Where to Go Last Minute CNY Shopping in Singapore and Johor Bahru

Chinese New Year can creep up faster than expected. One moment you are planning reunion dinners, the next you are scrambling for snacks, decorations, and gifts. Thankfully, Singapore and nearby Johor Bahru make last-minute CNY shopping surprisingly manageable. From lively street markets to air-conditioned mall fairs, these spots help you get everything done, even in the final days before the celebrations begin.

Also read: Changi Airport Levels Up for Chinese New Year with These Upgrades

Singapore

Wander down Smith Street CNY Festive Market for treats and gifts

Chinatown remains the heart of CNY shopping in Singapore. The Smith Street CNY Festive Market brings together food stalls, gift booths, and festive décor in one vibrant stretch. Vendors sell pineapple tarts, love letters, nuts, and traditional sweets alongside red lanterns, couplets, and lucky ornaments. The atmosphere feels lively and celebratory, making shopping part of the experience. You can sample snacks, compare prices, and pick up last-minute gifts in one walk.

Date: 24  January – 1  February  2026

Time: 10 am – 9 pm

Explore Jurong Point’s CNY fair for curated finds

In the west, Jurong Point hosts a Chinese New Year fair, ideal for quick, efficient shopping. Pop-up stalls line the mall’s central areas, offering festive snacks, lifestyle gifts, and decorative pieces. Everything feels neatly organised, which helps when time is short. The location also makes it convenient for those living outside the city centre who want to avoid travelling far.

Date: 19  January – 15  February  2026

Time: 10 am – 10 pm

Shop at the VivoCity TANGS CNY fair for branded goodies

VivoCity’s TANGS CNY fair suits shoppers who prefer polished, gift-ready options. The fair brings together multiple brands offering festive hampers, premium snacks, and decorative items. Presentation takes centre stage here, making it easy to buy something that looks thoughtful without additional wrapping. Being fully indoors, it is also a comfortable choice during peak shopping hours.

Date: 27  January – 15  February  2026

Time:10 am – 10.30 pm

Stock up on budget décor at SKP and Daiso outlets

When you need decorations fast and at low cost, SKP and Daiso are reliable options. These islandwide stores stock paper lanterns, wall hangings, banners, and table décor in festive colours. The designs are simple but effective, perfect for brightening up homes and offices without overspending. You can often clear your décor list in under half an hour.

Pick up traditional keepsakes at Chinatown Point and Yue Hwa

For more traditional or cultural items, Chinatown Point and Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium offer a deeper selection. Expect silk lanterns, calligraphy scrolls, porcelain items, and classic decorations. These stores work well if you are shopping for elders or looking for something with a more heritage feel. They also provide a quieter alternative to the nearby outdoor markets.

Johor Bahru

Explore the Johor Jaya CNY bazaar for local charm

The Johor Jaya CNY bazaar is one of the most popular festive markets in Johor Bahru. Stalls line Jalan Dedap from early morning until late at night, selling snacks, decorations, fruits, and clothing. Prices are generally lower than in Singapore, which makes it attractive for bulk buys. The lively atmosphere adds to the experience, especially in the evenings when the area fills with families and visitors.

Date: 23  January – 16 February  2026

Time:6 am – 12 midnight

Visit Sutera Mall’s CNY fair for one-stop shopping

Sutera Mall offers a more comfortable and organised shopping environment. Its CNY fair features a large number of booths selling festive treats, gift hampers, and decorations under one roof. This is a good option if you are shopping with family or prefer to avoid outdoor crowds. You can browse at your own pace and take breaks between purchases.

Date: 16 January – 16 February 2026

Time:10 am – 10 pm

Browse Johor Bahru City Square’s CNY market for quick buys

Located close to the checkpoint, Johor Bahru City Square is ideal for a short and efficient shopping trip. Seasonal stalls appear throughout the mall during the CNY period, offering festive snacks, decorative items, and gift-ready products. Many of the booths focus on items that are easy to carry back across the Causeway, which helps when time is tight. Its central location also makes it simple to fit shopping into a day trip.

Hit Mid Valley Southkey’s CNY fiesta for brand-rich options

Mid Valley Southkey hosts a large-scale CNY fiesta that feels modern and energetic. Alongside festive snacks and decorations, shoppers will find branded goods, promotions, and themed photo spots. The variety makes it easy to shop for different age groups in one place. It also suits visitors who enjoy combining shopping with dining and leisure.

Date: 16 February – 15 February 2026

Time:11 am – 9.30 pm

Final tips for last-minute shoppers

Street markets tend to get crowded in the evenings and on weekends, so plan accordingly if you want a smoother experience. Johor Bahru often offers better value for bulk purchases, but remember that meat products cannot be brought back into Singapore. Whether you shop in Singapore or cross the Causeway, knowing where to go makes all the difference. With the right stops, last-minute Chinese New Year shopping can feel festive rather than frantic. Sometimes, leaving it late simply means shopping smarter.

Also read: Must-Try Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Experiences Beyond Chinatown in Singapore

Red-hot deals at the last minute

Even if Chinese New Year shopping sneaks up on you, there’s no need to panic. From bustling street markets in Singapore to festive mall fairs in Johor Bahru, leaving it to the last minute can still lead to plenty of lucky finds. Pick up snacks, décor, and gifts while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy the thrill of scoring red-hot deals just in time. Sometimes, a little last-minute hustle makes the celebrations all the sweeter!