Thaipusam, red lanterns and the run-up to the Lunar New Year
Key dates
1 Jan · New Year’s Day
22 Jan · Thaipusam
Late Jan · Kuwait school break
6–7 Feb · Chinese New Year
8 Feb · Holiday in lieu
The big events
22 January: Thaipusam
Devotees carry milk pots and kavadis from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. Watch quietly from the roadside; it is not a public holiday in Singapore.
Chinese New Year build-up
The Year of the Goat begins on 6 February 2027. Through late January, Chinatown fills with lanterns, festive markets and street light-ups; check dates for the official light-up and River Hongbao.
Also this month
Wet-season weather
January is in the north-east monsoon: cloudy days, afternoon showers and occasional spells of heavier rain.
Chingay
Singapore’s street parade is usually held around Chinese New Year; check chingay.org.sg for the 2027 date.
School holidays end
Singapore schools are back in January, so weekday attractions are calmer than in December.
Many Chinese-run shops and hawker stalls close for a few days around 6–8 February 2027; Malay and Indian-Muslim stalls are usually unaffected.