River Hongbao is Singapore's most iconic Chinese New Year celebration, where families and friends come together to enjoy vibrant cultural activities and festive performances. Held at Gardens by the Bay, this annual event blends heartwarming traditions with fresh experiences to welcome the Year of the Horse.
This year, River Hongbao celebrates its 40th anniversary, featuring special commemorative lanterns and highlights that honour four decades of joy, culture, and community. It is a festive experience not to be missed by visitors of all ages, and admission is free for everyone.
River Hongbao 2026 will be held from 15 February to 24 February 2026 at Gardens by the Bay.
The opening hours are as follows:
| Date | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2026 | 6.30pm - 10.30pm |
| 16 Feb 2026 | 6.30pm - 12.15am |
| 17 Feb – 24 Feb 2026 | 2.30pm - 10.30pm |
No tickets or pre-registration are required. Admission is free. Simply head down and enjoy the festivities.
To better facilitate crowd control, the Supertree Grove and Meadow event zones are gated, with bag checks at all entry points to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
River Hongbao is a rain-or-shine event. Bring umbrellas or ponchos, as sheltered areas are limited. Some outdoor performances or rides may be delayed or paused during heavy rain.
For further enquiries/assistance, please email riverhongbao@sfcca.sg.
There are 3 entrances to the River Hongbao event:
If you are coming by... |
Nearest entrance |
Bayfront MRT station / Bayfront Plaza carpark |
Meadow Bridge (Checkpoint 2) |
Meadow carpark / Meadow drop-off |
Meadow Carpark (Checkpoint 3) |
Basement carpark / Main entrance drop-off / Satay by the Bay carpark / Gardens by the Bay MRT Station |
Floral Clock (Checkpoint 1) |
During the festive period, our parking spaces are limited at the Gardens and visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transport. Limited parking is available at Main Entrance, The Meadow*, Satay by the Bay, and Bayfront Plaza.
*The Meadow carpark will be closed to the public on 15 Feb 2026, from 6.00pm – 8.00pm.Taxis and private-hire vehicles may drop off passengers at designated drop-off points near Bayfront Plaza and The Gardens' Main Entrance.
Visit the information counter near Supertree Grove Lawn / Exit 1B. Staff and volunteers throughout the event grounds will also be happy to assist.
The River Hongbao 2026 is largely barrier-free. Visitors using wheelchairs or strollers are encouraged to use Exits 1A, 2, and 3, which have lifts or ramps.
Resting benches and seating zones are available around the event grounds, especially near Supertree Grove and The Meadow.
Mobile toilets, first-aid counters, and information points are available throughout the event grounds.
For everyone's safety, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and personal mobility devices (PMDs) are not allowed inside the event grounds.
To ensure the safety of all visitors and their pets, pets are not allowed due to large crowds and stimulating displays, except for guide dogs.
There will be dedicated seating areas for visitors. Seats at the Meadow are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving earlier is recommended, especially on weekends. For more information on the stage performances, visit Evening Performances - River Hongbao 2026
The show schedules and location are as follows:
| Dates | Fireworks Show Time |
| 15 Feb 2026 | 8.00pm |
| 16 Feb 2026 Chinese New Year's Eve |
12.00am |
| 17 and 18 Feb 2026 CNY Day 1 and Day 2 |
9.00pm |
The fireworks can be viewed from the Meadow. When the Meadow reaches full capacity, on-site personnel will direct visitors to an alternative area where the fireworks can still be enjoyed, although with a limited view. Live updates are available on River Hongbao’s Facebook and Instagram. Visitors are advised to check these channels before heading down.
The bustling Food Street at the Supertree Grove offers a tempting selection of local favourites and international treats. From sizzling street snacks to traditional delights, it's the perfect spot to take a break and recharge between attractions.
Throughout Gardens by the Bay, visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals. For a full list, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/dine-and-shop.html.
Note that as Jurassic Nest is located within River Hongbao event grounds, all visitors will be required to undergo bag checks from 6.30pm on 15 and 16 Feb, and 2.30pm from 17 Feb to 24 Feb 2026.
Most stalls accept cash, NETS and credit cards.
Rides require dedicated credits/cards, which can be purchased at the carnival entrance.
Please note that amusement/carnival cards and credits are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Carnival rides generally follow the main event hours. Any variations will be indicated onsite or announced through River Hongbao's official channels.
Some rides have height, age, or safety restrictions, which will be clearly displayed at each ride entrance.
Yes, however, all visitors will be required to undergo bag checks at the checkpoints.
As Supertree Grove will be part of the event ground for River Hongbao, the Supertree Grove will also be closed an hour before the start of the River Hongbao to prepare for admission.
Supertree Grove is closed on
Supertree Observatory and OCBC Skyway are within the event ground, visitors will have to undergo bag checks during the operational hours of River Hongbao. Do note that as the event ground will be undergoing preparation for admission, entry to the 2 attractions / Supertree Grove will be closed an hour before the start of River Hongbao.
Supertree Observatory and OCBC Skyway opening hours:
| Dates | OCBC Skyway | Supertree Observatory |
| 15 & 16 Feb 2026 | 9.00am – 5.30pm (last admission at 5.00pm) 6.30pm – 9.00pm (last admission at 8.30pm) |
|
| 17 – 24 Feb 2026 | 9.00am – 1.30pm (last admission at 1.00pm) 2.30pm – 9.00pm (last admission at 8.30pm) |
|
In place of Garden Rhapsody, there will be a 5-minute light and sound show entitled 《春暖花开》/ “Spring Blossoms” specially curated by the Organisers for the Chinese New Year at 7.45pm & 8.45pm.
Yes, however Borealis show timing will be resheduled from 8.00pm - 8.15pm on Monday, Saturday and Sunday.
For visitors to the Gardens who wish to view Garden Rhapsody or Borealis from other vantage points, please consider watching from World of Plants albeit restricted views.
You may walk past Shake Shack & Floral Clock towards Supertree Grove. The nearest entrance is Checkpoint 1.
You may get onto Dragonfly Bridge located along Scented Walk and walk through Heritage Gardens to arrive at the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
Visitors coming from The Meadow or Bayfront Plaza carpark, can make your way through:
*Visitors walking through Supertree Grove and The Meadow to access other parts of the Gardens will be required to undergo bag checks.