River Hongbao is an annual Lunar Chinese New Year event held in Singapore.
The celebration was founded in 1986 and has been held yearly through the collaboration of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association.
River Hongbao 2025, Singapore Festival, Programme, Dates & Times
River Hongbao is the leading Lunar Chinese New Year event, drawing people from all over the country to experience fun-filled activities.
Gardens by the Bay transforms into a magical garden brought to life by more than 18 enchanting lantern sets. The main stage offers a host of entertainment programmes. Enjoy dance and musical performances by Chinese cultural troupes and Getai singers, and do not forget Mediacorp artists.
What is Chinese New Year without a festive treat? The highly anticipated food stalls are back at River Hongbao. Pick your favourite snack as you explore what the food stalls offer.
Spend time with the family in a fun-filled carnival atmosphere. Experience the gentle thrill of the double-storey carousel, adrenaline-pumping bumper boat rides and other exciting carnival games at River Hongbao.
Year after year, a selection of giant, bright lanterns are showcased —not only because they make great pictures but also because they’re an integral part of Chinese culture. Traditionally, lanterns are displayed during the Chinese New Year to symbolise wishes for a brighter future and an auspicious year.
So head down to be in the heart of all the River Hongbao action.
Where can I locate the programmes highlights for SRHB2021?
Hi Phillip,
I have crawled both the official event’s Facebook page and website and all of the information is still dated as 2020, so there is no real information available at this point.
Please stay tuned as we will add any program information as soon as it becomes available.
Thanks
Michael
Hi, I have seen on your information with regards to the River Hongbao for next year, 2021. It was printed as 31 January 2021 to 1 February 2021. Is there a mistake for the dates? How come it is only for 2 days?
Please check your advertisement and amend if necessary.
Regards,
Peter.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the pick-up. It appears my colleague has used the dates from the 2020 Chingay Parade off the Visitsingapore website.
I have since amended the page to read as to be announced, as even though the 2021 Chingay Parade dates have been announced, there is no new information on the River Hongbao as of yet.
Thanks
Michael
Hello,
I will be flying in to Singapore for the Chinese New Year 2019 celebrations.
Please inform me where I can buy tickets to watch the firework shows at Marina Bay and also the dates.
Thank you !
Alex.
Hi Alex,
I have looked into the different celebrations for the 2019 event, and there really isn’t much information available at this point – aside from the dates themselves,
Having reviewed the official websites for River Hongbao and the Chingay Parade, tickets aren’t available at this point.
The good news is that in previous years, the tickets do go on sale usually in mid-October and they are available online.
All i can suggest is checking back at a later date to see if anything new has been announced.
Thanks
Michael
Hi, I am interested to travel to Singapore in occasion on Lunar New Year 2019. Which days the fireworks would be performed ?
Hi there,
Looking at my Chinese New Year page over at https://www.singaporetravelhub.com/events/chinese-new-year-singapore/, the 2 nights where fireworks is mentions is The Official Light Up and Opening Ceremony (i can’t seem to find any dates for this yet) and Chinese New Year Eve itself on February 4th 2019.
No doubt Chinese New Year Eve will be the larger of the 2 events.
Thanks
Michael
what are the exact dates for chingay parade and hongbao celebrations? for 2019 pkease so I can book accommodation??
Hi Lynne,
The Chingay Parade is typically held during the first weekend of the Lunar New Year. So for 2019, Chinese New Year will be the 5th of February (a Tuesday). However, the event organisers haven not yet confirmed the parade date for 2019 and whether the parade will fall on the weekend of the 9th and 10th or the week before on the 2nd and 3rd. River Hongbao typically runs for 10 days after the Chingay Parade.
Best regards,
Jess
any fireworks on 16th Feb?
where can I get the schedule (in English)
Do you need to get ticketd for River Hongbao or just turn up?
Also what events take place actually in Chinatown over the festive period?
