CNY 2025 Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

5 Must-Try CNY 2025 Activities in Singapore

Chinese New Year is a magical time in Singapore, brimming with colorful traditions and vibrant festivities. It gives us opportunities to immerse ourselves in culture, creativity, and entertainment. Whether you’re spending it with family or friends, there’s no shortage of festive fun.

Here’s our guide to the top five family-friendly activities you won’t want to miss this season:

#1: VISIONS OF MAGIC: HARRY POTTER

Step into the wizarding world at Visions of Magic: Harry Potter, an immersive exhibition on Sentosa Island. My sister, mother, and I were enchanted by the ten interactive rooms, each recreating iconic moments from the Harry Potter films. The highlight? The Chamber of Secrets, where the basilisk came to life before our eyes. Armed with wands, we cast spells that unleashed magical surprises. This exhibit is truly a dream come true for Potterheads!

Tickets: S$39 for children and S$49 for adults.

#2: WINGS OF TIME

Another must-see attraction on Sentosa Island, Wings of Time is a spectacular light, sound, and pyrotechnics show that left us in awe. The whimsical storyline follows two children and a mystical bird on a journey through time, enhanced by dazzling water fountains and fireworks. The vibrant visuals and mesmerizing effects make it a favorite for audiences of all ages. However, don’t expect a deep story as it only lasts for 20 minutes.

Tickets: S$22 for standard seating and S$27 for premium seats.

#3: DISNEY GARDEN OF WONDER AT FLORAL FANTASY

Disney fans are in for a treat at Floral Fantasy, which has been transformed into a Disney-themed paradise for CNY 2025. Featuring beloved characters like Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Carl from Up, the exhibit blends creative floral displays with a touch of nostalgia. The whimsical scenes even show Disney characters enjoying local delights like durian and ice kachang. It’s a brief but magical experience perfect for capturing family photos.

Image Credits: facebook.com/gardensbythebay

Tickets: S$8 for children and S$12 for adults.

#4: CHINATOWN’S CROWDED STREETS

Chinatown comes alive during Chinese New Year, and 2025 is no different. We strolled along Pagoda and Temple Streets, soaking in the vibrant decorations, mouth-watering street food, and buzzing atmosphere. The variety of festive goodies is unparalleled. Think pineapple tarts, bak kwa, and love letters (my favorite). Pro tip: stock up on your favorite CNY snacks here!

Tickets: Strolling is free; snacks and trinkets start at S$1.

#5: RIVER HONGBAO 2025

A trip to Singapore during Chinese New Year wouldn’t be complete without visiting River Hongbao. Held at Gardens by the Bay from 27 January to 5 February 2025, this annual event features giant lantern displays, cultural performances, and firecracker showcases. With amusement rides, vibrant floral arrangements, and nostalgic games like a retro snake game, there’s something for everyone.

Tickets: Entry is free; activities and rides start from S$5.

IN A NUTSHELL

Image Credits: facebook.com/gardensbythebay

Singapore turns into a dazzling wonderland of lights, colors, and festivities during Chinese New Year. From exploring the wizarding world to enjoying lively performances and festive feasts, these activities promise to create unforgettable memories. Gather your loved ones, embrace the season’s joy, and celebrate in the heart of the Lion City—because there’s no better place to welcome the Year of the Snake!

Where to Snag Adorable Red Packets for CNY 2025

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it’s time to stock up on festive red packets that bring joy and prosperity to your celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for playful designs or meaningful concepts, this list will help you find some of the cutest red packets this year.

#1: SKECHERS

Spend $150 and receive an exclusive Skechers Red Packet Set, ideal for spreading prosperity and style this CNY. Each set is limited to one per order, so hurry and grab yours before they’re gone! Shop now and secure yours today at Shopee.

Image Credits: shopee.sg

#2: FAIRPRICE OUTLETS

Starting January 9, 2025, make a minimum purchase of S$50 in a single receipt at any FairPrice outlet, including FairPrice Xtra, Finest, or Unity stores, to redeem vibrant festive red packets. These stunning designs are limited to one set per transaction, so don’t miss out! Learn more at FairPrice.

#3: MCDONALD’S

Celebrate the season with McDonald’s! From January 2, 2025, get a pack of six cute red packets with every Prosperity Feast Meal purchase. And if you’re a fan of adorable collectibles, you can grab a set of Cinnamoroll and My Melody Snap Cards with any meal (excluding Happy Meals) from January 16. Find out more at McDonald’s.

Image Credits:mcdonalds.com.sg

#4: GENECO

Go green this Chinese New Year with Geneco’s exclusive eco-friendly red packets. Made from recycled paper, these beautiful packets feature designs inspired by Singapore’s lush greenery with gold accents symbolizing family strength.

Stand a chance to win these exclusive red packets and a $28 eCapitaVoucher by following these steps:

a. Follow Geneco on Facebook.
b. Answer “True” or “False” to the question: You can find over 250 Heritage Trees in Singapore.
c. Tag 3 friends and include the hashtag #ForestOfProsperity.

The giveaway ends January 19, 2025, so join the fun at Geneco’s Facebook page.

#5: KFC

From January 13 to February 18, 2025, enjoy KFC’s adorable mofusand kitty-themed red packets. These cuties come in a set of six and are available with any purchase of Cereal Chicken or Cereal Chicken Burger for dine-in or takeaway. Check them out at KFC.

Image Credits: kfc.com.sg

#6: KOPITIAM

Make your mornings extra special this January with Kopitiam! Enjoy a signature breakfast set and receive vibrant red packets featuring a Snake & Ladder game. These fun and functional designs are perfect for entertaining family and friends during festive visits. Learn more at Kopitiam.

