The best things to do in Singapore this week (January 26-February 1)

When it comes to Chinese New Year, Funan is not horsing around. From January 22 to February 22, the lifestyle hub is making way for the return of Creative Intersections – this time with HOBBYHORSE: Rhythm and Forms of Play, a month-long art and lifestyle exhibition. Feast your senses on sculptural zodiac horses across all six floors, mesmerising digital art, interactive games, live customisation, workshops and even pickleball-as-performance. Art spills into shops, cafés and staircases too, with surprises hiding everywhere, from animated stories and guessing games to illustrated cup sleeves and collectible fashion drops. It’s hands-on, delightfully unexpected and made for curious wanderers of all ages. Add Spend and Redeem rewards, exclusive promos and Singapore Art Week energy into the mix, and you’ve got your most playful CNY detour yet.

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is designed to be enjoyed by fans, young and old. Whether you’re discovering the magic of Harry Potter for the first time or reliving the wonder as a lifelong fan, this experience offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in an evocative and interactive art experience exploring some of the mysterious corners of the wizarding world. This experience spans 10 environments, including two Singapore exclusives. This version of Visions of Magic is unlike any other: hear whispers of Parseltongue in The Chamber of Secrets™ and venture through a series of chambers protecting a legendary treasure beyond The Trap Door. With an interactive wand in hand, you’ll also bring objects to life and reveal secrets behind Traces of Magic. 

No magical adventure is complete without a stop at the Harry Potter: Visions of Magic retail shop. Indulge in a cup of Butterbeer™, the iconic wizarding beverage with delicious notes of butterscotch and shortbread – the ideal refreshment to round off your magical journey.

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Looking for a standout night out this week? Silent Disco in the Sky at Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark Observation Deck is Singapore’s ultimate rooftop party. On the last Saturday of each month, head up to the 56th floor, strap on glowing wireless headphones and choose between three DJs spinning funky disco, electronic dance and rock simultaneously. Switch channels anytime to curate your own soundtrack while taking in panoramic city views and dancing under the stars. Keep an eye out for themed specials on select nights to shake things up. Whether you’re going solo or with friends, you’re in for a night of elevated, Instagram-worthy moments. Tickets start from $40 – get yours here.

Chinatown is galloping full speed into the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited along for the ride. For a whole two months from January, the precinct will be decorated in festive cheer as the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations return with a dazzling street light-up, cultural performances, hands-on workshops and the much-loved International Lion Dance Competition.

The streets officially light up on January 30, with the ceremony broadcast live from Kreta Ayer Square. Stroll along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street as they come to life once the sun sets. The ceremony, officiated by Minister Mrs Josephine Teo, will also feature a performance showcasing Singapore's multicultural identity, melding Chinese dance with Malay kuda kepang, Indian Rajasthani horse dance, and Western styles. 

We’ve got the scoop: local pastry chef and chocolatier Janice Wong is teaming up with Gelato Messina Singapore to launch a brand-new series, The Scoop, which invites chefs to reimagine their signature flavours as ice cream. For its debut collaboration, Wong serves up two limited-edition creations available for two weeks from January 26. The first is You’re Not You When You’re Gelato’d ($8), a gelato inspired by Wong’s Snickers dessert. It’s a combination of peanut butter ice cream with salted roasted peanuts, caramel and chocolate fudge. Second on the menu is a box of bonbons ($15) with flavours like Kopi Gao and Macadamia Crunch. These flavours are exclusive to Gelato Messina, but limited quantities of the bonbons are also available at the Janice Wong Paragon outlet. For announcements on future chef collabs and menu drops, stay tuned to Messina’s official Instagram.

Dreaming of a home abroad that comes with skyline views, sunshine and serious returns? Dubai Property Expo Singapore: Second Edition touches down at Marina Bay Sands’ Melati Ballroom on January 24 and 25. Curated by market leader NKN Media, this is your chance to explore premium Dubai developments, chat one-on-one with top developers, and uncover golden visa opportunities. Forget middlemen fees – here, it’s all direct access. Whether you’re interested in high rental returns or simply curious about luxury property investment abroad, this expo delivers insights, exclusives and the kind of insider tips you won’t find elsewhere. Register now and claim your free VIP passes.

