Hooray! We’re all starting the new year with 20 20 vision and the new year’s arrival could be a good or bad thing depending on whether you’re a glass half empty or full kind of person. There are two types of people in the world: one that simply loves celebrating new beginnings, and the other kind that believes, “years are just social constructs”. Whichever category you fall under, I’m here to pull out all the stops and show you how you can enjoy this time of the year, with 16 Experiences Happening In January 2020 You Won’t Want To Miss.
1. Ningxia Night Market at Siloso Beach (16 Jan – 9 Feb)
This January, a mini rendition of the famed Ningxia Night Market will be heading our way during the period of 16 Jan to 9 Feb. If you find yourself craving the elusive torched beef cubes and scallion pancakes, the wait will soon be over with the extensive Night Market slated to span from Siloso Point to Siloso Beach.
The market features more than 30 food stalls flown in from the OG Ningxia Night Market directly, including the Taiwanese sausage with glutinous rice dish made popular by Hokkien pop singer Tsai Hsiao-hu. Aside from munching, attendees of the event can also enjoy Mandopop performances by Singaporean artistes such as Wang Weiliang and the Cold Cut Duo.
Date: 16 Jan – 9 Feb (except for 20-22 Jan)
Price: Free admission (but entrance fees to Sentosa Island apply)
Ningxia Night Market at Siloso Point, Sentosa | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
2. Lewis Capaldi (11 Jan)
The young Scottish singer-songwriter shot to fame when his single, “Someone You Loved” topped the UK Singles Chart. It remained there for seven weeks until it finally clinched number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Having recently toured with the likes of Sam Smith, Niall Horan, and Rag’n’Bone Man, Capaldi will perform his first Singapore solo show in January 2020. He will be performing songs from his full-length debut album, “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent”.
Date & Time: 11 Jan | 8pm
Price: From S$98 onwards
Lewis Capaldi Live in Singapore: Capitol Theatre | Tickets
3. Of Monsters And Men Fever Dream Tour (18 Jan)
IndiePop lovers, your favourite quintet hailing all the way from Iceland will be playing at Fort Canning Park on 18 Jan 2020. Best known for their smashing hit, “Little Talks”, Of Monsters And Men has since won many awards under their belts, including a quintuple-platinum certification from the RIAA.
The group also made appearances on the soundtracks of television series such as The Walking Dead and The Hunger Games. Come have a listen when they pop by next January.
Date & Time: 18 Jan | 7pm
Price: From S$108 (early bird tickets @ S$98 sold out)
Of Monsters And Men Fever Dream Tour: Fort Canning Park | Tickets
4. JAY CHOU CARNIVAL WORLD TOUR (周杰伦 嘉年华 世界巡回演唱会) (10 & 11 Jan)
All hail the King of Mandopop as he makes his return to Singapore next year—but I’m sure all you fangirls know that already. Jay Chou has been making music for close to 20 years, and yet still remains unrivalled when it comes to the Mandopop tune throne.
Having already produced 14 albums, more than 150 songs and 7 sold out world tour concerts, no one works harder than the man himself. Next January, seize your chance to get up close and personal with the singer of the many heartbreak songs you often chime along to. Mark your calendars girls and guys, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on this one.
Date & Time: 10 – 11 Jan | 8pm
Price: From S$198
Jay Chou Carnival World Tour: National Stadium | Tickets | Facebook
5. Aliwal Urban Arts Festival (18 Jan)
Participate in the fresh twist of urban arts at Aliwal Urban Art Festival’s seventh stint. Subculture will once again take centre stage as various artists showcase their visual art, dance numbers, alternative music and skateboarding.
Next year’s central theme will be the question of “What If”. We’ll be forced to dig deeper into questions such as, “What if there’s more to subculture than we think we know?” through acts such as mime performances, street jams and skate try-outs.
Come curious and with an open mind as we all probe into the possibilities of “What If”.
Date & Time: 18 Jan | 4pm till late
Price: Admission fees for individual events vary
Aliwal Urban Arts Festival: Aliwal Arts Centre | Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Singapore Art Week 2020 (11 – 19 Jan)
Singapore Art Week (SAW) is back with its annual run in January. In celebration of visual arts, SAW hopes to showcase a variety of visual art projects, discussions, displays and exhibitions to both a local and international audience.