#7: IPPUDO

Spend $50 (or $70 at Marina Bay Sands) to receive exclusive IPPUDO red packets featuring Daruma and ramen bowl designs. These symbolize perseverance, good fortune, and togetherness. Available for dine-in or takeaway. Explore more here.

Whether you’re collecting red packets for their stunning designs or spreading festive cheer, these picks are sure to add a touch of charm to your celebrations. Happy Chinese New Year!

Sources: 1 & 2

Go Green This CNY: Hongbao Reservations Start Jan 7

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and from Jan 7, you can make appointments to secure hongbao notes for the festivities on Jan 29 and 30. Reservations can be made online through DBS, OCBC, or UOB’s systems, as announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Collection begins on Jan 14, allowing ample time to prepare your red packets for the celebration.

Sustainability Meets Tradition

MAS encourages the use of fit-for-gifting notes or digital red packets to preserve tradition while promoting sustainability. This initiative helps reduce carbon emissions associated with the production of new notes.

Why choose fit notes? Fit notes are thoroughly verified to ensure they meet quality standards for recirculation. While they may have minor fold lines or marks, they are clean and perfectly suitable for festive gifting.

In 2024 alone, over 11.7 million fit notes were exchanged, a 5% increase from the previous year. This sustainable approach saved emissions equivalent to the energy required to power 220 four-room HDB flats for a year.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Convenient Collection Options

For seniors aged 60 and above and individuals with disabilities, walk-in exchanges are available at DBS, OCBC, and UOB branches. From Jan 14, pop-up and branch ATMs across Singapore will also be dispensing hongbao notes, with no reservations required.

1. DBS: 72 pop-up ATMs at 48 locations, including an increased number of machines exclusively dispensing fit notes.
2. OCBC: 24 ATMs at 13 locations, doubling its fit-note dispensing ATMs to four.
3. UOB: 30 ATMs at 17 locations, including four for fit notes, doubling its capacity from 2024.

Embrace Digital Gifting

Digital hongbaos are gaining popularity, and for good reason—they’re eco-friendly and convenient. In 2024, over 70% of DBS customers embraced digital gifting for the first time, transferring a remarkable S$39 million through QR and e-gift services.

To encourage this trend, DBS is offering a giveaway with prizes of S$8,888 and S$88 from Jan 7 to Feb 18, 2025.

To qualify, customers need to:

1. Send an e-gift or load a QR Ang Bao with a minimum of S$8 on the PayLah! app (terms and conditions apply).
2. Keep their total cash withdrawals below S$500 during the campaign period.

Protecting Customers

To safeguard against phishing scams, MAS reminds the public that banks will not send SMS messages with clickable links regarding hongbao note collections.

Additionally, banks are increasing the number of pop-up and branch ATMs dispensing fit notes to make the process more accessible for everyone.

Plan ahead, book your hongbao notes early, and celebrate the season with thoughtful and sustainable choices.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 red-hue dresses $59.90 and under to wear for CNY 2025

Happy New Year!

A new year means Chinese New Year is right around the corner.

It’s never too early to shop for new clothes and we’ve done the browsing for you so you can just add to cart and check out.

So without further ado, here are our top red-hue dress picks for $59.90 and under:

Zoe Padded Dress Maroon

Price: $41.90

We will start off with a sassy, stretchy dress for CNY 2025.

This cotton jersey gem from Shop Sassy Dream hugs your curves while allowing for decent movement.

Its removable paddings let you customize the coverage, while the side zipper makes getting dressed a breeze.

Cap sleeves lend a feminine touch to this flattering frock that can easily go from CNY to brunch dates and even dance floor nights, in a rich maroon hue just right for the new year.

Polo Piqued Pleated Rapport Dress Burgundy Red

Price: $46.90

Or get sporty in this polo dress that’s as court-ready as it is CNY-chic.

The classic polo design gets an update with a box-pleated skirt that moves as you do, with functional buttons down the front.

A body-skimming fit that flatters your shape, this luxe cotton-poly pique blend with under-terry lining keeps you feeling as fabulous as you look.

Great for the on-the-go girl who refuses to choose between pretty and practical.

Floralbook Embroidery Dress (Brick Red)

Price: $55

Laid-back fashion has a new name: the Floralbook Embroidery Dress from The Thread Theory.

This stunner is all about the details, from the eyelet fabric to the elasticated shoulders and sleeves.

Fully lined.

A loose fit means you can stay comfortable all day while house-hopping.

Beyond the festivities, throw it on with sandals for a day of running errands, or dress it up with heels and a belt/waist sash for a night out.

Jodette Padded Rosette Mesh Ruched Maxi Dress

Price: $55.90

The Jodette Padded Rosette Mesh Ruched Maxi Dress delivers with its soft, flowing silhouette.

This dress soars with a layered mesh fabric that gently drapes over your figure + its ruched bodice sculpts your shape with flattering lines.

Comes with adjustable straps and a detachable rosette pin so you can play mix and match or remove entirely for a sleeker aesthetic.

After CNY is over, you can wear this to a wedding event or dance at a company gala!

Luna Veil Lace Dress w Cape (Wine Red)

Price: $59.90

Last but not least, we have this wine-red lace dress, a showstopper that comes with a detachable cape that drapes across your shoulders.

Made using a premium lace blend, it is lined for opacity yet breathable enough for all-day wear.

A lace gem that ensures all eyes are on you this CNY.

The question is: will you keep the cape on or take it off?

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