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When it comes to Chinese New Year, Funan is not horsing around. From January 22 to February 22, the lifestyle hub is making way for the return of Creative Intersections – this time with HOBBYHORSE: Rhythm and Forms of Play, a month-long art and lifestyle exhibition. Feast your senses on sculptural zodiac horses across all six floors, mesmerising digital art, interactive games, live customisation, workshops and even pickleball-as-performance. Art spills into shops, cafés and staircases too, with surprises hiding everywhere, from animated stories and guessing games to illustrated cup sleeves and collectible fashion drops. It’s hands-on, delightfully unexpected and made for curious wanderers of all ages. Add Spend and Redeem rewards, exclusive promos and Singapore Art Week energy into the mix, and you’ve got your most playful CNY detour yet. Find out more here.

Calling all Demon Slayer fans, your favourite anime comes to life at this exclusive exhibition taking over the former Singapore Sports Hub Library. The showcase marks its Singapore debut and the only Southeast Asian stop in its tour. Spanning two floors, the first-of-its-kind, sweeping exhibition promises to be an immersive, multi-sensory experience, featuring original illustrations and life-sized sets inspired by the visuals and landscapes of the animated series. Step into the action-packed universe and relive scenes from the show, including the Demon Slayer Headquarters, Mugen Train and Battle of Mount Natagumo. A key highlight is Infiltrating the Entertainment District, where you can join Tanjiro and the gang on a mission to uncover the demons hidden within the space. The exhibition also features a section on the show’s comedic spin-off, Kimetsu Academy, which portrays the Demon Slayer Corps in a modern school setting. And for all you avid collectors, be sure to hit up the merch store for a range of Singapore exclusives, including chibi versions of the characters alongside iconic local landmarks.

Chinatown is galloping full speed into the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited along for the ride. From January a whole two months, the precinct will be decorated in festive cheer as the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations return with a dazzling street light-up, cultural performances, hands-on workshops and the much-loved International Lion Dance Competition.

This year’s theme 'Galloping into the Prosperous Year' takes shape through paper-cut-inspired designs and a show-stopping 8.8-metre golden horse installation. Feast your senses on the lantern-lined streets, eye-catching orchids, flowing red drapes and a packed programme, from countdown parties to crafty workshops – all the reasons to celebrate the season in Chinatown.

Learning about environmental issues and challenges doesn’t have to be all boring and stuffy – and the Funfair of Forgotten Futures is here to prove that small moments of fun can inspire big conversations and movements. Held at the Temasek Shophouse and organised by Ayer Ayer Project, this month-long carnival-style showcase brings planet action and play into a singular space, where you can learn about global ecological crises through games, workshops, and interactive installations designed for all ages.

Look forward to classic carnival activities like ring toss, cornhole, spinning tops and pinball, but with a twist. They’re each constructed from sustainable and upcycled materials to represent various environmental problems we face today, from the landfill crisis to the long-term effects of mining. Between rounds of play, there are also opportunities to reflect, as the exhibition encourages you to rethink our role in the community and how we can shape a better, more sustainable future.

Start the year with a visit to Singapore Art Museum’s latest installation, Nafasan Bumi – An Endless Harvest, featuring works by Indonesian artists Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega. The exhibition explores the environmental costs of economic growth in an era of climate crisis, while exploring how the items we use today may leave their mark on the future.

This immersive environment brings together kinetic, multimedia and sculptural installations that trace the impact of extractive economies across regional and global networks. Highlights include batik and palm oil sculptures depicting plantation labourers, mechanical systems powered by biofeedback from live plants and more.

