There are some malls you visit out of convenience and then there are malls you return to because they just get your life. For us, UOL Malls have always fallen firmly into the second category. Between family lunches, last-minute grocery runs, enrichment classes, fitness stops and celebratory treats, they have quietly become part of our everyday rhythm. What we love most is that each mall has its own clear personality while collectively offering almost everything a modern Singapore family needs under one umbrella.
So when Lunar New Year rolls around and United Square and Velocity@Novena Square transform into a festive Sesame Street-themed street, it feels less like a marketing activation and more like a joyful upgrade to spaces we already love spending time in. This year, red lanterns, lively drums and beloved furry characters come together in a way that is festive without being overwhelming and playful without losing that familiar, comfortable mall vibe.
Sesame Street but make it Lunar New Year (and kid-approved)
If you have a child at home, you already know the power of Sesame Street. The moment my daughter spotted Elmo and Cookie Monster woven into Lunar New Year décor, she was completely sold. From the vibrant installations to the themed visuals throughout the malls, the entire experience feels thoughtfully designed for families rather than just adapted for them.
The décor sets the tone for what UOL Malls is doing well this season. It blends tradition with imagination, creating a festive “street” where dragon dances, lion performances and familiar childhood characters coexist naturally. The result is an atmosphere that feels celebratory but still relaxed enough to navigate with kids in tow. No frantic rushing, no sensory overload, just genuine Lunar New Year joy layered with a dose of childhood nostalgia.
What’s happening and when: Key festive highlights
From now until 1 March 2026, both malls are hosting a full slate of Lunar New Year activities, pop-ups and performances designed to stretch across the season rather than peak for just a weekend. Here is a quick snapshot of the main happenings:
| Mall | Activity | Date | Time |
|---|
| United Square (B1 Main Atrium) | Dragon, Lion and Drum Performance | 24 February 2026 | 1.38pm |
| United Square (B1 Near McDonald’s) | Lady M Lunar New Year Pop-Up | 6–28 February 2026 | 11am–9pm |
| Velocity@Novena Square (L1 Main Atrium) | TANGS x Velocity Lunar New Year Fair | 2–15 February 2026 | 10am–10pm |
| Velocity@Novena Square | Dragon, Lion and Drum Performance | 24 February 2026 | 5.38pm |
Each element feels carefully placed. United Square leans into its strength as a family-centric mall, while Velocity@Novena Square brings a lifestyle- and gifting-forward energy that works especially well for quick festive shopping stops after work or a gym session.
Festive Rewards That Are Actually Useful (And Cute)
One of the highlights this year is the Sesame Street Lunar New Year rewards programme, available exclusively to U-POPP Members. These are not throwaway collectibles. They are playful, practical and clearly designed with everyday use in mind.
Across both malls, U-POPP Members can redeem exclusive Sesame Street items with qualifying spends from now until 1 March 2026, while stocks last. Here is how it breaks down:
United Square: U-POPP Member Rewards
| Minimum Spend | Reward |
|---|---|
| $68 | Exclusively designed Sesame Street red packets |
| $108 | $10 Toys“R”Us shopping e-voucher |
| $208 | Elmo plushie tote bag |
| $308 | Foldable grocery trolley |
Velocity@Novena Square: U-POPP Member Rewards
| Minimum Spend | Reward |
|---|---|
| $68 | Exclusively designed Sesame Street red packets |
| $108 | $20 shopping e-voucher (Clarks, Liv Activ, Running Lab) |
| $208 | Cookie Monster plushie tote bag |
| $308 | Foldable grocery trolley |
The plushie tote bags are an instant hit with kids and parents alike. They are cheerful enough to delight little ones but sturdy enough to actually carry groceries or daily essentials. The foldable grocery trolley, in particular, feels like a very Singaporean nod to practicality and is one of those items you did not realise you needed until you had one.
Food, gifting and thoughtful pop-ups
Beyond décor and rewards, UOL Malls has curated festive pop-ups that feel aligned with how people actually shop during Lunar New Year.
At United Square, Lady M returns with a Lunar New Year festive pop-up from 6 to 28 February 2026, featuring its 2026 Year of the Horse Gift Set. The box includes 32 mini crêpe biscuits across four flavours and comes with a collectible vegan leather horse charm, making it ideal for gifting or bringing along to reunion visits.
Over at Velocity@Novena Square, TANGS is back for its second year with a Lunar New Year fair running from 2 to 15 February 2026. The fair brings together nostalgic and modern gifting options, including White Rabbit candies in limited-edition Year of the Horse packaging, Saicho and Chalu alcohol-free sparkling teas and halal-certified bakes from Pinch Bakehouse. It is a well-balanced mix that works whether you are shopping for elders, colleagues or friends.
Giving Back with Packet of Good Fortune
Lunar New Year is also about generosity and UOL Malls has woven this into the season through the Packet of Good Fortune initiative. From 23 January to 1 March 2026, shoppers can make a $30 donation at Customer Service Counters, with UOL Malls purchasing a Festive Care Pack on their behalf for seniors under AWWA’s care.
Each pack includes practical daily essentials such as antibacterial wet wipes, berry essence and laundry capsules. It is a simple but meaningful way to extend festive warmth beyond our own households and into the wider community.
Why this Lunar New Year at UOL Malls just works
What makes this Sesame Street Lunar New Year campaign stand out is how seamlessly it fits into real life. It is festive without being performative, commercial without feeling transactional and playful without losing sight of family needs. My daughter may remember it for Elmo and Cookie Monster, but I will remember it for how easy it made Lunar New Year shopping, dining and spending time together feel.
Red packets, lion dances and a sprinkle of Sesame Street magic. Lunar New Year at UOL Malls this year feels thoughtfully done and genuinely enjoyable, which is exactly why we keep coming back.
For full details, visit unitedsquare.com.sg and velocitynovena.com.