Some highlights you can look out for this coming SAW include Of Gardens and Dreams, the first residential public art gallery trail in Singapore, Art After Dark at Gillman Barracks, and of course, the highly anticipated Light To Night Fest 2020.
You can view the event pocket guide here for easier reference.
Date: 11 – 19 Jan
Price: Individual admission prices vary
Singapore Art Week | Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Chinatown Heritage Food Trail (4 Jan – 22 Feb)
It’s almost that time of the year when Chinese New Year tunes fill the atmosphere and the fragrance of new year goodies and snacks waft through the air. Whether you celebrate the Lunar New Year or not, come join in on the festive fun with a whole set of programmes lined up.
The yearly Street Light Up and Festive Street Bazaar are hard to miss, but don’t forget to check out the Nightly Stage Shows at Kreta Ayer Square too. If you’re feeling up to it, catch dancers as they battle it out during the 13th International Lion Dance Competition.
Date: 4 Jan onwards
Price: S$15 for International Lion Dance Competition admission, free admission for other attractions
Chinatown Heritage Food Trail: Various Locations | Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Gardens By The Bay #FutureTogether Fest (16 Jan – 15 Mar)
Helmed by teamLab, Gardens by the Bay brings you a whole host of immersive art installations next year. In support of the Singapore Bicentennial, teamLab hopes to explore a new relationship between humans and the world through art as a medium. By interacting with the works and craft, participants will become a part of the piece, creating a unique experience that blurs the boundaries between people and the artwork, between the self and others.
Outdoor exhibits are already running and available to the public, but indoor exhibits such as the Reversible Rotation, the Animals of Flowers and the Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity II will be open to the public from 16 Jan onwards.
Date & Time: 16 Jan – 15 Mar | 9am – 9pm (Last entry: 8.30pm)
Price: Free admission for Singaporean Citizens | S$10 for non-Singaporean Citizens
#FutureTogether Fest: Gardens by the Bay, Bayfront Pavilion (Bayfront Plaza) | Website | Tickets | Facebook | Instagram
9. River Hong Bao (23 Jan – 1 Feb)
Yet another annual event, River Hong Bao is one of the largest Lunar New Year events every year. River Hong Bao 2020 features specially choreographed fireworks, interactive exhibits and of course, the signature lantern decor that really help to put us all in a new year mood.
There will also be exciting fringe activities, performances and games to keep you and your little ones entertained throughout the entire evening. Plus, for two nights only on the 31 Jan and 1 Feb, there will be an exclusive Chingay x River Hong Bao crossover as performers from the Chingay Festival join in on the festive fun.
Date & Time: 23 Jan – 1 Feb | 2pm – 11pm
Price: Free admission
River Hong Bao 2020: The Float @ Marina Bay | Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Chingay (31 Jan – 1 Feb)
A celebration of Singapore’s multiculturalism and diversity, the theme of Chingay 2020 is “Colours in Harmony” as it marks 60 years of People’s Association’s community building efforts. 6,000 volunteer performers will be involved in various performances, making it one of People’s Association’s huge-scale events.
Some event highlights to look forward to include the release of 200m-long firecrackers, traditional & contemporary cultural showcases and firework displays.
Ticket prices vary for each day. Singaporean Citizens & PRs are eligible for a 10% discount, while Passion Card holders get a 20% discount.
Date & Time: 31 Jan – 1 Feb | 8pm – 9.45pm
Price: From S$28.50 onwards
Chingay 2020: F1 Pit Building | Website | Tickets | Facebook | Instagram
11. Thomson-East Coast Line Open House (11 Jan)
Ever since the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line was announced, many have been anticipating this new line that starts from the North and cuts through the perimeter of Singapore’s East coast. The wait’s almost over, with the route slated to open on 31 Jan 2020.
But before that, the public gets a tiny sneak peek into the stations on 11 Jan to explore and have a feel of the place on their own. During the open house that runs from 9am to 6pm, attendees can enjoy free rides between the three stations that are part of the first phase: Woodlands North, Woodlands and Woodlands South.