Gallop, trot, saunter, amble – however you’re planning to enter and welcome the Year of the Horse, do it in style at Gardens by the Bay. To honour this year’s zodiac sign, the Flower Dome transforms into an opulent, elegant Chinese-inspired landscape inspired by the traditional gardens of the Jiangnan region. The highlight of the display is eight life-sized horse lanterns, handcrafted using techniques dating back thousands of years to the Tang Dynasty. The showcase of the majestic four-legged creatures is inspired by the classic Chinese art motif Ba Jun Tu and represents strength, vitality and success. Surrounding the spectacle are the “Four Gentlemen", a collective of plants that appear in Chinese art and philosophy. Be mesmerised by the delicate blooms of plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo, amongst spring’s vibrant seasonal flora like dahlias and azaleas. As you stroll through the moon gates and pavilions, don’t forget to also beat the Blooming Drum of Spring to bring about some luck and prosperity into your life.

In this larger-than-life artwork taking over the National Gallery’s Padang Atrium, contemporary Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul captures the dynamic and passionate cultures and lives that make up the diverse Singaporean community. Following a year-long engagement with migrant workers, indigenous groups and faith organisations, the artist’s revelations and discoveries are translated into spectacular billboard paintings, video interviews and a travelogue that celebrates their vibrant stories and voices.

The showcase is supported by an enriching two-part programme that highlights the people who have inspired the installation. Join in on fireside chats with the artist to explore behind the scenes and the empowering migrant stories. Singaporama Unfolded Part I centres on Kaugnay, an organisation for Filipina domestic workers, and its fabulous Trashion Show, while Part II traces the history of migration in Singapore. The latter presents a performance of a traditional Indian folk dance by Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Ambassadors, alongside a discussion on identity, community and collaboration.

Five women, over 50 artworks and one shared mission. This exhibition brings Southeast Asian artists Amanda Heng (Singapore), Dolorosa Sinaga (Indonesia), Imelda Cajipe-Endaya (Philippines), Nirmala Dutt (Malaysia) and Phaptawan Suwannakudt (Thailand) to display their work together in Singapore for the very first time. But more than just an art showcase, Fear No Power is a space to have a conversation about meaningful change and the artists’ decades-long commitment to it. Featuring photography, paintings, sculptures and performances that date all the way back to the 1960s, this multidisciplinary exhibition examines the concept of communal world-building across the region and what it means to forge a community. Every piece of work is an intimate and powerful reflection deeply rooted in care, collaboration and resistance.

Things are about to get 'huat ah' at Wild Wild Wet (WWW) this Lunar New Year. From now till March 3, the waterpark’s signature Shiok River transforms into a cheeky mala hotpot, complete with life-sized floats shaped like lotus root, crabsticks, prawns and streaky meat slices bobbing along the currents. It’s silly, spicy fun and very on brand. Elsewhere, strike a pose with giant mala-themed photo ops like soup base packets, instant noodle packs, plum juice and more scattered across the park, plus a dry mala ball pit outside the Tsunami Pool for little ones. Be the first 50 guests daily to score exclusive mala-themed stickers starring Flumi, WWW’s adorable new mascot.

Nearly three years after it shuttered, Park Bench Deli is making a comeback... of sorts. While it will not open a permanent shop, the brand will hold a three-month pop-up at The Pantry in Dempsey, starting on January 10. Here's the brief: Pop by between 9am to 4pm if you want the OG PBD experience. Sausage egg muffins ($15) and the PBD Big Breakfast ($30) are served in the morning, and it's only after 11am when the fan-favourite Park Bench Deli sandwiches are fired up. Yes, the Pastrami Reuben ($34), Southern-style hot fried chicken ($28) and Philly Cheesesteak ($29) will all be available. If you're spoilt for choice, we recommend the Pastrami Reuben, an American classic with thick, juicy beef pastrami, provolone and coleslaw between slices of toasted sourdough.

On weekend evenings from 6pm to 10pm, PBD's sister concept, Rosita's Deluxe, swaps out sandwiches for smashed, double-stacked cheeseburgers with a variety of mouth-watering toppings. And did we mention the day drinking? Waltz in as early as 9am for classic tipples like Aperol Spritz, whisky highballs, Blood Mary and espresso martinis. 

