River Hongbao 2026
Grab your kids, parents, and ah mas – River Hongbao is back, and it’s a big one. Celebrating its 40th edition, Singapore’s iconic Chinese New Year festival returns to Gardens by the Bay. And since 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse, expect plenty of galloping lanterns, festive installations, and chio photo ops.
Mark your calendars: 15th-24th February 2026. That’s 10 days of free-entry festivities, from lantern displays and performances to fireworks and carnival rides. We give you the full scoop before you head down:
What’s River Hongbao 2026?
River Hongbao 2023.
If you’ve never been, River Hongbao is an annual Chinese New Year celebration that brings together lantern displays, performances, food, and carnival fun. It started off as a modest riverside event and has since become one of Singapore’s most recognisable festive traditions.
This year’s edition is extra special as it marks River Hongbao’s 40th anniversary. And to celebrate the milestone, there’ll be a 40th Anniversary Special Exhibition featuring archival photos, videos, artefacts, and interactive displays that trace River Hongbao’s journey from the Singapore River to its current home at Gardens by the Bay. Talk about nostalgia.
What to do at River Hongbao 2026
Snap pics with massive Year of the Horse lanterns & anniversary installations
Image credit: River Hongbao
If you come after sunset when everything lights up, you’ll understand why River Hongbao remains one of the most photogenic CNY events in Singapore.
Front and centre at River Hongbao 2026 are the majestic Year of the Horse lanterns for your IG photo backdrop. There are 14 of them, to be exact. Expect towering horse sculptures symbolising strength, vitality, and good fortune, alongside special 40th anniversary lantern installations that pay tribute to how the festival has evolved over the decades.
Some displays also spotlight Singapore’s multicultural heritage, so you’ll see a mix of traditional Chinese motifs with modern, local twists.
Image credit: River Hongbao
And of course, there’ll be returning crowd favourites like the God of Fortune lantern, a perfect spot for you to gain the most huat. There’s also the Wishing Heart lantern, where you can toss coins for a good cause, with proceeds going to Diabetes Singapore.
Catch fireworks, live performances & themed Getai nights
Image credit: Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association
Once the sun sets, River Hongbao really comes alive. One of the biggest highlights this year is the return of large-scale fireworks at The Meadow, bringing back the kind of grand, choreographed displays last seen in 2020. Last year, the fireworks were replaced by firecracker displays. Expect colourful bursts, rhythmic crackles, and plenty of “wah” moments as the sky lights up in celebration of the Year of the Horse.
If you’re planning a visit specifically for the fireworks, they’re happening at:
- 8pm on 15th Feb
- midnight on 16th Feb
- 9pm on 17th and 18th Feb
On the ground, there’s no shortage of entertainment either. Nightly live performances feature cultural troupes alongside familiar local names such as Charlie Lim, Jocie Guo, Boon Hui Lu, and Tosh Rock. There are also themed evenings like Movie Night, Getai Night, and Xinyao Night to switch things up across the festival’s 10-day run.
Eat your way through Food Street & take a spin on carnival rides
Image credit: River Hongbao
Half the fun of River Hongbao is just wandering around and seeing what you bump into. And when hunger hits, swing by Food Street, where you’ll find everything from classic local snacks to international bites – it’s ideal for refuelling before your next round of exploring.
Image for illustration only.
If you’re there with kids, or just healing your inner child, there are amusement rides like Flying Dumbo and London Train to keep things lively. This year, you really can’t miss the Double-Storey Horse Carousel, the only one of its kind in Singapore.
Plan a visit to River Hongbao 2026
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Whether you’re popping by after work or planning a full-day outing with the fam, River Hongbao 2026 makes it easy to fit into your schedule. Festivities kick off at 6.30pm on 15th and 16th February, and start earlier from 2.30pm daily between 17th and 24th February, so there’s plenty of time to soak in the vibes.
Plus, admission is free – which makes it a no-brainer stop in between reunion dinners and home visiting.
Find out more about River Hongbao
Admission: Free
Location: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Dates: 15th-24th February 2026
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Cover image adapted from: River Hongbao, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association