Feeling cultural this weekend? Check out SCCC and Arts House.
1. Snakes, Ladders and Celebrations: Experience CNY at SCCC
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) will host its annual CNY Family FUN event from January 17 to 19, 2025.
This free-to-attend event offers a variety of festive activities for the whole family, including:
– “蛇prise” Art Installation: A captivating rooftop display featuring a giant snake, a prosperity pavilion, and more. Visitors can immerse themselves in Singaporean Chinese customs and capture memorable photos.
– “Life-sized Snakes and Ladders Game: A fun and interactive way for families to learn about Chinese New Year traditions while
enjoying a classic game.
– “Mahjong Masterclass: For both beginners and experienced players, this workshop delves into the history, cultural significance, and various styles of Mahjong.
– “CNY Spring Bazaar: A vibrant marketplace offering a wide selection of Chinese New Year snacks, decorations, traditional pastries, accessories, and even bubble tea.
– “Performances, Talks, and Free Activities: Enjoy captivating lion dances, drum performances, mask changing, and a dazzling LED snake dance. Learn about the cultural significance of golden lions and the Year of the Snake through engaging talks. Participate in interactive activities like Inked Blessings and explore the Year of the Snake Zodiac Forecast Exhibition.
CNY Family FUN 2025 at SCCC promises an unforgettable experience filled with cultural learning, family fun, and Instagram-worthy moments.
SCCC is located at 1 Straits Boulevard Downtown Core 018906.
2. Singapore’s VERSE Festival Roars into Action
VERSE is a year-long literary arts program at The Arts House at the Old Parliament (TAH) that celebrates the diversity of Singapore literature. It features a variety of events and activities, such as interactive installations, exhibitions, workshops, and performances, designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Some of the highlights of the VERSE program include:
– A Little Bead of Work by Kray Chen: This interactive installation invites visitors to string together words and create bracelets, drawing inspiration from both high art and pop culture.
– Blackout Poetry Jam Sessions by Sing Lit Station: These jam sessions invite visitors to craft their own blackout poems by redacting
words from books, newspapers, and other printed materials.
– Cherita Hantu: Kafirun by Arts House Limited in collaboration with Hafidz Rahman: This spine-tingling production promises a haunting theatrical journey that will captivate and terrify audiences like never before.
– Karaoke Poetry: A Collective Reading by Tusitala X Matter.Less: This innovative and fun experience blends Singaporean Chinese literary works with digital interactions.
– Now You See Us? by TraseOne: This dynamic multimedia projection blends intricate visuals with an accompanying soundscape, creating an immersive experience that offers a fresh perspective on Singapore’s artistic heritage.
VERSE is a unique and exciting opportunity to experience the power of words and stories in a new and engaging way.
For more information, please click here.
The Arts House at the Old Parliament (TAH) is located at 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429.
3. Culture Cartel 2025
Culture Cartel, the renowned street culture convention, is gearing up for its fifth and most ambitious edition yet. From 17 to 19 January 2025, Singapore EXPO Hall 5 will play host to this three-day extravaganza, which will span an impressive 100,000 square feet.
Culture Cartel 2025: ICONS Uprising will celebrate the iconic figures who have shaped street culture and the rising stars who are defining its future. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of over 250 local and international brands and artists showcasing their creations in art, fashion, music, tattoos, and toys. The event will feature immersive exhibitions, exclusive limited-edition drops, and exciting global collaborations.
This year’s edition boasts a range of exciting first-time highlights. McDonald’s Singapore debuts as the Main Culture Icon Partner, promising some intriguing surprises. CASETiFY will unveil limited-edition phone cases designed by renowned artists like Aeropalmics, DAZE, Tell Your Children, and Yung Raja. White Rabbit, a beloved local brand, will launch its first-ever bubble tea. Celebrity photographer Phillip Leeds, known for his critically acclaimed book “Big Shots,” will be roaming the convention with his Polaroid camera, capturing visitors’ unique moments. Other notable appearances include Alex Turnbull showcasing the world’s most extensive Stüssy Tribe Jacket Collection, TikTok sensation David Huynh selling limited pieces of his dollar bills art, and Tony Rapacioli unveiling his first-ever AI art exhibition.
