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Guide To River Hongbao 2025 Singapore: Tickets, Lanterns, Carnival & More!

Guide to River Hongbao in Singapore
Family LifePost Category - Family LifeFamily Life

Wondering what all the hype is about River Hongbao 2025 Singapore? From tickets to fireworks, giant lanterns and more, here’s all you need to know before you go!

River Hongbao is one of the most anticipated Chinese New Year events in Singapore. Visitors look forward to a lively celebration of Chinese culture through stunning displays of lights and giant lanterns, art, live cultural performances and more. These symbolise Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and its promising future.

River Hongbao takes place from 27 January to 5 February 2025 at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s celebration pays tribute to SG60, Singapore’s 60th year of independence! There will also be plenty to feast on at the Food Street as well as carnival rides for kids to enjoy. Read on for the highlights of River Hongbao and check out our pics of this year’s lantern displays!

What does ‘River Hongbao’ mean?

river hongbao singapore - gardens by the bay giant lantern
Image credit: River Hongbao – Last year’s River Hongbao lanterns at the Supertree Grove

When River Hongbao first began, the festivities took place at Marina Bay by the Singapore River, hence the word ‘River’ in its name. ‘Hongbao’ means ‘red packet’, a monetary gift given to children and unmarried adults as a gesture of good luck and prosperity. Beyond symbolic gifts, River Hongbao is a communal celebration that invites people of all backgrounds to gather and celebrate Chinese culture in an inclusive and engaging way.

River Hongbao began in 1987 when it was first launched by the Singapore Tourism Board. This year will be its 39th edition! Each year, the theme of River Hongbao revolves around the zodiac animal of the new Lunar Calendar. This year’s edition of River Hongbao will celebrate the Year of the Snake. River Hongbao is celebrated with a plethora of exciting cultural activities and spectacular displays for the whole family.


When does River Hongbao take place?

River Hongbao lanterns
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

River Hongbao takes place for 13 days during Chinese New Year. The upcoming edition of River Hongbao will be from 27 January to 8 February 2025.


Where does River Hongbao take place?

River Hongbao 2025 - SG60 Lanterns
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025 SG60 lanterns at Supertree Grove

This year’s River Hongbao takes place at Gardens by the Bay.

Fun fact: River Hongbao was originally held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to create an outdoor Chinese New Year celebration. In 2005, it was relocated to the Marina Bay area, where it still takes place, against the backdrop of the gorgeous Singapore skyline. This Chinese New Year event has taken place at Gardens by the Bay over the past four years.


Are there fireworks at River Hongbao?

river hongbao singapore - fireworks river hongbao
Image credit: River Hongbao

Previous editions of River Hongbao have included fireworks. However, since 2024, there the fireworks at River Hongbao have been replaced with firecracker displays instead.

It’s still a spectacle to witness, though! At River Hongbao 2025, you’ll be able to see firecrackers on the first three days: there’ll be 60 strands of firecrackers on the first evening at The Meadow, and 30 strands on the second and third evenings of River Hongbao 2025.


What are the opening hours of River Hongbao?

River Hongbao - Opening hours
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

The opening hours of River Hongbao 2025 are as follows:

27 Jan 2025: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
28 Jan 2025: 6.30pm – 12.15am
29 Jan – 5 Feb 2025: 2.30pm – 10.30pm


Highlights at River Hongbao 2025

Every year, visitors look forward to a night full of fun at the River Hongbao. From IG-worthy, larger-than-life lantern displays to live entertainment, lion dances and a mouthwatering food street, River Hongbao has something for everyone.

Giant lanterns at River Hongbao

River Hongbao lanterns
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

Soak in the festive vibes of River Hongbao as you marvel at giant lantern displays that illuminate Gardens by the Bay.

River Hongbao - Cai Shen Ye - God of Fortune
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

Look out for the God of Fortune lantern display that’s sure to be a prosperous backdrop for family pics!

River Hongbao Lanterns
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

We absolutely love the zodiac animal lanterns at River Hongbao 2025, which tells you your Year of the Snake fortune.

River Hongbao lanterns light display
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

There’s also this extremely Instagrammable light tunnel that connects the Supertree Grove to The Meadow. It’s hard to miss with its colourful and mesmerising lights!

River Hongbao
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

This year’s lanterns take on the theme of SG60, and there’ll be a firecrackers display taking place on the first three nights of the event.

Live performances at River Hongbao

Live performances at River Hongbao 2025
Image credit: River Hongbao – River Hongbao 2025 performances

Setting the mood for River Hongbao 2025 are live cultural performances that take place each night. Local talents such as Ben Hum, Joanna Dong, Paige Gan, shazza, and more are taking the stage at River Hongbao 2025, as are overseas performers from China.

You can also catch thematic nights that include Getai Night, Xinyao Night, Movie Night and Singapore Talent Night–all great ways for the kids to immerse themselves in local Chinese traditions.

Carnival rides at River Hongbao 2025

river hongbao singapore - carnival rides
Image credit: River Hongbao

Carnival rides are back this year at River Hongbao 2025 at the Supertree Grove! Kids can ride the Double-Storey Horse Carousel and other fun rides such as the Euro Swing, Space Shuttle, Mini Viking and Texas Train. There are also carnival games to play as a family. Do note that these rides and games come at an additional charge!

Food Street at River Hongbao 2025

river hongbao singapore - food street
Image credit: River Hongbao

When tummies start grumbling, make your way to the Food Street at River Hongbao, where you can feast on an array of local and international dishes.

Art exhibition at River Hongbao 2025

Look forward to displays of Chinese calligraphy and paintings, as well as New Year greetings. There’s also the ‘Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters’ exhibition that spotlights artefacts from China and interactive elements, including the stories of early Chinese migrants in Singapore.


How much are tickets for River Hongbao?

River Hongbao lanterns - tickets - free entry
Image credit: Jessica Fang – River Hongbao 2025

River Hongbao is a completely free event! Simply save the date in your calendar and bring the family along for a fun-filled evening and a memorable Chinese New Year celebration!


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Lead image credit: River HongBao

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