In a city full of excitement, where do we begin? Indeed, it will rain a lot this month but that doesn’t stop the endless stream of fun happening to kickstart the new year. From interactive festivals, epic art pop-ups and more…we’ve tracked down 40 of the coolest things to do this January 2023 in Singapore.
1. Light to Night Festival 2023
From January 6 to 26, the Light to Night Festival returns with a new theme of Here and Now as part of Singapore Art Week. The festival will exhibit larger-than-life installations by the likes of Dawn Ng, a series of diverse programmes, invites guests to reflect on contemporary topics through artworks and much more.
📍Civic District, Singapore
2. Dive into a new reality
The Line exhibition at the ArtScience Museum is one of the best VR experiences in the world, involving a 15-20 minute embodied VR narrative experience about love and the fear of change. Guests will experience the world of miniature dolls Pedro and Rosa in a 1940s São Paulo, who must break boundaries to live out their love. This exhibition ends on April 20.
📍VR Gallery, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave
3. See We Will Rock You Musical
Queen fans can’t miss this iconic tribute production, by GMG productions, from January 5 to 22 at Esplanade. Jam along to 24 hit tunes from We Will Rock You to We Are The Champions, I Want To Break Free and much more. Tickets begin at $78. Get tickets here.
📍Esplanade Theatre, Singapore
4. Celebrate Chinese New Year 2023
The Chinatown Chinese New Year 2023 celebrations begin on January 1 until February 19. This year’s theme is Leaping Into The Prosperous Year of The Rabbit. Expect illuminating light-ups and installations, a range of food fairs, entertainment and a countdown party on January 21 to ring in the Chinese New Year.
📍Chinatown, Singapore
5. Visit the 兔gether Exhibition
Singapore’s Chinese Cultural Centre is honouring the Year of the Rabbit with a spectacular rabbit-themed art exhibition on its rooftop garden until March 31. The interactive installation was created by Whisky and Foxtrot LLP studio and presents a host of characters showcasing local Chinese New year practices to enjoy with family and friends.
📍1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
6. Have fun at a massive carnival
The Trip.com Mega Carnival is happening until February 5 at Downtown East. Visitors can enjoy over 20 stations of unlimited games, rides and activities. From VR experiences to bumper cars, swan pedal and more…it’s the perfect for everyone in the family.
📍1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599
7. Singapore Art Week 2023
Singapore Art Week 2023 returns for the 11th edition from January 6 to 15. Presenting over 130 free and ticketed art events featuring the biggest line-up of new works and collaborations in Singapore, across museums, galleries and public spaces. Read further about Singapore Art Week 2023.
📍Various Locations
8. Aliwal Urban Arts Festival 2023
On January 14, this free one-day festival is the ultimate art week experience for art lovers. It showcases Singapore’s vibrant urban culture scene, featuring an array of renowned local artists from different art practices as well as fun activities such as music, live graffiti painting and pop-up markets.
📍Various Locations
9. Unwind at Sunset Yoga
Secret Sunrise Singapore is organising Sunset Yoga: Gratitude on January 19 at 7.30pm. Camilla leads the session, which combines wireless headphones, to help you unlock your gratitude and release any negative or chaotic energy whole enriching your mind, body and soul. Get tickets on Eventbrite.
📍Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park, River Valley Road, Singapore
10. Hike through a new nature park
Get fit and healthy by trekking through Singapore’s latest nature retreat and first positive energy park – Rifles Range Nature Park. Situated along Rifle Range Road near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the 66 hectare park features two boardwalks, a range of walking trails and viewing decks and a quarry wetland.
📍Rifle Range Road, Singapore
SEE MORE: The Best Scenic Hiking Trails To Trek In Singapore
11. Visit the biggest art fair in Asia Pacific
Art SG is the largest art exhibition in Southeast Asia is happening from January 12 to 15 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Admire over 1,000 artworks from more than 150 leading art galleries across the globe, from sculptures to painting, photography and much more.
