From 15 to 24 February, River Hongbao 2026 is set to dazzle Gardens by the Bay with lanterns, cultural showcases, fireworks, amusement rides and performances for the Year of the Horse. This well-loved Chinese New Year event is celebrating its 40th anniversary and visitors can look forward to entertainment and community celebration over the 10 days of the free admission event.
Overview of River Hongbao 2026
Since its first launch in 1987 along the Singapore River, the River Hongbao festival has grown to become one of Singapore’s most iconic Chinese New Year events.
Now calling Gardens by the Bay home, River Hongbao 2026 will feature majestic Year of the Horse lanterns and River Hongbao 40th anniversary special installations.
Amongst the popular lantern displays that will be at the festival include the highly popular God of Fortune lantern display and the Wishing Heart lantern, where visitors can toss in coins, with all proceeds going to support Diabetes Singapore, the nation’s only society dedicated to the care and well-being of individuals with diabetes.
God of Fortune Lantern @ Meadow
This year’s God of Fortune Lantern is rich with symbolic meaning. In his left hand, he holds a Ruyi 如意 sceptre, a traditional emblem of power and the granting of wishes. His right hand carries a bundle of cabbage, adding a playful yet meaningful touch.
Wishing Heart Lantern
Anchored in the theme 感恩的心, meaning “grateful heart”, the installation underscores the enduring value of gratitude and thankfulness, particularly when hopes and aspirations are realised.
Visitors are invited to participate by making a wish and aiming coins at the bells of blessing, each symbolising a different auspicious intention. All contributions collected will be donated to Diabetes Singapore, extending the spirit of gratitude and goodwill beyond the festivities.
More River Hongbao 2026 Lanterns
Here are some of the other lantern sets to look out for around River Hongbao at Gardens by the Bay.
Special 40th Anniversary Lantern – Galloping into the Year of the Horse
This lantern installation draws inspiration from the expression 万马奔腾 and features graceful horses captured in dynamic motion. Some rear proudly in the foreground, while others gallop across the sky, set against Singapore’s iconic HDB skyline at Supertree Grove.
Springtime Harmony
This display at Supertree Grove features four graceful dancers, each dressed in vibrant costumes and danciong atop giant drums adorned with multicultural motifs, symbolising the rich tapestry of traditions that shape our shared heritage.
They embody the diversity and harmony of our society, highlighting how people of different cultures can celebrate festive seasons with joy, unity, and mutual respect.
Leap of Blessing
This majestic floating display at Dragonfly Lake features two large carps leaping joyfully beside a cheerful boy, capturing the festive spirit of Chinese New Year. It is is inspired by the auspicious phrase “鱼跃龙门” (Yu Yue Long Men) — “carps leaping over the dragon gate”, symbolising perseverance, overcoming challenges, and achieving success.
Together, the lively carps and iconic temple express the theme “Leap of Blessing 鱼跃添福”, wishing everyone a year of vitality, smooth progress, and abundant wealth and happiness in the year of the Horse.
Other displays include the Zodiac Animals at the Palm Court and Welcome Arches at various entry points.
River Hongbao 2026 Fireworks
A highlight of this edition of River Hongbao is the fireworks at The Meadow. This will showcase multiple styles of choreographed bursts to paint the night sky with vibrant colours and rhythmic crackles to welcome the Chinese New Year.
The River Hongbao 2026 fireworks at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, will take place at the following dates and times:
- 15 February 2026 (Opening Night): 8 pm
- 16 February 2026 (Chinese New Year’s Eve): 12 am
- 17 February 2026 (Chinese New Year Day 1): 9 pm
- 18 February 2026 (Chinese New Year Day 2): 9 pm
River Hongbao 40th Anniversary Special Exhibition
The specially curated River Hongbao 40th Anniversary Special Exhibition traces the rich heritage of Singapore’s iconic Chinese New Year festival, from its beginnings along the Singapore River in 1987 to its evolution into a nationwide celebration at Gardens by the Bay.
The exhibition highlights key milestones, notable performances, and cultural initiatives that have shaped River Hongbao over the past four decades, including iconic light sculptures, traditional and modern performances, and technological features.
Performances, Rides and Festive Experiences
Visitors can enjoy nightly live performances by well-known local artistes such as Charlie Lim, Jocie Guo , Boon Hui Lu and Tosh Rock.
There will also be special themed evenings including Movie, Getai, and Xinyao nights promise a diverse array of entertainment tailored for all ages.
This year will also be the first time that Kowloon Club (founded by Hong Kong residents living or working in Singapore and performing on 16 February 2026) and Gansu Provincial Opera House (performing from 15 to 18 February) will be taking part in the celebration.
Here is the live performance schedule at River Hongbao 2026.
- 15 Feb 2026 Pre-CNY Eve, Sunday: Opening Ceremony, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 16 Feb 2026 CNY Eve, Monday: Chinese New Year’s Eve, 10 pm to Midnight;
- 17 Feb 2026 CNY Day 1, Tuesday: Dance Galore Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 18 Feb 2026 CNY Day 2, Wednesday: Fun in Diversity Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 19 Feb 2026 CNY Day 3, Thursday: Movie Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 20 Feb 2026 CNY Day 4, Friday: Getai Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 21 Feb 2026 CNY Day 5, Saturday: Getai Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 22 Feb 2026 CNY Day 6, Sunday: Xinyao Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
- 23 Feb 2026 CNY Day 7, Monday: S-Pop Night, 8 pm to 10 pm; and
- 24 Feb 2026 CNY Day 8, Tuesday: Harmony Night, 8 pm to 10 pm;
Other festive experiences include amusement rides and a Food Street offering both local and international treats ranging from sizzling street snacks to traditional delights.
Visitors can hop on Singapore’s only Double-Storey Horse Carousel, swing on the Flying Dumbo, try the Space Shuttle, mini Galleon, London train, and enjoy classic carnival games. Ticket charges apply.
The festival will also have an online component consisting of digital games such as Fortune Card Collectibles and a Fortune Horse Jump challenge, contests, and a 2026 sticker collection featuring horse-themed designs and Singlish greetings available on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
In addition, the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay will also be holding the Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity floral display in conjunction with River Hongbao 2026.
Admire flowers and blooms like plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo alongside displays including eight majestic, life-sized horse lanterns handcrafted by Chinese artisans using techniques that originated in the Tang Dynasty.
River Hongbao 2026
When: 15 to 24 February 2026
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Website: River Hongbao 2026
