Still no plans for Chinese New Year? Here are some things to do over the long weekend

SINGAPORE — While many people here will be busy hopping from one relative’s house to another collecting red packets and munching on pineapple tarts and bak kwa, plenty of others may be looking for things to do during the long weekend.

Here are some of the restaurants and activities that will still be up and running as Singapore winds down for the Chinese New Year festivities.

THINGS TO EAT

If you’re still looking for the perfect place to ring in the year with family and friends or if you’re looking for a place to host a last minute gathering over food, here are some popular restaurants that will be open throughout the holiday period:

• Din Tai Fung outlets across the island will be open throughout the festive period

• Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant, Paradise Dynasty, Jumbo Seafood and Peach Garden will also be open throughout the holidays

• Other than on Saturday (Jan 25), the first day of Chinese New Year, all Crystal Jade outlets will be open during the holiday period

For those looking to get their fix of bubble tea over the holidays, only selected outlets of popular stores such as KOI, Playmade and Tiger Sugar will be open throughout the Chinese New Year Break.

THINGS TO DO

Those looking for more than just a hearty meal to commemorate the holidays are in luck as several venues will be open offering dozens of fun activities for the long weekend.

For starters, most of the major attractions — such as Gardens By the Bay, the Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore — will still be operating as per usual throughout the holidays.

Meanwhile, for those interested in catching the latest blockbusters or Oscar nominated favourites, movie theatres, including independent cinema The Projector, will also be operating during the festive period.

If you are looking to squeeze in a quick workout to work off the calories from the weeks of holiday feasting, a handful of gyms will still be open for business.

Evolve MMA will be open during its regular operating hours throughout the festive break. Meanwhile, some Active SG outlets will be open from Sunday (Jan 26) and Anytime Fitness members will still have 24/7 access to their facilities with their key fob.

F45 Training and Fitness First Singapore will also still have classes running at its various outlets across the island throughout Chinese New Year.

Looking for activities that can include the whole extended family? Some karaoke chains, such as Party World KTV and HaveFun Karaoke, will be open so you can belt out your favourite mandopop hits with the cousins that you see just once a year.

If crooning to hits from your favourite artists is not your cup of tea, you can check out the special exhibits and events that will be held around Singapore over the holiday break.

Here are some that you can check out:

• The first Istana Open House will take place on Sunday, the second day of Chinese New Year, from 8.30am to 6pm. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can enter for free while all other visitors have to pay S$2 for entry.

• The National Museum of Singapore has a slew of family-friendly activities lined up on Monday, including craft activities, an artefact hunt and live music performances. The museum will also be open throughout the weekend.

• Looking for the perfect backdrop for your CNY #OOTD (outfit of the day, for the uninitiated)? The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre has filled its rooftop garden with life-size mahjong tiles and pineapples for you to take your Instagram-worthy shots. Huat Huat Land is open from 9am to 11am daily for the next two weeks.

JUST IN CASE…

If you find yourself in need of medical assistance during the long weekend, fret not — close to 950 general practitioner clinics around the island will be open during the holidays.

A list of the clinics and their operating hours can be found on the Health Ministry’s website.

For those who have furry friends at home, various 24 hour veterinary clinics will also be open throughout the long weekend.

They include the Mount Pleasant Vet Centre in Jalan Gelenggang, Companion Animal Surgery located near Balestier Road and West Side Emergency Vet in Eng Kong Terrace.