The general sale commenced on 25 December 2024, with tickets priced at s$16.00 each and VIP Passes priced at s$50.00 each.
Singapore EXPO is located at 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150.
4. SAW x PAssionArts Celebrates SG60 with Community Art Installations
Singapore Art Week and PAssionArts are collaborating on a series of programs called SAW x PAssionArts to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of independence (SG60). From 17 to 26 January 2025, this collaboration will bring unique community art installations to life.
The theme of SAW x PAssionArts 2025 is “Building Our SG Together”. This initiative aims to transform everyday spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and reflection. The program will feature five community projects by artists and arts groups in collaboration with Community Arts & Culture Clubs (CACCs) across five neighbourhoods in Singapore: Bukit Batok East, Canberra, Kampong Glam, Mountbatten and Tampines North.
One of the highlights of SAW x PAssionArts 2025 is the National Antiquities Parade by Temporal Displacement Agency in collaboration with Mountbatten CACC. This project will commemorate the SG60 celebrations by paying homage to one of Singapore’s most iconic and endearing national events, the National Day Parade.
For more information, please click here.
5. Light to Night Singapore 2025
Light to Night Singapore 2025, a vibrant art festival held from 17 January to 6 February 2025, explores the multifaceted identities of Singaporean communities under the theme “Do You See Me?”
This year’s festival, coinciding with the Gallery’s 10th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday, features over 70 artworks and programs across the Civic District (National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Funan).
Key highlights include “Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest” by Han Sai Por, a captivating display of large-scale inflatable sculptures, and projection mappings on iconic landmarks showcasing the works of renowned artists like Chng Seok Tin and Goh Beng Kwan. The festival also features interactive installations, live performances, and a diverse range of food and beverage options at the Art X Social: Festival Street.
“Do You See Me?” encourages festival-goers to see and be seen, prompting reflection on diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the community. With a focus on inclusivity, the festival features works that shed light on lesser-seen communities, such as Claire Teo’s multi-sensory installation inspired by her experiences as a visually impaired individual.
Light to Night Singapore 2025 offers a unique opportunity to experience the power of art in shaping self-discovery and community connection.
For more information, please click here.
6. Build the World’s Longest LEGO Snake at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort
LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort celebrates the Year of the Snake with a vibrant Lunar New Year festival from 16 January to 23 February 2025. Guests can enjoy thrilling performances, meet beloved characters, and participate in festive activities.
A key highlight is the “Join In on The Record-Breaking Adventure to Build the World’s Longest LEGO Snake!” challenge. Guests are invited to contribute to building a 338-meter-long LEGO Snake, surpassing the park’s previous record. This epic project will use over 1 million LEGO bricks, creating a truly impressive spectacle.
The festival will also feature daily live performances, including a Lunar New Year Opening Show, Beats of Celebration, and a Farewell Show. Guests can also enjoy ninja training at LEGO® NINJAGO® World, participate in LEGO building classes, and search for hidden Chinese Zodiac minifigures throughout the park.
Other exciting activities during Gala Week (29 January to 2 February 2025) include meet-and-greets with LEGO NINJAGO characters and Ollie the Dragon, Chinese Calligraphy classes, and a Fortune Lucky Draw.
For more details, please click here.
LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort is located at 7 Jalan Legoland 79250 Iskandar Puteri Johore.
7. Tandoori Festiva at Raffles Hotel
The Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore is hosting its annual Tandoori Festival from 13 to 26 January 2025. This culinary event celebrates the art of tandoor cooking, offering a refined selection of meats, seafood, and vegetables skillfully prepared in the traditional clay oven.
