Categories > News and Events

Lunar New Year celebrations haven’t stopped yet at River Hongbao 2025
River Hongbao 2025
Date: January 27 to February 5, 2025
When:
- 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm (January 27)
- 6:30 pm to 12:15 am (January 28)
- 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm (January 29 to February 5)
Where: Gardens by the Bay outdoor garden
Admission Fee: Free
Singapore is lively with many grand celebrations this Lunar New Year. Among the many I didn’t want to miss is River Hongbao, a festival held in the expansive outdoor garden at Gardens by the Bay.
This festival is always so much fun—and gorgeous, to boot! Giant glowing lanterns are scattered all around the Gardens, and there are nightly stage performances, interactive exhibitions, a food street, and a carnival.
The best part is it’s free of charge! What a wonderful way to usher in the Lunar New Year!
What to Look Out for
This year’s River Hongbao festival has so much in store for us. Here are a few events and activities that you might want to prioritise!
Spectacular Lantern Displays
The first thing you’ll come across when you enter the festival is the spectacular display of lanterns. In fact, you’ll be greeted by magnificent lanterns placed at the entry gates. Look out for the flashy peacocks and the special lion city lantern in honour of Singapore’s 60th year.
My favourite thing about these lanterns is that each tells a unique story, usually a myth in Chinese folklore.
Nightly Performances
From: riverhongbao
Every year, there’s a slew of nightly performances by local and overseas talent. This year is no different, and the lineup includes beloved performers like Joanna Dong, Shigga Shay, and shazza!
The Wind from Yunnan Performing Troupe is here to celebrate the new year too. They hail from Menghi City, Yunnan Province, China, and it will be a treat to witness them play cultural music and dance.
To make things even better, every night will have its own theme. So, you won’t have the same experience twice. How exciting!
Here’s the timetable of themed performances if you want to plan ahead of time.
Date | Theme | Time |
January 31 (Friday) | Movie Night | 8 pm to 10 pm |
February 1 (Saturday) | Getai Night | |
February 2 (Sunday) | ||
February 3 (Monday) | Xinyao Night | |
February 4 (Tuesday) | Singapore Talent Night | |
February 5 (Wednesday) |
Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters
A special exhibition is always held during the River Hongbao festival. For 2025, the exhibition is Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters. It covers the enduring legacy of Chinese remittance letters, which are letters (and money) sent by Chinese migrants to their families back on the mainland.
This exhibition tugged at my heartstrings with heartfelt stories!
Amusement Rides
From: jkidsamusement
It won’t be a festival without fun amusement rides, so of course, River Hongbao has them!
Children will be delighted to see the Double-Storey Horse Carousel. It’s the only one of its kind in Singapore!
You can also expect adrenaline-pumping attractions like Euro Swing, Space Shuttle, Mini Viking, Texas Train, and so many more.
Food Street
Worried you’re gonna be hungry during your River Hongbao visit? Well, I’m here to tell you there’s no need to worry because there’s a food street!
I loved treating myself to twisty potatoes, Japanese takoyaki, and Korean spicy noodles.
Festive Booths
Prepare your wallet because River Hongbao has festive booths selling all sorts of merchandise! Most offer an array of unique Chinese New Year decorations, but there will also be festive treats, handmade crafts, clothing, and more. My wallet suffered a little, but they were worth it!
Tips
From: riverhongbao
River Hongbao is one of the most anticipated celebrations every Lunar New Year, so you can expect it to be crowded and noisy. To ensure you’ll have a seamless experience, I’d like to share a few tips that have helped me in the past.
- Know where the entrances are so that you won’t get lost or have trouble exiting the festival. There are three entrance gates at the festival: Entrance 1 is at Floral Clock (Near Flower Dome), Entrance 2 at Floating Baby (near Floral Fantasy), and Entrance 3 at Garden Pod.
- It’s best if you come here via MRT because parking is limited. You can alight at either the Gardens by the Bay Station and walk to Entrance 1 or Bayfront Station and walk to Entrance 2.
- Prepare yourself for sudden weather changes. The festival is held outdoors, so there’s a likelihood you might experience some rain. Even if there’s no rain, there’s still the heat to contend with, so it’s best that you wear comfortable clothes and bring an umbrella just in case.
- Have an early dinner. I know there’s going to be a food street here, but stalls only start to open at 8:30 pm. I recommend eating something before coming here just to be safe.