🧧 Best Chinese New Year Fringe Activities for a Fun & Meaningful Celebration in Singapore 🧨
Chinese New Year isn’t just about lion dances and reunion dinners — it’s also a time to immerse yourself in colourful traditions, creative crafts, and joyful experiences that bring communities together. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a community festival, or a family gathering, the right fringe activities can make your celebration both memorable and meaningful.
Here’s a curated list of must-try fringe activities that blend culture, creativity, and lots of fun!
🍀 1. Meet the Fortune God — Fu, Lu & Shou
Bring auspicious blessings directly to your event by including appearances from Fortune God or Mascots of Fu, Lu & Shou — symbols of good fortune (Fu), prosperity (Lu) and longevity (Shou). These beloved figures are popular for photo opportunities and interactive roving performances that spread joy and good vibes to every guest.
✍️ 2. Chinese Calligraphy & Rainbow Calligraphy
Nothing captures the spirit of Chinese New Year like the elegant brushstrokes of calligraphy. Let guests try their hand at writing auspicious characters — or marvel as masters create beautiful pieces on paper, fans, or even bookmarks. A vibrant twist is Rainbow Calligraphy, where multicolour ink adds a modern, playful flair to traditional art
👉 Great for all ages, and guests often take home their creations as treasured keepsakes!
✂️ 3. Chinese Paper Cutting
This traditional craft involves creating delicate silhouettes from red paper — symbolising good luck, happiness, and prosperity. Guests can watch artisans at work or participate themselves, producing exquisite designs of zodiac animals, auspicious symbols, or seasonal motifs.
It’s both relaxing and culturally rich — perfect for a workshop corner.
🎴 4. Tarot Card Reading
Add a mystical element to your event with Tarot Card Reading! This interactive experience offers guests insight, reflection and playful fortune-telling — pairing beautifully with the hope and anticipation that comes with a new year.
Ideal as a roving station or pop-up booth where guests can experience a bit of magic and introspection.
🐲 5. Zodiac Dough Figurines
Let creativity take shape with hands-on workshops where participants mould colourful dough into adorable zodiac animal figurines. These personalised creations make charming souvenirs and give a tactile, artistic twist to celebrating the Year of the Zodiac.
🎨 6. Arts & Craft Workshops Galore
Make your event a creative festival with a variety of craft stations that blend tradition with playful learning. Consider:
Chinese Paper Cutting Workshops — learn techniques and create décor.
Dragon Dance Craft — build mini dragon props or masks.
Miniature Clay Keychain Making — personalise your lucky charm.
Roly-Roly CNY Toy DIY — fun, interactive toys that bring laughter.
Zodiac Golden Printing — print shiny, bold zodiac art to take home.
These creative corners are perfect for schools, family zones, and community spaces where guests can bond over artistic fun.
🎉 7. CNY Air-Brush Tattoos, Face Painting & Balloon Sculpting
Brighten up the party with colourful Air-brush Tattoos, cheerful Face Painting and playful Balloon Sculpting. These eye-catching fringe activities are great for kids (and adults!), bringing smiles and lively photos to your event.
Whether it’s a lucky dragon, festive motifs, or zodiac animal designs, these stations add a carnival-style vibrancy to your celebration.
💡 Tips for Planning Your CNY Fringe Activity Line-Up
✨ Mix tradition with fun: Combine cultural crafts and classics like calligraphy with interactive booths like tarot or balloon art to create a rich, engaging experience for all ages.
🎟 Plan variety: Include quieter craft stations alongside more social or performance-style activities so guests can explore at their own pace.
📅 Book early: Popular artists and booths fill up fast during the festive season — secure your spots well in advance!
Chinese New Year is all about renewal, joy, and connection. With the right mix of fringe activities, you’ll create a celebration that’s not just festive — but beautifully unforgettable. 🌟🧧