Under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi, guests can enjoy innovative takes on classic North Indian dishes. Highlights include Bhatti Ki Macchi (black cod with papaya murabba), Tandoori Bater (rose and spice-infused quail), and Tandoori Malai Crab (cheddar cheese and yogurt-marinated crab with grilled pumpkin). Vegetarian options, such as Bhatti Ki Galouti (pan-seared vegetable patties) and Makai Aur Mattar Seekh (sweet corn and green pea kebabs), are also available.
The Tandoori Festival offers a multi-course dining experience, with optional wine pairings thoughtfully selected by Raffles Hotel Singapore’s expert sommeliers.
The Tandoori Festival Menu starts from S$98++ per guest.
Raffles Hotel Singapore is located at 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673.
8. GU:UM Launches Refreshed Menu
GU:UM, the contemporary Korean steakhouse helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Louis Han, has recently unveiled a revamped menu. Now under the guidance of Chef Sanggil Byeon, a protégé of Chef Han, the restaurant introduces exciting new additions alongside its signature grilled meats.
The refreshed menu boasts a diverse range of options, including a signature set menu showcasing 13 of GU:UM’s most popular dishes. For a leisurely weekend, diners can indulge in the Steak Brunch, featuring a platter of premium meats and seafood, grilled vegetables, and an array of Korean banchan.
New a la carte creations include premium cuts like Woodae Galbi Short Ribs and Iberico Presa, alongside innovative Korean dishes like Al Bibimbap and Sujebi Mac ‘n Cheese. The Surf & Turf Platter is a highlight, combining fresh seafood like butterflied grouper and Atlantic red prawns with exquisite cuts of beef and pork.
To complement the culinary experience, GU:UM offers a curated selection of Korean and international liquors, including South Korea’s first craft gin and exclusive bottles from Ki-One, the country’s first single malt whiskey distillery.
GU:UM is located at 29 Keong Saik Road, Ground Floor, Singapore 089136.
9. Yakiniku Gyubei Debuts First Overseas Outlet in Singapore
Yakiniku Gyubei, a renowned Japanese yakiniku restaurant celebrated for its “head-to-tail” philosophy, has made its highly anticipated overseas debut in Singapore. Known for serving 24 premium cuts of Wagyu beef from ethically raised Kyushu cattle, Gyubei offers an exceptional dining experience focused on sustainability and minimizing waste.
The Singapore outlet, situated at 100AM, officially opened its doors on 10 January 2025. A special promotion is running from 10 to 26 January 2025 to mark the occasion: enjoy S$30 off the Omakase Set featuring a 6-Kind Yakiniku Assortment, now priced only at S$68 (U.P. S$98).
The menu showcases a variety of cuts, ranging from classic sirloin and shoulder loin to more adventurous options like tongue. Lunch sets start at just S$13.90, while indulgent Omakase BBQ Courses begin at S$100 for two diners. Complementing Gyubei is Shabu-Shabu Sumire-An, a sister concept offering premium Wagyu shabu-shabu, starting at S$15.90.
This milestone marks Yakiniku Gyubei’s expansion onto the international stage, bringing its innovative and sustainable yakiniku dining experience to Singapore.
Find Yakiniku Gyubei at 100 Tras Street, #03-10/11, Singapore 079027.
10. Swiss Butchery’s Exclusive CNY 2025 Offerings
Swiss Butchery invites everyone to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a festive feast featuring premium meats and unbeatable deals. Swiss Butchery offers everything you need for a memorable celebration, whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large family reunion.
They have introduced exclusive bundle deals for shabu-shabu to make your CNY preparations easier. Choose from a wide selection of premium meats like Chicken Shabu, Lamb Shabu, Kurobuta Pork Collar Shabu, Beef Ribeye Shabu, and more. You can buy 1 for S$14, 2 for S$26, or 3 for S$36, making it an affordable and convenient option for hotpot celebrations.
If you prefer à la carte, indulge in their premium offerings such as crispy Crackling Pork Belly, tender BBQ Baby Back Ribs, and flavorful Roasted Whole Chicken. Pre-order now to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience.
For more information, please click here.
Swiss Butchery is located at 56 Tanglin Road Unit, No: 2, Singapore 247964.
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