In case you missed the news, Changi Airport has already begun work on its much-anticipated Terminal 5, slated to open in the mid-2030s. While the countdown continues, you can catch a preview of what’s to come at the T5 in the Making exhibition.

The immersive showcase unfolds across five multisensory zones, blending AI and high-tech elements to trace Changi’s journey from bare land to award-winning aviation hub. It also highlights how smart technologies are reshaping labour-intensive operations and strengthening climate resilience, alongside an interactive station that invites visitors to imagine their own vision of Terminal 5.

If you enjoy Black Mirror, escape rooms and interactive theatre, then this might be right up your alley. In this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, you’re welcomed to a not-so-distant fictional (or is it?) future where sleep has been optimised and revolutionised through cutting-edge technology. It’s all thanks to SomniTech and its promising Brain-Computer Interface. But here lies the problem: participants who have enrolled in its clinical trial seemed to have never woken up or exited the programme. And to make matters worse, the scientist behind the entire experience has vanished without a trace. So now it’s up to you and your friends to help uncover the truth. With the help of cryptic clues, your team will have to solve puzzles and crack the code to escape from this nightmare, or you might just get trapped in the system.

This 50-minute choose-your-own-adventure experience is an adaptation of Singaporean writer Victor Fernando R Ocampo’s sci-fi odyssey, The Book of Red Shadows, which debuted at the 2020 Singapore Writers Festival.

Lunch? Check. Coffee? Check. Ever wondered what else is there to do in between work meetings while you’re in the CBD other than hitting the gym? Well, here’s a suggestion: skip your regular routine and squeeze in a bit of retail therapy instead. This weekday edition of Maker’s Market features a rotating lineup of locally made crafts and curated regional brands. Browse goods from vendors of all trades and discover unique finds, including jewelry, candles, apparel, soaps and even art prints. On some days, if you’re lucky, there might also be some F&B booths serving up artisanal snacks and treats to help fuel your afternoon back at the office. The weekly marketplace is held every Monday to Friday outside the Staytion Lifestyle Centre near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

These days, we’ve maybe taken Singapore’s multicultural society for granted – because have we actually ever thought about what it was like before this vision was established? This exhibition presented by Founder’s Memorial is a step back into a crucial time in Singapore’s history to chronicle the key moments between the ’50s and ’70s that defined and shaped the foundation of this nation into what it is today. Unpack, explore and learn from the honest dialogues shared by real-life citizens and political figures of that time to understand the dilemmas and tension that led to the momentous change. Showcased in the multimedia exhibition are archival photographs, artworks, illustrations and artefacts like the original letters between Ministers Ong Pang Boon and S. Rajaratnam on the National Pledge in 1966. There’s also a three-part audio play inspired by S. Rajaratnam’s “A Nation in the Making”.

Not Mere Spectators culminates in present-day Singapore, where it encourages the audience to reflect and appreciate the nation’s multicultural journey, what it means to us, and how it needs to be upheld for the years to come.

Attention all Kpop Demon Hunters fans: HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys are landing in Singapore on December 22, for a pop-up based on the hit Netflix film. Snap photos at photo zones inspired by the cartoon, wander through immersive experiences, and admire themed installations and costume displays. Then, take home exclusive merch, including light sticks, posters, keychains, magnets, stationery, hoodies, and caps. Admission to the pop-up – held at *SCAPE – is completely free, but it’s best to book a slot here ahead of time.

Usher in the new year at UOB Plaza, which will host a roster of events to celebrate the festivities. First up is the Festive Show, which runs until December 25. The show celebrates UOB’s community initiatives and showcases artwork by disabled artists. Then, the Tomorrow with UOB show transforms UOB Plaza into a futuristic portal that imagines Singapore’s future. Also on display at the exhibition are stunning artworks created for the UOB Painting of the Year competition. The festivities culminate in the Countdown Show on December 31, which features projections on the facade of UOB Plaza and Fullerton Hotel.