📍10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
12. Play at the first Children’s Museum
A first-of-its-kind Children’s Museum opened in Singapore in December. The highly anticipated museum invites children who are 12 and under to enter a wonderful world of play and learning. The museum features a permanent exhibition spanning four galleries as well as three rotating galleries. Read further about the new museum here.
📍Coleman Street, 23-B, Singapore 179807
13. See optical illusions at the Trickeye Museum
Experience this exciting Korean optical 3D illusion art museum. Explore various AR zones, from instagrammable Rainbow Gardens and underwater wonderlands, to name a few. Certainly, one of the best things to do any time of year in Singapore.
📍80 Siloso Road, Southside Interim Market Blk B # 01, 04, Singapore 098969
14. Enter the world of Pandora
This magical experience at Gardens by the Bay, in honour of Avatar 2, brings Pandora right to the heart of Cloud Forest until March 31, 2023. Read all about it here.
📍18 Marina Gardens Dr, #03-02/03, Singapore 018953
15. Enjoy 360-degree city views
Another one of the best things to do in Singapore is panoramic views atop of Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Located on the 56th floor, the popular attraction is shaped like a ship and presents unmatched views both day and night.
📍10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
SEE MORE: The Best Rooftop Dining Experiences In Singapore
16. Be mesmerised by a colourful light show
Wings of Time is a hugely popular colourful night show in Sentosa. It features a majestic soundtrack, fireworks and 3D effects used to light up the night sky against the backdrop of the ocean at Siloso Beach. Read all about the experience.
📍50 Beach View, Singapore 09860
17. Hop on Singapore Cable Car
Experience Singapore the most scenic way with a cable car ride at Mount Faber or Sentosa. Perched 100 metres above sea level, it will be unforgettable. Plus, one of the most unique dining experiences is also on offer, high in the sky, on Singapore Cable Car.
📍Various Locations
18. Mental: Colours of Wellbeing
A cool new and instagrammable exhibition has popped up at the ArtScience Museum. It opens a conversation about mental health through 24 installations curated by artists, scientists and designers from across the globe. From a mood boosting colourful hamster wheel to anxiety animations…it’s a must-visit before finishing on February 26.
📍10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
19. Go to the new Dinoland
This new indoor adventure forest has plenty of dino-themed activities and a host of dinosaurs to play alongside at SAFRA Yishun. Tickets are from $35. It’s an epic family-friendly activity to do this month.
📍60 Yishun Avenue 4, Yishun #02, #01 Safra, Singapore 769027
20. Check out the coolest exhibitions
Singapore offers some of the best exhibitions providing some fun on a rainy day or boring weekend. From mind-blowing science exhibitions at the Science Centre to other worlds at the ArtScience Museum…you won’t be bored. Discover the best current exhibitions to see.
📍Various Locations
21. Dine with Hello Kitty and Little Twin Stars
This adorable pop-up café is a whimsical experience fans of the brand won’t want to miss. Located at the Stamford Brasserie, the dreamy 60-seater café features all your favourite characters from Hello Kitty to Lala and Kiki, alongside the perfect themed meal. This experience finishes on January 29. Read further about it here.
📍 2 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178882
22. Breakfast In The Wild
Grab your family or friends for a sustainable breakfast in a charming rainforest at Mandai Wildlife. Enjoy stories about the animal kingdom before getting up close and personal with nature. Prices begin at $35 for children and $45 for adults.
📍80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
23. Visit the Clarins Beauty Factory
A gorgeous pink and instagrammable pop-up experience by beauty brand Clarins is unmissable before January 31. With innovative skincare tips, five unique stations, claw machines and prizes to be won…it’s perfect for all the girly girls.
📍The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
24. See the Doraemon Exhibition
The first global showcase of the Doraemon Exhibition outside of Japan has opened for three months in Singapore. Learn all about it here or purchase tickets.