Aside from carnival games and family activities, what might be more interesting to check out is the new and improved way-finding features and signages of the line. PS: Looking at our track record, do you think we’ll all just refer to it as the brown line when it begins operation?
Date & Time: 11 Jan | 9am – 6pm
Price: Free admission
Thomson-East Coast Line Open House: First phase stations | Website
12. Kumoya x We Bare Bears Pop Up Cafe (4 Jan – 12 Apr)
Join the three bear brothers in their quest to blend into the human world, always stumbling upon problems and getting into trouble. From 4 Jan, Kumoya is running a We Bare Bears Pop Up cafe featuring 26 specially-crafted menu items designed by the famed Little Miss Bento.
With dishes like the We Bare Bear Baos and The Ice Bear Arctic Cool Seafood Rice, they’re almost too cute to be eaten. Snag some adorable merchandise while you’re there, and stand a chance to win a giant 90cm Ice Bear plush worth S$199 when you spend S$108 and above in a single receipt.
Date & Time: 4 Jan – 12 Apr | Tues – Thurs, Sun: 12pm – 9.30pm; Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm; Closed on Mondays
Price: From S$10.90 onwards
Kumoya x We Bare Bears Pop Up Cafe | Facebook | Instagram
13. Huayi Chinese Festival of the Arts (31 Jan – 9 Feb)
Organised by Esplanade Theatres, the Huayi Chinese Festival of the Arts runs from 31 Jan to 9 Feb. It is common to find bowls of piping hot, boiled soup at the dining table when Chinese families gather, and to the organisers, artistic creation is very much like brewing a pot of “good soup”.
Each performance is well-thought out and carefully curated to bring audiences the best possible experience. And of course, it’s best shared with friends and family. Immerse yourself in the Chinese culture through unorthodox mediums such as silent films, puppetry, dish-making workshops, and traditional instrument recitals.
Date: 31 Jan – 9 Feb
Price: Free admission for some events, admission fees for others vary
Huayi Chinese Festival of The Arts: Esplanade Theatres | Website | Facebook | Instagram
14. Makan Matters with The Hungry Hopefuls (11 Jan)
Believing in the bonds that hearty fare fosters, Makan Matters is an ongoing programme series that brings people together through food, drinks, and warm conversations.
People from all aspects of the industry—chefs, farmers, artists and foodies—come together during this event to exchange their different experiences and perspectives on food. Next January’s edition features a 7-course dinner as they walk you through cuisine from Turkey and The Middle East.
Date & Time: 11 Jan | 7pm
Price: S$80++
Makan Matters with The Hungry Hopefuls: Telok Ayer Arts Club | Facebook
15. The Kumar Show: January 2020 Edition (3 Jan – 28 Jan)
There’s only one local comedian whom we all know and love and can get away with one too many offensive jokes—Yes, it’s Kumar. I guess the reason why he’s so widely admired is because of his refusal to shy away from difficult-to-swallow topics, and his courage for commenting on the recent controversy that’s on everyone’s mind, but one that no one dares to articulate.
Be it quirky, social, sexual or political, Kumar always knows just how to frame his jest with the right amount of realness, a tinge of offence, and a whole lot of truth. This coming January, catch our favourite drag queen in action as he delves into a host of new topics you wouldn’t wanna miss!
Date & Time: 3, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 28 Jan
Price: From S$25 onwards (excluding GST)
The Kumar Show: January 2020 Edition: Canvas Singapore | Tickets | Facebook
16. Advanced Latte Art Class by The Coffee Academics Singapore (29 Jan)
Always in awe of how your favourite barista crafts the foam leaf on your latte so perfectly every single morning? Well, there’s no better place to learn and try your hand at latte art than at the renowned cafe, The Coffee Academics, itself.
Hailing from Hong Kong, the coffee chain is best known for making consistently smooth cuppas, and they’re letting us in on their secret. Over a duration of two hours, participants of the workshop can practise and master their milk foam control and execution to pour latte art designs of their choice.
Date & Time: 29 Jan | 6pm – 8pm
Price: S$120
Advanced Latte Art Class: The Coffee Academics Singapore: Tickets
These are just some of the upcoming experiences that are bound to keep you busy in the first month of 2020—here’s to a great start to the new year!
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