How much do you really know about lion dance, apart from the loud drums and colourful costumes? Find out more about the history and heritage behind lion dance at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s vibrant exhibition just in time for Chinese New Year. The exhibition showcases over 50 artefacts, including rare lion head designs in Hainan and Fujian styles. You’ll also be able to learn more about different lion dance styles, local lion dance troupes, and lion dance culture in Singapore today. Admission to the exhibition is free.

So you’ve been to weddings and birthday bashes, but a divorce celebration? Now that’s a first. Check it off your bucket list at The Divorce Party, Dream Academy’s whimsical dinner theatre comedy where the food is hot and the tea on exes is even hotter. Join the Choo Plastics Family as heiress Phoebe Choo (Sharon Sum) reclaims the single life after her disastrous marriage to Andy (Andrew Marko). Broadway Beng’s Sebastian Tan leads the chaos as matriarch Penelope “Penny” Choo Kim, alongside a riotous cast. Expect a three-course meal, dessert buffet, beach-chic dress code and plenty of saucy family drama. It’s the first in a trilogy following the outrageous Choo clan. Read our review here.

What if we told you that you could marvel at the paintings of iconic artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Édouard Manet without even setting foot in France? The National Gallery Singapore’s latest blockbuster exhibition, Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, marks the largest showcase of French Impressionism ever seen in Southeast Asia. Featuring over 100 artworks by 25 pioneering artists, the exhibition spans three galleries and unfolds across seven thematic sections, each offering a perspective into the movement’s evolution from its early beginnings to the present day.

Whether you’re a peacock enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures uncovers the majestic bird’s impact across Asia. Featuring over 100 artefacts, from ceramics and clothing to intricate jewellery,  the exhibition traces the peacock’s symbolism, especially in Peranakan art and wedding traditions. It also debuts Thousand Eyes, a new ecological reinterpretation of the motif by Singaporean artist Ernest Goh.

Beyond the displays, visitors can explore peacock species and behaviours through holographic tech and interactive stations. Round out your visit with curated public programmes or join a guided tour for deeper insight into the stories behind the pieces.

Step into the world of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at Healing Heritage, an exhibition tracing its roots from 19th-century medical halls to its role in everyday Singapore life today. Split across five thematic zones, it spotlights milestones in TCM’s history – from community-run clinics to charitable institutions offering affordable care. It looks into the present and future too, exploring how digital diagnostic tools and halal-certified products are modernising this age-old practice. With archival materials, recreated settings and immersive displays, the exhibition celebrates TCM as both a cultural legacy and a living, evolving tradition that continues to heal and connect communities.

Step into a radical vision of the future at the ArtScience Museum, where Another World Is Possible is on display from September 13, 2025 to February 22, 2026. The exhibition presents a distinctly Singaporean perspective on what lies ahead, emphasising environmental pragmatism, careful planning and a sense of responsibility for the world to come. This ethos is reflected throughout the exhibition’s architecture, design and artworks.

Highlights include pieces by filmmaker and speculative architect Liam Young, alongside works from both international and local creatives such as Björk, Torlarp Larpjaroensook, Osbourne Macharia, Ong Kian Peng, Jakob Kudsk Steensen, Ming Wong and others, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how art and design imagine possible futures.

Mahjong, congkak, Go...there innumerable Asian games we're sure are part of your fondest childhood memories. This September, the Asian Civilisations Museum is exhibiting Let's Play! The Art and Design of Asian Games, which takes a look at how these games, whether sporty or strategic, have evolved and shaped communities and traditions over time. Explore more than 150 games, and actually try them out at interactive installations. There'll be fun outdoor set-ups and talks and programmes throughout the exhibitions long run, too (until June 7, 2026). 

The Gallery Children's Biennale returns to National Gallery Singapore from May 31, 2025 to March 29, 2026 for its fifth edition, themed Tomorrow We'll Be.... Coinciding with the Gallery’s 10th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday, this year’s event invites visitors to explore the possibilities of their future through the values of joy, kindness, dream and love. Families can look forward to eight immersive and multi-sensory installations by local and international artists, alongside a series of engaging programmes designed to inspire creativity and reflection.