📍93 Stamford Road, Singapore
25. Go wild at X-Scap8
Discover a range of adrenaline-pumping activities for all ages at this new interactive indoor playground on Orchard Road. From climbing 10m high to destressing in a smash lab, acting as a warrior in a challenge and much more…you won’t be bored. A perfect rainy day activity if you ask us!
📍Orchard Road, Singapore
26. Uncover Singapore’s hidden secret places
We’ve already listed a range of hidden secret places to visit in Singapore. Be sure to bring your camera for the occasion.
📍 Various Locations
27. Race at KF1 Karting Circuit
At Singapore’s largest go-kart circuit, you know you’ll be in for a treat. Get your adrenaline pumping by taking on 16 corners over a 750m track. The novice karts are for everyone to enjoy, which can speed up to 28km, but the more advanced karts are for driving licensed people only.
📍1 Turf Club Avenue, Singapore 738078
28. Attend a Candlelight Concert
Attend one of these world-class Candlelight concerts. Each show features a different musical number under the glimmer of candlelight in a stunning setting. For instance, Candlelight: Best of Anime Soundtracks on January 5. Check out what’s on via the Fever website.
29. Spend the day at Sentosa
Sentosa is an excellent place to spend a day, no matter what age you are. See all the wonderful things to do in Sentosa here.
📍Sentosa Island, Singapore
30. Attend a beach carnival
This iconic new outdoor destination called Central Beach Bazaar is perfect for people of all ages in Sentosa. Read all about it here.
📍60 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 098997
31. Step inside a camera
One of the most unique and unusual things to do in Singapore is this one-of-a-kind Vintage Camera Museum. Step inside an actual camera to enter the museum followed by exploring over 1,000 vintage cameras and much more.
📍8C Jln Kledek, Singapore 199263
32. New World’s End
Go on a whirlwind journey through Singapore on this unique audio and art experience on various dates in January. Find out more here.
33. Enjoy the view in a rooftop garden
The CapitaSpring building is home to the highest rooftop garden, atop the 51st floor, in Singapore. Plus, it’s free to visit and offers a range of delicious and unique restaurants such as Oumi and Sol And Luna…perfect for any occasion.
📍88 Market St, CapitaSpring 048948
SEE MORE: 8 Therapuetic Rooftop Gardens To Stroll In Singapore
34. Pulau Ubin Tours
Experience the joys of nature in Pulau Ubin. From biking to kayaking and more…there’s plenty to do four nature lovers. Find out more here.
35. Get lost at Future World
From the creators of the world-famous Mori Digital Art Museum in Tokyo, this gram-worthy exhibition invites you to lose yourself in an exciting universe of art, magic and science among 16 borderless digital interactive installations. Book tickets via Marina Bay Sands.
📍 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
SEE MORE: The Best Museums and Galleries In Singapore
36. The Sundowner
With rooftop workshops and plenty of events…you won’t be bored here. Find out what’s on here.
37. Enjoy the best nightlife
Party the evening or night away at some electrifying places in Singapore. Think the likes of ig-worthy nightclubs like Marquee with a 3-storey slide or underground techno clubs blasting the hottest tunes…pick a nightlife experience here.
📍Various Locations
38. Take on water bikes
This quirky activity is just like riding a real bike, except you ride it on water. You can hit speeds of 15km per hour for an adventurous workout. Read further about the new waterbikes experience here.
39. Set sail on a sunset booze cruise
Why not grab your mates for a Singapore sunset cruise with free-flowing drinks from January 17. It includes a two-hour sunset cruise past the Southern Islands of Singapore and the iconic city skyline. Read further about it here or to purchase tickets.
📍Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore
40. Go on an instagrammable adventure
Social media lovers will enjoy the most instagrammable foods in Singapore. Additionally, find the most instagrammable bars in Singapore at night, then the most instagrammable cafes in Singapore during the day, and let’s not forget about the most instagrammable places to capture picture-perfect shots.