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 2024 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 30 firecrackers, totaling 18m in length on the first three nights: 8 Feb (8pm), 9 Feb (12 midnight), and 10 Feb 2024 (8pm). However, there is no announcement about fireworks.
When and Where is River Hongbao 2024?
Date: 8 to 17 February 2024
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 |
|---|---|
| 8 February 2024 (Thursday) | 6.30pm – 10.30pm |
| 9 February 2024 (Friday, CNY Eve) | 6.30pm – 12.15am |
| 10 February 2024 (Saturday, CNY Day 1) to 17 February 2024 (Friday, CNY Day 8) | 2.30pm – 10.30pm |
Have any questions about traveling in Singapore? Join All About Singapore Travel FB group, I'll be there to answer your questions!
Map of River Hongbao 2024
How to go to River Hongbao 2024
There are 3 entrances at River Hongbao 2024 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
For the first time in more than 10 years, the firecracker display returns to River Hongbao! A total of 30 firecrackers with 18m in length will be lit for 3 consecutive nights.
Here is the schedule of Firecrackers Display:
- 8 February 2024 (First day of River Hongbao): 8pm
- 9 February 2024 (CNY Eve): 12midnight during CNY countdown
- 10 February 2024 (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 140m-long Magnificent Dragon and God of Fortune lanterns at the Supertrees.
Another lantern set you don’t want to miss is “Bountiful Return” which depicts the scenes at Singapore River during the early years.
Taking the center stage is a traditional bumboat filled with abundance of food, fruits and produce, signifying a bountiful return to the homeland, and representing a thriving economy and prosperous year ahead.
Located along the walkway between the Supetrees and The Meadow are the lanterns of 12 zodiacs
Near Entrance 2, you can find the Wishing Heart lantern set which signifies a thankful heart. Visitors may throw a coin at the bells of blessings to make a wish. All donations will be given to charity.
More lanterns not to be missed are:
Besides character lanterns, there are also several walkways that are adorned with Chinese New Year greetings and decorative lanterns.
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!
Food Street
Similar to last year’s edition, this year, 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
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.
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 (8, 9, 10 Feb 2024).
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 2024: Chinatown Street Light Up
CNY 2024: Dahlia Dreams at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee! Your support will help me to keep going!