River Hongbao

River Hongbao is one of Singapore’s largest Lunar New Year events, held every year at Gardens by the Bay. The festival features giant lantern displays, traditional performances, and street food stalls, creating a vibrant celebration of color, light, and heritage. For ten days, families, locals, and travelers alike enjoy a multicultural extravaganza filled with photo-worthy sights, auspicious symbols, and the city’s most festive atmosphere.

Enormous lanterns tower overhead, music and laughter fill the air, and the scent of grilled food, spices, and incense drifts from the food street. Visitors can touch the silk of lanterns up close, sample local and international treats, and experience Singapore’s biggest Lunar New Year party with all five senses under the stars.

Giant Lantern Displays

Live Performances & Cultural Shows

Carnival & Family Area

Food Street: Festive Flavors

River Hongbao was launched in 1987 by the Singapore Tourism Board and Chinese Chamber of Commerce, at a time when Lunar New Year celebrations were mostly confined to homes and temples. The goal was to create a large-scale public festival that would foster national unity and showcase multicultural harmony. The first events were held along the Singapore River, featuring lion and dragon dances, food stalls, and cultural performances, and the festival grew rapidly in scale. In 2007, it moved to Marina Bay, and today it is held at Gardens by the Bay, making it more accessible to both locals and tourists.

The name “River” refers to the original venue, while “Hongbao” means “red packet” in Chinese—a symbol of luck and prosperity for the New Year. The event’s name reflects a wish to bridge tradition and modernity, individuals and society, and all generations and ethnicities. Each year, new lanterns and performances reflect the zodiac or current themes, and charity and community activities are a key part of the festivities.

River Hongbao is more than just entertainment or a tourist event. In multicultural Singapore, it centers on Chinese New Year customs while welcoming Malay, Indian, and Western communities to celebrate together, making it a symbol of social cohesion. The festival is a time for family reunions, passing down traditions across generations, strengthening community bonds, and wishing for good fortune in the year ahead—a living expression of Singapore’s unity and forward-looking spirit.

I was amazed by the energy and diversity. Solving lantern riddles and chatting with locals made it the highlight of my trip.

• The name “River Hongbao” comes from its original location by the Singapore River and the auspicious red packets (“hongbao”).

River Hongbao is held every Lunar New Year at Gardens by the Bay. Stroll beneath the lanterns after sunset and immerse yourself in the color, sound, taste, and aroma of Singapore’s grandest New Year celebration.