Chinatown Singapore ushers in the Year of the Horse with the inaugural Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market (马上兴旺 · 牛车水新春市集), a nine-day celebration organised by the Chinatown Business Association (CBA).
Taking place from 24 January to 1 February 2026 (10am to 9pm daily), the CNY Festive Market marks the first time Chinese New Year festivities are being held along the newly rejuvenated Smith Street. The precinct will come alive as a vibrant hub for cultural experiences, festive shopping and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Chinatown Singapore.
A Celebration of Tradition with a Local Touch
Rooted in tradition and shaped by local culture, the CNY Festive market brings Chinese New Year customs to life through engaging stage performances and hands-on workshops. Beyond watching the festivities unfold, visitors are invited to participate and create meaningful Lunar New Year moments of their own. While selected workshops are ticketed, all performances and walkabout activities are free for the public.
Led by celebrated local poet and calligrapher Mr Guo Shu Ming (郭书明先生), also known as Nan Shan Zi (南山子), the calligraphy workshop offers participants a chance to experience calligraphy as a living art form that bridges heritage and contemporary Singaporean identity. Known for blending classical techniques with local references, Mr Guo often weaves his own poems into his works – drawing inspiration from everyday life, from hawker favourites like bak chor mee to familiar Singaporean scenes.
Adding to the festive energy are lion dance performances and workshops conducted by established troupes, including Tian Eng (天鷹). Through guided, hands-on sessions, children and youths will be introduced to the movements, rhythms and cultural significance behind this iconic Chinese New Year tradition.
Festive Walkabouts and Family Fun
Enhancing Smith Street’s celebratory atmosphere, the beloved God of Fortune (财神爷) will make walkabout appearances on selected weekends, delighting visitors with cheerful interactions while distributing blessings to usher in good luck and prosperity for the New Year.
“We are delighted to launch the inaugural Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market, bringing the community together to celebrate tradition, culture and festivities right in the heart of Chinatown,” said Ms Lim Yick Suan (林玉璇), Executive Director (执行董事) of Chinatown Business Association (CBA) (牛车水商联会). “This CNY market marks a new chapter for the newly rejuvenated area, transforming it into a lively destination where locals and visitors can create memorable Lunar New Year experiences together.”
Festive Shopping and Local Flavours
Complementing the cultural festivities is a curated line-up of local and lifestyle brands offering festive treats and gifts. Participating brands include Starbucks, Sanrio, Boon Tong Kee, Tong Heng Delicacies, Spring Court, and Elegance of Nanyang, inviting visitors to browse, shop and savour local flavours while soaking in the festive spirit along Smith Street.
“Being part of the Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market is a wonderful opportunity to share our festive offerings and celebrate the season with visitors in a lively, family-friendly setting,” said Yu Guangning (于广宁), owner of Elegancy of Nanyang (衣韵南洋). “We’re proud to be part of an initiative that celebrates local culture and brings the community together through food and meaningful traditions.”
The Heng Ong Huat @ Chinatown Smith Street CNY Festive Market offers a warm and welcoming Lunar New Year experience for visitors of all ages – bringing together cultural traditions, interactive workshops, lively performances and festive shopping within one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage precincts.
About Chinatown Business Association
Chinatown Business Association (CBA) was set up by a group of passionate Chinatown stakeholders drawn from a cross-section of business leaders, grassroots leaders, Chinese clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers, retailers, and more. CBA is a non-profit organisation serving and promoting the business and community interests of stakeholders in Chinatown. For more information, please visit chinatown.sg.