Hi Jez,
River Hongbao is open to public and admission is free. Please refer to the other event pages on our website for which events are on and at what times.
Regards,
Jess
Hi, is there any fireworks show or any other activities from 20-22 jan? would like to bring my friends from australia around
Hi Russell,
No, not that I am aware of. Chinese New Year and fireworks wont be celebrated until February.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, is there any update on the programme for 2018? I’m interested in the stage show tickets on Chinese New Year in particular. Many thanks, Rosalind
Hi Rosalind,
Unfortunately, the organisers haven’t yet published a program for River Hongbao 2018. Check back with us in a fortnight or so, and I will update the program when it is released.
Best regards,
Jess
Hello,
When will be the fireworks display and where?
Will be at Singapore on Feb 13 – 18, Hoping to be part of this.
Thanks
Hi Raymond,
River Hongbao will be running between 14 February to 24 February 2018. The program schedule is yet to be confirmed at this stage. Check back with us and I will update our page once more details are released by the organisers.
Best regards,
Jess
Thanks Jess,
Will be checking this comment section from time to time for your update.
We would want to make the most of our visit and experience Chinese New Year Celebration in Singapore.
Hi! I am planning on visiting (and celebrating) chinese new year this year (2018) there. Is there any fee that I have to pay to enjoy the firework? And will the mrt still going at midnight after the firework? I am staying at a hotel in geylang area. Thanks
Hi Mieke,
You will be able to view the River Hongbao from around the Marina Bay precinct at no charge. The MRT typically finishes between midnight and 1am, depending on your location. However, these times are typically extended during Chinese New Year until around 1.30am.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, May I know when the decorations for the river hongbao be up on display?
Hi May,
They typically set up the decorations a couple of days before the festival (which is scheduled between 14 February to 24 February 2018). So you can wander past and see the decorations any time around these dates.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi,
Is the event schedule until 04 Feb only? Cheers.
Hi Rommel,
The River Hongao event runs between 26 January and 4 February 2018.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, is the place open even in the morning? Just want to visit and admire the display with a lesser crowd.
Hi Wani,
Most of the festivities occur in the evening as there are parades and performances with light shows and fireworks. You can head down there during the day, but there will be a lot less to see at this time.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi, is there a firework display on Saturday the 4th of Feb? I see no programs for Harmony night. So was wondering if there will be any firework display tomorrow?
Hi Madhu,
Yes, there is a fireworks and laser show on every night at 9pm.
Kind regards,
Jess
May I know which area is most convenient to park my car? Is there any car park there?
Hi Danny,
The Marina Bay Floating Platform is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors and commuters to the area are strongly encouraged to use public transport as traffic congestion will be expected.
However if using your car is a must, there is a car park at Marina Bay Sands; a Wilson car park at 12A Bayfront Ave; Golden Shoe carpark at Market St; and SG carpark: UE Square at 83 Clemenceau Ave. Prices are expensive.
I hope this helps and you enjoy your time at River Hongbao in 2017!
Kind regards,
Jess
News about fireworks?
What is program for 30/31 January or 1 February?
Hi Eli,
The program for River Hongbao has just been released. The Fireworks and laser show will be on nightly at 9pm, except for CNY Eve (27 Jan) when it will be held at midnight.
The lanterns, stalls, handicrafts, rides and food will be the same each day, but varied musical and cultural performances occurring at night.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi, any fireworks for 2017 River Hong Bao?
Hi Annie,
We are still waiting for the program schedule for River Hongbao to be released by the organisers. In 2016, there were fireworks every night, so I am hoping for the same again in 2017. Check back with us.
The Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party will be held on the 27 January 2017 from 9.30pm – 12.30am at New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. You will find fireworks and a huge party atmosphere here.
Kind regards,
Jess
How many participants are there for this event yearly?
Hi Jiamin,
This is hard to say, but there are typically hundreds of people participating in the River Hongbao each year.
In 2017, I would also expect thousands of people to attend to watch the festival.
Regards,
Jess