Istana to open on Feb. 2 for Chinese New Year festivities with lion dance performances & old-school games

The Istana will hold its next open house on Feb. 2 from 8:30am to 6pm to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

According to a press release from the President's Office on Jan. 27, visitors will enjoy a full day of live performances and activities.

There will also be tours of the Istana grounds, food stalls, and merchandise booths.

Entry to the Istana ground is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, including their caregivers.

All other visitors must pay an entrance fee of S$20 per adult and S$10 per child aged four to 12.

All proceeds from the entrance into the Istana grounds, tours, and the Istana and President's Challenge merchandise booth will go towards charities supported by the President's Challenge.

Day of fun

Visitors can try Chinese calligraphy and play old-school Kampun games, such as five stones.

Guests can also learn about disability sports and try their hand at paralympic sports, such as boccia, sitting volleyball, and blind football.

There will be a lion dance and drums ensemble, musical performances on traditional Chinese instruments, and many more.

The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talent, LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, Nam Wah Opera, Singapore Police Force, and U-Live (NTUC) will also perform.

Those who wish to explore the grounds can go on a self-guided tour of the Istana.

Those who have pre-registered their slots for the guided Istana Heritage Tour will tour the grounds during their timeslot from 9am to 4pm.

Top photo via Google Maps