Ushering the Year of the Horse: A Reimagined Chinese New Year Gala at Marina Bay Sands

An immersive showcase of how creative spatial design and hospitality can transform festive traditions into a contemporary spectacle

Marina Bay Sands welcomed the Year of the Horse with a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration that brought together over 500 clients, partners and media for an evening defined by immersive design, culinary finesse and dynamic performances. 

The immersive experience showcased the integrated resort’s continued evolution as a destination for large-scale, high-impact gala experiences, as it transformed Sands Grand Ballroom, Southeast Asia’s largest ballroom of over 7,600 square metres into a contemporary spectacle.

Transformation of the Sands Grand Ballroom into a space of rich layered scenography

Inspired by the Legend of the Thousand Mile Horse, the Sands Grand Ballroom was reimagined through richly layered scenography. Scroll-inspired drapery lined the walls, setting the stage for striking visual projections of galloping horses, while lantern-lit accents added warmth, depth and theatricality to the space. 

The evening opened with the traditional tossing of Yu Sheng, as guests rose in unison to usher in prosperity and good fortune. This was followed by a thoughtfully curated menu that reflected the finesse and brilliance of Marina Bay Sands’ culinary team. Featuring chilli Alaska crabmeat leg, braised A5 Wagyu beef cheek and Iberico pork ribs soup, the exquisite lineup showcased an elevated take on traditional festive banquets while reflecting the depth and versatility of the property’s contemporary menu offerings.

Guests also enjoyed a refined addition to the evening’s hospitality: an exclusive whisky tasting, where guests sampled Marina Bay Sands’ very own 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky. 

The programme unfolded as a seamless interplay of tradition and modern expression, as homegrown talents took centre stage. Local artist Qyo enthralled with her rich, soulful vocals, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

This gave way to a moving performance by 12-year-old Singaporean singer Lyla Ng, alongside a hook aerialist as they delivered a visually arresting fusion of music and movement. A synchronised umbrella dance added a poetic nod to cultural artistry, before the iconic lion dance troupe brought the celebration to a crescendo. 

The evening culminated in a breathtaking dessert showcase outside the ballroom, serving as an indulgent finale to the night.  

More than a festive gathering, the Chinese New Year gala underscored Marina Bay Sands’ expertise in orchestrating events at scale. Through spatial design, thematic programming and thoughtful hospitality, Marina Bay Sands continues to transform vision into memorable and meaningful reality.

Hear from our guests as they share their experiences: