Chinatown (Singapore) Chinese New Year Celebrations 2008
19 Jan – 24 Feb 2008
Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge and South Bridge Roads
7pm – 12mn (Sundays to Thursdays)
7pm – 2am (Fridays & Saturdays)

CHINATOWN USHERS IN THE YEAR OF THE RAT
WITH EVER LOVING MICKEY AND MINNIE MOUSE

Splendid Festive Celebrations To Mark The Start of A Brand New 2008!

To usher in the Year of the Rat this Chinese New Year, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee has, for the first time, collaborated with Disney to bring festive cheer to the heart of Chinatown with an exclusive showcase of Disney icons such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse and other popular Disney characters in this year’s street light-up and decorations. Along with a slew of spectacular performances and activities, this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations promise to be a much grander and vibrant affair as we bring to Singaporeans and overseas visitors some of the best performances to date and a wider variety of activities throughout Chinatown.

Chinatown is a key focal point for CNY festivities in the few weeks leading up to CNY and a few weeks following that. Visitors can immerse in the entire Chinese cultural experience and experience the festive hustle and bustle simply by walking the streets of Chinatown. Chinatown is also where local Chinese congregate year after year to shop for the necessary new year items for the home and to soak in the festive atmosphere.

One can expect the following key highlights at Chinatown:

• Colourful and elaborate street light-up along the main and side streets of Chinatown with interactive light displays and photo opportunity points on the Garden Bridge as well as other key focal points.
• Colourful large format projection on the façade of Hotel 81 at the key Upper Cross Street and New Bridge Junction
• LED video wall fronting Peoples’ Park Complex
• Festive Street stalls comprising of more than 500 street stalls in Chinatown and Peoples Park
• Nightly cultural stage shows at Kreta Ayer square featuring renowned local and overseas performances
• Action-packed opening ceremony featuring lion dances, invigorating performances, fireworks and the popular crowd favourite – firecrackers
• Join in the festive celebrations in Chinatown as the CNY Countdown party gets underway on CNY eve
• Lion Dance competitions and Yuan Xiao Jie celebrations
• Exciting line-up of fringe events at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Chinatown Heritage Centre throughout the festive period

Ms Carrie Kwik, Director of Cluster Development (Sightseeing & Cruise) from the Singapore Tourism Board, said, “Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most popular attractions, and the Chinese New Year period is the best time to explore this rich cultural enclave of Singapore when it is resplendent with lights and street bazaars, thronging with festive crowds, and filled with the unforgettable jubilant atmosphere.

“Beyond Chinatown, visitors can also join Singaporeans in the celebrations taking place island-wide, including the Singapore River Hong Bao, the Chingay Parade of DreamS, and other festive events. They can also enhance their stay during the Chun Jie 2008 festivities by enjoying popular New Year goodies such as bak gwa (barbequed meat), discounts offered by Bee Cheng Hiang, Bengawan Solo and Breadtalk, a tea appreciation experience at Tea Chapter, and special deals at Yue Hwa Chinese Products, Lee Hwa, TianPo and Soo Kee jewellery stores and RISIS.”