Chinese New Year is already blossoming at Singapore's malls, as they offer a host of free events to get shoppers in the festive spirit.

Parkway Parade and Marina Bay Sands have installed fake cherry trees to usher in the year of the monkey - though other malls are taking the theme more literally.

Causeway Point has hired a team of Mongolian acrobats who will perform their own monkey business with a series of contortionist stunts while Star Vista is installing a bouncy castle with inflatable banana trees and hanging monkeys.

Among the cultural acts will be a wushu performance by South-east Asian Games champions Ho Lin Ying and Zoe Mui at Clementi Mall.

There will also be two unusual lion dances - one by a troupe on roller blades at Orchard Gateway and another on ice at JCube.

Culinary events will include a yu sheng prosperity toss at White Sands and a cooking demonstration by a celebrity chef at Yew Tee Point. HillV2 and Jurong Point have musical performances planned.

Shipping executive Jane Maniam, 48, who plans to take her 10-year- old daughter to some of the events, said: "Active kids are bored with just window shopping. These activities give them an insight into Chinese culture and tradition."

Most activities will be held this weekend but some will run till Feb 15.

Rachel Chia