20 Lion Dance Live Performance at Vivocity Singapore

Photo Credits: VivoCity Website

Chinese New Year in Singapore is never complete without the thunder of drums, clashing cymbals, and the sight of brightly coloured lions leaping through the air. This year, one of the most eye-catching highlights is a rare 20 lion dance live performance at VivoCity, promising to draw massive crowds and plenty of festive buzz.

What is the 20 lion dance live performance?

The 20 lion dance live performance is a large-scale lion dance show featuring 20 southern-style lion costumes performing together in a synchronised routine. Such a big formation is uncommon in shopping malls, where performances typically feature a handful of lions instead of a full pride.

This 2026 show at VivoCity is led by the award-winning Pho Leng Lion Dance Troupe, known for their energetic choreography and tight coordination. With 20 lions moving in unison, accompanied by powerful drumming and cymbals, the performance is expected to be a visual and auditory spectacle that fills the entire Outdoor Plaza.

Key dates, times, and venue

The lion dance celebrations at VivoCity span more than one day, but the 20 lion dance live performances will only happen once.

• Venue: VivoCity, Outdoor Plaza, Level 1.
• Main 20-lion performance: 28 February 2026, 4 pm.
• Additional lion dance show: 25 February 2026, 3 pm (regular performance with fewer lions).​

The event is free for the public, making it an accessible festive outing for families, tourists, and anyone keen to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere. As with many popular CNY lion dance events, you can expect standing-room crowds at multiple levels of the mall, with spectators lining balconies to get the best view.

Why this show is such a big deal

Lion dance performances are already a cornerstone of Chinese New Year in Singapore, symbolising luck, prosperity, and protection from bad fortune. What sets this 20 lion dance live performance apart is its scale and coordination.

With 20 lions performing together, you get:

• Intense visual impact, as a sea of vibrant lion heads moves rhythmically to the drumbeat.
• Complex formations, where lions interact, weave between each other, and create patterns that smaller troupes cannot easily replicate.
• Elevated energy, as the percussive music has to match the size of the performance, resulting in a louder, more immersive soundscape.

Large-scale lion dance shows like this are usually reserved for major events or outdoor festivals, so seeing them in a mall setting, and for free, is relatively rare.

What to expect from the performance

Lion dance is more than just jumping and head-shaking; it blends martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling. At VivoCity’s 20 lion dance live performance, you can anticipate:

• Synchronised movements: Multiple lion pairs timing their steps, head nods, and tail flicks to a single drum rhythm.
• Playful interactions: Lions “greeting” the crowd, bowing, and sometimes approaching spectators for photo-worthy moments after the main routine.​​
• Traditional symbolism: Elements such as the “Cai Qing” (plucking the greens) may be incorporated to symbolise the spreading of good fortune and prosperity.

Even if you have seen standard lion dance performances in neighbourhood malls or at shop openings, a 20-lion formation dramatically amplifies the sense of movement and festivity.

Tips to get the best view

Because VivoCity’s Chinese New Year lion dances are known to attract huge crowds, planning ahead is essential if you want a good vantage point.

Here are some practical tips:

• Arrive early: Aim to be at the Outdoor Plaza at least 45–60 minutes before the scheduled start time, especially on 28 February for the 20-lion show.
• Choose your level: Lower-level spots put you close to the drums and lions, while upper-level railings offer a wider overhead view of the patterns formed by all 20 lions.
• Consider children’s visibility: If you are bringing kids, front-row ground spots are ideal, but they fill up fast, so early arrival is even more important.
• Mind the sound: Lion dance drums are loud; if you have young children or are sensitive to noise, consider bringing ear protection while still enjoying the performance.

After the show, you can also explore VivoCity’s other Chinese New Year decorations, food options, and possible festive promotions, which typically run across the mall during the season.

Why lion dance matters during Chinese New Year

Lion dance is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and has become an essential part of Singapore’s multicultural festive calendar. The lion is believed to scare away bad spirits and usher in luck, wealth, and happiness for the coming year.

In Singapore, lion dance performances are common at:

• Shopping malls and public squares during CNY.
• Business openings, to bless the premises and attract good fortune.
• Temples and community events, often paired with dragon dance and other cultural performances.

Attending a 20 lion dance live performance at VivoCity is therefore more than a photo opportunity; it is a chance to participate in a living cultural tradition that has been passed down and refined over generations.

Making a day out of it at VivoCity

Because the event is held at VivoCity, you can easily turn your trip into a full day out. The mall offers a wide variety of dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities, making it convenient for groups with different interests.

Here are some ideas to build around the performance:

• Pre-show meal: Arrive early, secure a good viewing spot, and take turns grabbing snacks or drinks from nearby outlets.
• Family photo session: Use VivoCity’s festive decorations and waterfront views as backdrops for Chinese New Year photos before or after the performance.
• Evening stroll: If you are there for the 4 pm show, stay on to enjoy the sunset and night views of the harbourfront area.

With the combination of a rare 20 lion dance live performance and VivoCity’s amenities, it is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to add a memorable highlight to their Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations in Singapore.