Sentosa Island is ringing in the Lunar New Year with unprecedented fanfare, spotlighting beloved Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse in a major interactive spectacle, “Gallop into Spring.” Running from January 30 to March 3, 2026, this free, family-friendly event transforms the newly opened Sensoryscape with installations and zones that fuse traditional Chinese New Year motifs with global Disney charm, celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse.
Disney Takes Over Sentosa Sensoryscape
The centerpiece of Sentosa’s festive programming—which includes other major art installations and Pop Mart displays across the island—marks the first time Mickey and Minnie have headlined an experience at the Sensoryscape. The immersive trail is designed to engage visitors of all ages through sight, sound, and scent, offering both cultural enrichment and festive photo opportunities.
The journey begins at the Tactile Trellis, where visitors encounter Yanyang, the Celestial Guardian of King Mu’s horses. This striking 8-meter-tall equine sculpture is featured against a beautiful floral arrangement, accompanied by 2.5-meter figures of Mickey and Minnie. This majestic setup sets the tone for the blend of traditional Chinese mythology and contemporary iconography that defines the event.
Interactive Zones and Personalized Festivities
As guests continue through the “Gallop into Spring” trail, several interactive features invite deeper engagement with the festive themes:
- Zodiac Reflections: At Lookout Loop, the Eight Celestial Horses installation by local artist JooHeng Tan offers a unique Disney twist. Visitors can scan QR codes placed on Mickey-themed boards to generate personalized zodiac reflections and download custom phone screensavers, linking their Chinese zodiac signs to the celebratory atmosphere.
- Aromatic Journey: The Scented Sphere appeals directly to the sense of smell. Here, visitors can follow a fragrant trail winding through aromas associated with Chinese New Year—from the sweet notes of mooncakes to the earthy scent of traditional herbs—while engaging with playful lantern riddles.
The visual spectacle peaks at Symphony Streams. This area features layered projections that bring motifs to life, forming a dazzling glowing peacock topped with a dramatic twelve-sided lantern. Iconic Disney characters—Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Donald—join the illumination, each holding a festive lantern of their own. After sunset, the display intensifies, accompanied by live cultural performances like high-flying Lion-on-Poles shows and appearances by roaming festive characters.
Commemorating the Celebration
To round off the trail, a giant Red Packet Photo Point featuring Mickey and Minnie serves as the perfect spot for visitors to capture memories.
The celebration extends beyond the trail and into Sentosa’s retail outlets. Visitors can access exclusive, event-specific merchandise at Sentosa Shops across the island, ensuring they can take a piece of the magic home:
- Custom Nameplates: Guests can customize their own Disney Zodiac-themed nameplates, showcasing a combination of Disney and Pixar characters alongside the twelve Chinese zodiac animals.
- DIY Keychains: The Beach Station offers the chance to acquire and personalize Pixar keyboard keychains, a unique offering for fans of Disney and Pixar properties.
“Gallop into Spring” provides a compelling reason to visit Sentosa early this Lunar New Year, combining high-quality immersive art with universally appealing Disney favorites. The event successfully merges cultural traditions with modern entertainment, offering a vibrant, accessible experience for local residents and international tourists alike. Visitors interested in planning their trip can find more details about Sentosa’s extensive Chinese New Year events on the official website.