of oversized dice to play with.
Heading to the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre as we approach Chinese New Year is also a good idea, if you’re looking to revel in even more festivities. Mark your calendars for 18th-19th January, as the centre will be organising over 20 family-friendly activities to take part in. Most of these are free to participate in too, so there’s no reason not to head down.
For instance, there are obligatory lion dance performances happening on both dates, complete with a “plucking the green” act where lettuce is tossed towards the audience to bring about good luck and prosperity. Do also stay for rousing music performances by the Marsiling Chinese Orchestra, as they fill the air with popular CNY tunes.
To go with the recurring snake theme, the Yan Wong Cultural Troupe will be wowing the crowd with a dazzling LED Snake Dance. Curiously, tune in for the Sssssnakes Talk conducted by the Herpetological Society of Singapore, who’ll dispel misconceptions and myths of snakes and learn more about these scaly critters that dwell in sunny Singapore.
Image adapted from: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Artsy minds can also try their hand at workshops such as calligraphy and festive crafts-making workshops, while those in search of CNY goodies such as pastries and accessories can make a stop at the yearly Spring Bazaar.
For more information on the exact dates and timings of all CNY Family Fun 2025’s activities, visit the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s website to plan your visit accordingly.
If you’re on the prowl for a spot in town to soak in the CNY vibes, then look no further than the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. It has the right mix of lively activities and picturesque photo ops for the entire family to spend the festive season at, right before you sit for your annual rounds of reunion dinners.
For more new things to look forward to in 2025:
Cover image adapted from: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
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