River Hongbao Festival returns to Gardens by the Bay for Chinese New Year celebrations

River Hongbao is coming back to Gardens by the Bay for Chinese New Year, bringing lanterns, stage shows, rides and food to the waterfront. The 2026 edition also marks the festival’s 40th year, with a special exhibition that traces how it evolved into one of Singapore’s biggest Lunar New Year events.

When and where to catch it

River Hongbao runs from 15 to 24 February 2026 at Gardens by the Bay, across areas that include Supertree Grove, The Meadow and Dragonfly Lake.

Opening hours vary by date. It runs 6.30pm to 10.30pm on 15 February, 6.30pm to 12.15am on 16 February, and 2.30pm to 10.30pm from 17 to 24 February.

The festival spans Singapore’s Chinese New Year public holidays on 17 and 18 February 2026.

River Hongbao Festival highlights for 2026

Organisers are keeping the formula that draws crowds each year, while leaning into the milestone anniversary. Expect large-scale lantern displays, nightly performances, an anniversary exhibition, a food street and a carnival zone with rides.

Lantern fans can look out for 14 lantern installations across the Gardens, including a returning God of Fortune display and a “Wishing Heart” lantern.

There is also a 40th anniversary special exhibition featuring interactive displays, photographs, videos and artefacts, charting the festival’s story from its early days to today.

Fireworks are back after six years

One headline change is the return of fireworks, described by organisers as coming back after six years.

Showtimes are set for 8.00pm on 15 February, 12.00am on 16 February, and 9.00pm on 17 and 18 February, with viewing at The Meadow.

Music, culture and themed nights

Nightly performances are planned at The Meadow, mixing visiting acts and local favourites.

The programme includes themed evenings such as Movie Night, Getai Night and Xinyao Night. Getai is a live stage show tradition often staged during festive periods. Xinyao is a Singapore Mandarin folk-pop movement rooted in local songwriting.

What to know before you go

Admission is free, but key areas will be gated and visitors should expect bag checks at entry points.

Gardens by the Bay has also flagged temporary changes during the festival period. Supertree Grove and The Meadow will close briefly ahead of opening each day, and Meadow Carpark will be closed on 15 February from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

If you are planning around other attractions, the Borealis show timings are also rescheduled on selected days during the River Hongbao period.

River Hongbao’s return sets up a packed stretch for the mid-February holiday period in Singapore. With free entry, longer hours across Chinese New Year week, and fireworks timed to the festivities, the 2026 edition is positioned as both a big night out and a 40-year homecoming.