River Hongbao is an annual festival that is held during the Chinese New Year in Singapore. Started in 1987, River Hongbao has become a tradition that locals look forward to every year.
This year’s River Hongbao features various giant glowing lanterns scattered all around Gardens by the Bay, nightly stage performances by local and overseas performers, food street, interactive exhibition that showcases the historical development of Chinese New Year markets in Singapore, as well as carnival rides and games.
River Hongbao 2025 doesn’t require any ticket. Admission is free. Everyone can visit the event during the event’s opening hours. There is no need to book any slot.
There WILL be a display of 60 strands of firecrackers on the first day of opening at The Meadow (27 Jan 2025, at 8pm). Then, 30 strands of firecrackers each on the second and third nights: 28 Jan 2025 (12am), and 29 Jan 2025 (8pm). However, there is no announcement about fireworks.
The firecracker launch time may be revised/adjusted based on the prevailing weather conditions.
When and Where is River Hongbao 2025?
Date: 27 Jan to 5 February 2025
Time: Varies, refer to table below
Location: Gardens by the Bay outdoor garden, refer to “Map” section
Ticket: Free
Booking: Not required
| Date | Visiting hours |
|---|---|
| 27 January 2025 (Monday) | 6.30pm – 10.30pm |
| 28 January 2025 (Tuesday, CNY Eve) | 6.30pm – 12.15am |
| 29 January 2025 (Wednesday, CNY Day 1) to 5 February 2025 (Wed, CNY Day 8) | 2.30pm – 10.30pm |
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Map of River Hongbao 2025
How to go to River Hongbao 2025
There are 3 entrances at River Hongbao 2025 event:
- Entrance 1 at Floral Clock (near Flower Dome/Shake Shack)
- Entrance 2 at Floating Baby (near Floral Fantasy)
- Entrance 3 at Garden Pod
During the admission, bag check will be conducted.
Entrance 1 at Floral clock
Entrance 2 at Floating Baby
Entrance 3 at The Meadow near Garden Pod
By MRT
Take MRT to Gardens by the Bay Station (Thomson East Coast Line) then walk about 15 mins to Entrance 1 at Floral Clock (near Flower Dome/Shake Shack)
Take MRT to Bayfront Station (Circle Line/Downtown Line) then walk about 15 mins to Entrance 2 at Floating Baby (near Floral Fantasy).
By Car/Taxi
Gate 1 (Floral Clock):
Nearest Drop-off: Gardens by the Bay Gift Shop
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark
Gate 2 (Floating Baby):
Nearest Drop-off: Bayfront Pavilion
Nearest Carpark: Bayfront Plaza Carpark
Gate 3 (Garden Pod):
Nearest Drop-off: The Meadows Car Park
Nearest Carpark: The Meadows Car Park
It is not recommended to drive to River Hongbao because of the limited parking.
Tips / Things to Note Before Visiting
Be prepared for hot & wet weather. River Hongbao is an outdoor event with limited shelter. Do bring umbrellas or raincoats to be protected from the hot sun and rain.
Food stalls usually starts only at 8.30pm on the Opening Night. Hence, if you usually eat early, like before 8.30pm, go have an early dinner before coming to River Hongbao on the 1st day.
Firecrackers Display
Following a huge success last year, the firecracker display returns to River Hongbao again this year!
On the first day, a total of 60 strands of firecrackers will be lit at 8pm to mark the opening of River Hongbao as well as to mark SG60 (Singapore’s 60 years of independence).
On the second and third day, 30 strands of firecrackers will be lit for each nights.
Here is the schedule of Firecrackers Display:
- 27 January 2025 (First day of River Hongbao): 8pm
- 28 January 2025 (CNY Eve): 12midnight during CNY countdown
- 29 January 2025 (CNY Day 1): 8pm
Do note that the firecracker show will be adjusted based on the prevailing weather conditions.
Lanterns
There are various lanterns scattered all over the garden. The main highlight of this year’s lantern would be the all-time favourite God of Fortune with his promise of luck and prosperity and “The Lion City“, celebrating Singapore’s 60 years of independence with a majestic Merdeka Lion centerpiece.
Garden Rhapsody
Everyday, at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, there is a 5-minute music and light show at the Supertree Grove. Specially curated for Chinese New Year, the show is titled Spring Blossoms (春暖花开). Don’t miss it during your visit!
Do note that on 27 Jan 2025, the 8.45pm Garden Rhapsody show will be canceled because of the ongoing opening ceremony of River Hongbao 2025.
Food Street
There will be a dedicated Food Street section located at Supertree Grove. So, you don’t have to worry about being hungry!
As for seating, there are plenty of tables and benches around the Supertree where you can sit and enjoy your food. During peak hour, it might be tough to find a seat, though.
Exhibition
Check out the exhibition Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters (侨批千里报平安), inspired by the early Chinese migrants who sent letters and money to support their families in China.
This exhibition features artefacts and interactive displays, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of these remittance letters. It also shares personal and emotional stories, including Chinese New Year letters from the 20th century.
Amusement Rides and Carnival
What is a festival without carnival, right? In this year’s carnival, visitors may look forward to kids-friendly rides and carnival games such as the double-storey carousel, bumper boat rides and various exciting carnival games.
Nightly Festive Shows
Every night, there will be live performances at the central stage located at The Meadow. The performances include music performance, dance performance, Getai shows, as well as performances by our local artistes as well as overseas performers.
Below is the schedule of the nightly festive shows.
| Date 日期 | Theme 主题 | Time Slot 时段 |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Jan 2025 星期一 | Monday |
Opening Ceremony 开幕仪式 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 28 Jan 2025 星期二 | Tuesday |
Chinese New Year’s Eve 除夕夜 |
10pm – 12am 晚上10时 – 午夜12时 |
| 29 Jan 2025 星期三 | Wednesday |
Dance Galore Night 歌舞升平迎新年 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 30 Jan 2025 星期四 | Thursday |
Fun in Diversity Night 万民缤纷迎新年 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 31 Jan 2025 星期五 | Friday |
Movie Night 电影之夜 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 1 Feb 2025 星期六 | Saturday |
Getai Night 歌台之夜 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 2 Feb 2025 星期日 | Sunday |
Getai Night 歌台之夜 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 3 Feb 2025 星期一 | Monday |
Xinyao Night 新谣之夜 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 4 Feb 2025 星期二 | Tuesday |
Singapore Talent Night 新加坡派 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
| 5 Feb 2025 星期三 | Wednesday |
Singapore Talent Night 新加坡派 |
8pm – 10pm 晚上8时 – 10时 |
Seats are usually allocated on a first come, first served basis. Visitors who want to watch the show need to queue for entry. When there are available seats, visitors will be ushered to the available seats.
This year, there is no announcement regarding fireworks at River Hongbao. However, there will be a display of firecrackers during the first 3 days (27, 28, 29 Jan 2025).
Facilities
While you can buy food and drinks at Food Street, it may not be convenient for people to walk from The Meadow all the way to Food Street to get a drink. Fortunately there are drink stalls scattered all around the festival ground so you don’t have to worry about being thirsty. They sell beers too!
Even though there are plenty of toilets at Gardens by the Bay, the organizer provides portable toilets as well.
Related Posts
Chinese New Year Events in Singapore
CNY 2025: Chinatown Street Light Up
CNY 2025: Spring Blossoms at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
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