Free lion dance showcases, CNY installations, festive snacks & more at SCCC from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1

It’s that time of the year again – shopping malls adorned in festive red, familiar Chinese New Year tunes filling the air, and tables piled high with traditional goodies to snack on.

Although CNY arrives slightly later this year, falling on Feb. 17, the festive buzz is already building across the island as the city gears up for the annual celebration.

If you haven’t quite slipped into the CNY spirit yet, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has just the thing: they’re back with CNY Family FUN (CNYFF) 2026!

Jointly organised with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, CNYFF is a signature festival that takes place right in the heart of the Central Business District.

Running over three days from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2026, the festival will feature 25 family-friendly programmes, performances and activities held across SCCC and the Singapore Conference Hall.

From exhilarating lion dance performances to dance workshops, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect at CNYFF 2026:

Catch lion dance performances by five local lion dance troupes

Ring in the Lunar New Year with a vibrant line-up of lion dance showcases featuring Fo He lions, Golden lions, Hainanese lions, Fujian Green lion and the Hakka Qilin.

These performances will be presented by local troupes Zhonghua Arts Assemblage, Guang Wu Club, Yan Wong Cultural Troupe Singapore, Singapore Chin Woo Athletic Association, and Singapore Siau Lim National Art Association from 1pm onwards on both days.

“Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases:

Dates: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026

Location: SCCC Concourse, Level 1

Admission Fee: Free

Let your kids unleash the dancer in them

Young ones can get moving with interactive lion and dragon dance workshops led by experienced instructors.

In the lion dance workshop, children will learn basic lion dance steps and try their hand at playing drums and cymbals.

Cubs on the Move: Children’s Lion Dance Workshop:

Dates: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026

Location: SCCC Recital Studio, Level 6

Admission Fee: S$7 via SISTIC

For those who want to try their hand at the dragon dance workshop, they will pick up fundamental dragon dance movements while learning how rhythm, coordination and teamwork come together in a performance.

Dragon Up the Fun: Children’s Dragon Dance Workshop:

Dates: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026

Location: SCCC Recital Studio, Level 6

Admission Fee: S$7 via SISTIC

Explore the rich heritage of lion dance

Curious about the history of lion dance? Make a stop at Tradition in Motion.

This exhibition traces the journey of lion dance in Singapore – from its earliest recorded local performances, to the vibrant scene we see today.

Featuring more than 50 artefacts, photographs, posters and figurines, the showcase highlights the diversity, innovations and achievements of local lion dance troupes.

It also offers insight into how the centuries-old art form has adapted over time.

Tradition in Motion: Singapore’s Lion Dance Heritage:

Dates: Now till Apr. 30

Location: SCCC Concourse, Level 1

Admission Fee: Free

Meet the mythical beast Nian in a theatre performance

Families can also enjoy a Chinese New Year-themed performance titled “Nian” is Coming (Part 2): Journey Back Home, presented by The Solitude Movement.

Picking up from the story of Part 1, the performance follows Nian, who now lives with its adopted family, but starts to feel a little homesick.

Determined to help, his family embarks on a brand new adventure to help Nian return to its hometown.

And don’t worry if you missed the first installment of the play – it can be enjoyed as a standalone performance.

“Nian” is Coming (Part 2): Journey Back Home:

Dates: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1

Location: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall, Level 7

Admission Fee: Free

Snap photos at SCCC’s Roof Garden and check your fortune

Need some ideas for your CNY Instagram posts? SCCC’s Roof Garden will be transformed into a photo spot with its festive installation, “Finding Har马ny”.

Featuring colourful horse sculptures and auspicious motifs, the display welcomes the Year of the Horse in style.

If you’re like me and you want a little glimpse into what the year might hold, a zodiac forecast exhibition will also be on display at the garden.

“Finding Har马ny” and Year of the Horse Zodiac Forecast Exhibition:

Dates: Jan. 6, to May 20, 2026

Location: SCCC Roof Garden

Admission Fee: Free

Explore the “MA”rket place

Want to let your creative mind run free? “MA”rket place is the place to be.

From couplet writing with seal stamping and craft-making, to colouring sessions and theatre performances, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Feeling peckish? Enjoy free festive snacks while soaking up the celebratory atmosphere.

“MA”rket place:

Dates: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026

Location: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall, Level 7

Admission Fee: Free

Fun and games at the SCCC Concourse

You can also head on over to the SCCC Concourse on Level 1, where several festive activities await.

Strike a pose with your friends and family with their lion dance photo standees.

While you’re there, you can also take on the “MA”rvellous Mission, a fun-filled festive quest where completing challenges earns you tiered rewards such as limited-edition red packets, snack packs or drink vouchers (while stocks last).

Finally, round off the experience with a free spin on the Huat-goes-round Carousel, a festive nod to the Year of the Horse.

Good news for everyone – the carousel offers free rides and is open to all ages.

Dates:

• Photos for Prosperity: Jan. 10 to Mar. 3, 2026
• “MA”rvellous Mission: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026
• Huat-goes-round Carousel: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026

Location: SCCC Concourse, Level 1

Admission Fee: Free

Collect limited-edition SCCC red packets

The red packet design this year features the zodiac animal of the year – the Horse – and comes with an innovative design that can be transformed into a 3D display piece for festive decor.

Keen to get your hands on one? Simply complete the festival quest to redeem a set of these limited-edition packets.

And that’s not all.

With even more activities lined up, CNYFF 2026 promises a festive-filled weekend for everyone.

So start planning your visit and get ready to usher in a year of good health, happiness and prosperity.

For the full programme and updates, visit the CNYFF 2026 website here.

This branded article by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre has this writer excited to eat all the festive goodies.

Top photos via SCCC