The best things to do in Singapore in January 2020
Kick off the new year with exciting events including Chinese New Year events, festivals, exhibitions and concerts
Stuck in the New Year-Chrimbo limbo? Start 2020 in Singapore the right way with plenty of fun things to do in January, including celebrating the Chinese Year of the Rat.
RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore
Bon Iver
Get stoked – Bon Iver have recently dropped a bomb about their 2020 tour including a captivating live show in Singapore before flying over to Europe. The American indie-folk outfit is set to take over The Star Theatre on January 17 with their emotive setlist and – if it's anything like their recent US tour – a visually stunning showcase. This marks their return since their sold-out debut show in 2016. Fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, the Grammy Award-winning band is bringing forth the feels with spellbinding singles like Skinny Love, Blood Bank, and Holocene. And with a new tour comes new tracks, so expect songs from their critically-acclaimed 2019 release i,i such as Hey Ma, and U (Man Like). The new album is described as chamber folk complete with acoustic guitars, horns, piano, synthesizers, woodwind, organ, and seamlessly blended vocals while retaining the electronic and experimental elements of 2016's 22, A Million. Can't wait to wear your heart on your sleeve and sing your lungs out? Secure your tickets priced from $89. Pre-sale tickets start at 10am on September 18 via Now/Live, while general sales start at 10am on September 20 via Sistic.
Light To Night Festival
See the Civic District come to life at sunset with a slew of vivid artworks, music and literary performances. Immerse yourself in the interactive artworks and journey to the past where you’ll uncover bits of history that surrounds the Civic District. The 2020 festival, a marquee event for Singapore Art Week, takes on the theme of 'Invisible Cities'. The title is derived from Italian writer Italo Calvino's novel.
Christmas on a Great Street
Santa Claus is coming to town. See the halls – or rather streets – of the famous shopping belt decked with a gorgeously illuminated Christmas village, Instagram-worthy installations including a 4-metre-tall immersive tunnel, exciting pop-up stores, and of course, the magnificent lights and colours from now until January 1. Round up the fam and delight in carnival rides, tasty treats and live performances at The Great Christmas Village. Indulge in some retail therapy at the pop-up stores of SingTel, Chomel, Vivo, Irvins Salted Egg and more. Strike a pose and take a snap by the impressive set pieces that line the street. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Cats The Musical
If the mention of kitties gets you humming to the tune of Memory, then get your paws (or claws) on tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, Cats The Musical. One of the longest-running shows on the West End and Broadway, the fantasy tale follows a tribe of cats called the Jellicles that only come out to play on one special night of the year. They share stories of their old and wise leader who must then choose one of the cats to take on The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new Jellicle life. With synth-heavy songs, captivating choreography, and fur-tastic costumes, this spectacle is one for the cool cats. Plan the ultimate night out with Marina Bay Sands' exclusive Show & Dine packages. This stellar two-in-one combo allows you to experience the best of both worlds at Marina Bay Sands. Save up to 20 percent off when you feast on a dinner for two at one of its signature restaurants and catch the performance. As a bonus, you can also order intermission drinks from the comfort of your seat without having to worry about the ridiculously long queues at the bar. Indulge in a two-course menu (with choices such as a wagyu burger and fries or Sea Barramundi) paired with a glass of wine or beer at Adrift by David Myers, satiate your hunger with a mouthwatering three-course menu featuring Prime New York sirloin steak and Maryland blue crab cake at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, or tuck into a two-course menu with dishes such as Pork Ragout and Tasmanian Sea Trout paired with a glass
Singapore Biennale
Singapore Biennale 2019 returns for its sixth edition. This year, titled Every Step in the Right Direction, sees 77 artists and art collectives from 36 countries and territories. The contemporary art platform takes over 11 venues in the city, from the National Gallery Singapore to Gillman Barracks and even W!LD Rice @ Funan. For a full calendar of events, check out the official site here.
Poinsettia Wishes
Who says you need to leave this tropical paradise to enjoy a Nordic Christmas? This holiday season from now until January 2, hop into a sleigh for a whimsical adventure through five Nordic countries under one roof at Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome. This year's Poinsettia Wishes feature the iconic landmarks of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and over 30 varieties of poinsettia plants. Soak in the yuletide scenes featuring Denmark's Bolgen building, Finland's Santa Claus Village, Iceland's Hallgrimskirkja church, Norway's Vennesla library and Sweden's Triangeln train station set amidst a landscape of poinsettias. The festive spirit is further amped up with a choir of adorable Nordic gnomes, also known as Nisse.
2219: Futures Imagined
Wonder what our world will look like in the next 200 years? Peer into the future at this immersive and experiential exhibition that showcases the imaginary worlds hatched by various artists, architects, filmmakers, writers and theatre companies from Singapore and beyond. Echoing the structure of From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience, the exhibition takes you on a journey through five acts, exploring how climate change and lack of biodiversity can affect our future lives.
An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, 1600s – 1819
Travel back in time to the bustling trading port of the East Indies that drew the attention of the Dutch and British East India Companies. The East Indies were the centre of the spice trade, comprising the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago. But the European arrival is only a fraction of its longer history. Uncover the other factors at play leading up to the events of 1819 through this informative exhibition.
Chua Soo Bin: Truths & Legends
Look at the world through the lens of the remarkable photographer and Cultural Medallion award recipient, Chua Soo Bin. Featuring about 100 photographic works and archival materials, the exhibition highlights the camera master's ability to capture definitive portraits and sensitive images, as well as his position in the rise of photography in Singapore. Observe the iconic portraits of 14 established Chinese ink masters, giving you a glimpse of the nuances of their daily lives. A selection of ink paintings by these masters are also showcased alongside to deepen your appreciation for the art.
A Special Japan New Year
Celebrating the New Year – Japanese style – at Great World City. Raise a toast with sake and traditional food at the Japanese supermarket Meidi-Ya where you'll also get a chance to witness a traditional sake breaking ceremony. Ever wonder how mochi is made? Try your hands on mochi-pounding. And of course, no New Year celebration is complete without the Taiko drums performance.