From the colorful Lion Dances to eating tikoy with the family, we all have our ways of celebrating the Chinese New Year. We all stick to traditions and cultures and hope for a prosperous year ahead.

As we all welcome the year of the Water Rabbit, let’s take a look at how we celebrate the Chinese New Year worldwide!

Perhaps we're all familiar with the red tikoy boxes our parents make us eat during the new year. Beyond its sweet taste, the sticky rice cake is believed to strengthen family ties and relationships within the household.

Another new year tradition we borrow from the Chinese is giving ang pao as a sign of prosperity and good luck. We all must admit that these red envelopes are our most-awaited thing about the Chinese New Year!

While not celebrated as widely as the regular New Year, you'll surely feel the Chinese New Year throughout the country. Try to visit malls and other attractions during the season, and these establishments would likely feature Lunar New Year decorations and accents.

Avid shoppers would also feel the generosity and prosperity of the New Year with the huge sales and discounts in most shops.

1. Binondo

If you're looking for the liveliest celebration, head to Binondo, Manila! Known as the biggest Chinatown in the country, Binondo is the Philippines' heart of Chinese culture.

For those shopping for lucky charms or who would want to consult with a Feng Shui master, you'll indeed find your luck here!

This year, Binondo prepared a countdown and fireworks display on New Year's eve. At the same time, a Dragon Boat competition and a cultural show will take place on January 22.

2. Araneta City

Araneta City's Chinese New Year celebration goes beyond the weekend but spans two weeks. Starting January 15, the shopping district will hold a festival-like event with lion dancing, cultural performances, and zodiac readings!

1. Hong Kong

There are two sides to celebrating the new year in Hong Kong - the culture and the glamor.

Hong Kong locals mostly spend their New Year in local temples with their families. The Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon is particularly famous during the occasion, as it is said to grant its worshipers wishes and prayers.

On the other hand, tourist hotspots along the Hong Kong harbor hold grand parades and astonishing fireworks displays. Talk about a way to welcome the year in the most eye-catching way!

2. Macau

Macau usually has a ten-day-long celebration for the new year culminating in a majestic fireworks show at the Macau Tower. Two of the best places to watch the show are by the Nam Van Lake for a full view and at the tower itself for an immersive close-up of the fireworks.

The city is also known for its special flower market during the New Year. Make sure to buy flowers ahead of time to avoid crowds and pick out the freshest of the bunch!

3. Singapore

Home to the biggest New Year parade, Singapore's Chingay Parade features artistry and festivity like no other! Chingay - meaning "true art," you can expect colorful floats and stunning art installations to boast the talent and culture of the country.

Historically, the parade is a celebration of Chinese deities and an extension of the Chinese New Year. But it slowly evolved into the annual event that became one of Singapore's best festivals!

The 2023 Chingay Parade is set to take place on February 3-4 at the F1 Pit Building.

The water rabbit symbolizes prosperity and harmonious relationships and is also said to bring patience and luck.

The luckiest zodiacs for this year are those born in the Years of the Rabbit, Pig, Rat, and Goat.

Even if those four aren't your Chinese Zodiac sign, many Feng Shui practices are said to help you be luckier this year! Wearing lucky colors, sticking with lucky numbers, and simple furniture placements can all help channel the good spirits in your home.

But did you know that many Chinese luck practices made their way into Filipino culture? Many of us wear red on special occasions to signify luck and prosperity, we prepare round fruits during the New Year, and red envelopes are also a part of our holidays!

Are you looking forward to the Chingay Parade, or do you want to spectate the Binondo Dragon boat competition? Wherever you want to celebrate the Chinese New Year, Traveloka can help you have a festive holiday!

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