Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and 2025 promises to be a year full of vibrant celebrations, traditions, and family fun! Whether you're celebrating at home or planning something big, there are certain activities that make the Lunar New Year special.

From cultural performances to feasts that bring the family together, these are the top 10 must-have activities you won’t want to miss in 2025.

1. Experience the Thrill of a Lion Dance

No Chinese New Year is complete without the electrifying beats and mesmerising moves of a lion dance. The colourful lions are believed to bring good luck, chase away evil spirits, and usher in prosperity. Make sure to catch a performance or even hire a troupe for your home or business celebration!

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2. Toss a Prosperous Yu Sheng

Yu Sheng, or “Prosperity Toss,” is a symbolic salad made with raw fish and colourful vegetables. As you toss it high in the air with chopsticks, shout your wishes for the New Year. The higher the toss, the more luck you’ll attract for 2025!

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3. Decorate with Red and Gold

Brighten up your home with classic Chinese New Year decorations like red lanterns, gold coins, and couplets with lucky phrases. Red represents good fortune, while gold symbolizes wealth, so combining the two will set the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

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4. Enjoy a Fireworks Display

Chinese New Year fireworks are a spectacular way to celebrate and drive away bad luck from the past year. In 2025, check out public fireworks shows or bring the excitement home with sparklers and safe firecrackers (where legal).

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5. Hand Out Red Packets (Ang Bao)

Giving and receiving red packets filled with money is one of the most beloved traditions. Whether you’re passing them to children, younger relatives, or friends, it's a symbol of sharing blessings for the coming year.

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6. Feast on Reunion Dinner

The Reunion Dinner is the highlight of Chinese New Year’s Eve, where families gather to enjoy a lavish meal together. Popular dishes like steamed fish (for abundance), dumplings (for wealth), and glutinous rice cakes (for rising fortunes) make up the symbolic feast.

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7. Visit Chinatown’s Festive Markets

Singapore’s Chinatown comes alive with bustling markets selling New Year’s treats, decorations, and handicrafts. Don’t miss the chance to soak up the festive atmosphere and bring home some traditional goodies!

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8. Play Mahjong with Family and Friends

Mahjong is a classic Chinese game that’s often played during New Year gatherings. It’s a great way to bond with family and friends, all while having some fun (and possibly winning a little money!).

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9. Wear New Clothes in Lucky Colours

Tradition says wearing new clothes on Chinese New Year, especially in lucky colours like red, gold, or green, can bring good fortune. It’s the perfect excuse to go shopping and refresh your wardrobe for 2025!

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10. Visit the Temple for Blessings

For a more spiritual start to the year, many people visit temples to offer prayers and receive blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity. Don’t forget to light incense and make a wish for the year ahead.

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Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with these must-have activities to make your festivities unforgettable! Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or simply enjoying the traditions, these activities ensure a vibrant and prosperous start to the Year of the Snake.