10 Events in Central Area/City Area That You Shouldn't Miss

Orchard Road is not often closed to cars but there is one annual event where an exception is made: The Orchard Fashion Runway. Singapore’s most famous shopping belt is transformed into a fashion walkway on this day, and models strut along wearing local and international designers' fashion pieces. It is not often that locals or tourists get to see the main street of Orchard Road filled with gorgeous models and fashion wear. Get your camera ready, and be prepared to feast your eyes on a great fashion extravaganza!

The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix was the inaugural F1 night race back in 2008, and has since been an annual event car enthusiasts from all over the world look forward to watching in the month of September in Singapore. Other than watching the car racers flaunt their latest technology on the tracks, another highlight of the night race is the illuminated Singapore skyline, which photography fanatics will not want to miss.

River Hongbao is one event during every Chinese Lunar New Year that Singaporeans and tourists really look forward to. The River Hongbao is usually held at The Float at Marina Bay, overlooking the splendid Marina waterfront area, as well as a panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline. This year, River Hongbao is held at the Gardens by the Bay from 10 Feb 2021 to 20 Feb 2021. The large premises are decorated with auspicious Chinese characters during this period, such as the twelve zodiac animals. In the evening, the whole venue lights up in a beautiful myriad of colours, and visitors will also be able to catch performances by performing troupes or singing groups online. And the best part, admission is free for all. This is a must-see place to be during the Chinese New Year holidays.

If you are in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, the Chingay Parade is an annual event you must not miss. Chingay means 'the art of costume and masquerade' in the Hokkien dialect and the parade is an annual celebration, where different groups and races come together to put on a colorful display. Expect to witness colorful floating platforms and street performers in fanciful costumes, from the largest street performance and float parade in Asia.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (May the New Year bring you fortune and good luck!) Be prepared to be immersed into a sea of red and gold hues as Singapore's Chinatown takes the lead in ushering in the traditional Chinese New Year! Discover the street markets coming to life with goodies such as decorative ornaments on sale; and be prepared to queue for hours for the yummy New Year snack 'bah kwa' (barbecued sliced pork). The crowd thickens by the day as the city counts down to the party — and it is the only time of the year the authorities allow the use of firecrackers in Singapore. It's definitely worth the jostle to experience the festive flavor upfront, and the crowd favorite has to be the unique New Year lanterns that represent the animal zodiac of the Chinese New Year.

Staying in Singapore over the last two weekends of August? You'll be in for a visual treat at the Singapore Night Festival. What's there to do in darkness? Plenty, as an extravaganza of performances and artworks that make use of light are dispersed in Singapore's premier art precinct, Bra Basah-Bugis. Most museums in the neighborhood are also opened for free till late at night, hosting local and overseas talents. Do not miss the display show that is screened on the facade of the National Museum — it's usually playful and thought provoking, plus it's super impressive that it's screened on an iconic national monument!

Singapore’s largest countdown event - the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown - is an annual celebration that brings together people from all walks of life for a night of revelry and reflection on New Year’s Eve. A unique tradition of the countdown is a gigantic installation comprising 20,000 wishing spheres, containing over 500,000 wishes penned by the community, set afloat in the water. The wishing spheres represent the collective hopes and dreams of the nation, and are set aglow with coloured lights on New Year’s Eve to form a dynamic piece of visual art. Festivities around the Bay, which include live outdoor musical performances, carnivals and waterfront bazaars, begin in the early evening and culminate in a spectacular firework display that lights up the city skyline at midnight.