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

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 the Chinese culture through stunning displays of lights, art, performances and more. These symbolise Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and its promising future.

What does ‘River HongBao’ mean?

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. The next edition of River HongBao will celebrate the Year of the Snake.

River HongBao is usually celebrated with a plethora of exciting cultural activities for the whole family! Get ready to take loads of photos with the giant lanterns that will line the walkways throughout Gardens by the Bay. Plus, check out live cultural performances from local and international artistes. There will also be plenty of Asian food to feast on at the Food Street, inviting friends and families to gather for a joyous celebration to welcome the Lunar New Year.

When does River HongBao take place?

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

Where does River HongBao take place?

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. Over the past four years, River Hongbao has taken place at Gardens by the Bay.

Are there fireworks at River HongBao?

Many people rave about the fireworks at River HongBao’s previous editions. However, many were disappointed last year when the fireworks show at Gardens by the Bay was replaced with a smaller-scale firecracker show instead. Details for the 2025 edition have yet to be released, so check back again later. Here’s to hoping for a spectacular fireworks display at River HongBao 2025.

What are the opening hours of River HongBao?

Details for the opening hours of River HongBao’s upcoming edition have yet to be released. But River HongBao 2024’s opening hours were as follows: 6:30pm – 10:30pm (8 Feb 2024), 6:30pm – 12:15am (9 Feb 2024), and 2:30pm – 10:30pm (10 – 17 Feb 2024). Check back again later to get the opening hours for River HongBao 2025.

Highlights at the River HongBao

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.

Do note that details for River HongBao 2025 have yet to be released, so check back again later for the inside scoop! In the meantime, here’s what took place at River Hongbao 2024: 

Giant lanterns

Soak in the festive vibes of River HongBao as you marvel at giant lantern displays that illuminate Gardens by the Bay. Look out for the centrepiece that can be a fabulous backdrop for a family photo! Last year’s centrepiece featured a 140-metre-long Dragon and an 18-metre-tall God of Fortune. Plus, there was also a firecrackers show here on selected evenings that may return this year.

Performances

Head to the main stage at Gardens by the Bay to enjoy an exciting line-up of nightly performances by Chinese cultural groups. Watch your little ones dance and groove to the beat as talented percussionists, vocalists and dancers take the stage to blow you away.

Carnival rides

Kids and grown-ups alike will be delighted to find exciting carnival rides that promise a ton of fun! Last year, little ones loved the majestic flying elephants that offered sweeping panoramic views of Gardens by the Bay and the enchanting carousel. Grown-ups loved the viking ship and the bumper cars that got their adrenaline pumping.

Food Street

When tummies start grumbling, make your way to the Food Street at River HongBao, where you’ll be truly spoiled for choice! Embark on a gastronomic adventure as you feast on flavours from Singapore, China and other parts of Asia including Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong and more.

How much are tickets for River HongBao?

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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