River Hongbao Marks 40 Years with Spectacular Year of the Horse Celebrations at Gardens by the Bay

Singapore’s beloved Chinese New Year festival, River Hongbao, returns in grand style in 2026 as it commemorates its 40th anniversary with a milestone edition at Gardens by the Bay. Running from 15 to 24 February 2026, the free-admission event invites visitors to usher in the Year of the Horse with ten days of dazzling lantern displays, cultural showcases, live performances, festive rides and food, celebrating themes of strength, vitality and good fortune.

Festivities kick off at 6.30pm on 15 and 16 February, and from 2.30pm daily between 17 and 24 February, offering full days of entertainment and community celebration for families and visitors of all ages.

Four Decades of Tradition and Community Spirit

First launched in 1987 along the Singapore River, River Hongbao has evolved from a modest riverside gathering into one of Singapore’s most iconic Chinese New Year events. Over the past 40 years, the festival has played a vital role in preserving Chinese cultural heritage while reflecting Singapore’s growth into a dynamic, multicultural city, blending tradition with contemporary creativity.

To mark this milestone year, fireworks return to The Meadow in a spectacular showcase not seen since 2020. Featuring multiple styles of choreographed bursts, the vibrant display will light up the night sky with rhythmic crackles and brilliant colours, setting a festive tone for the new year.

Majestic Year of the Horse lanterns take centre stage alongside special 40th anniversary installations, some of which highlight Singapore’s multicultural heritage. The popular God of Fortune lantern makes a welcome return to bless visitors with prosperity, while the Wishing Heart lantern invites guests to toss coins in support of Diabetes Singapore, with all proceeds going to the nation’s only society dedicated to diabetes care and well-being.

A Look Back: River Hongbao 40th Anniversary Exhibition

Adding depth to the celebrations is the specially curated River Hongbao 40th Anniversary Special Exhibition. Tracing the festival’s journey from its beginnings in 1987 to its present-day home at Gardens by the Bay, the exhibition features interactive displays, archival photographs, videos and artefacts. Visitors can explore key moments, cultural practices and the festival’s ongoing evolution through modern technology.

Performances, Rides and Festive Experiences

Nightly live performances by popular local artistes such as Charlie Lim, Jocie Guo, Boon Hui Lu and Tosh Rock promise lively evenings throughout the festival. Special themed nights including Movie Night, Getai Night and Xinyao Night offer diverse entertainment tailored for all generations. This year also marks the debut of Kowloon Club Singapore and the Gansu Provincial Opera House, bringing fresh international flair to the celebrations.

Families can look forward to a range of amusement rides, including the Double-Storey Horse Carousel, the only one of its kind in Singapore, as well as crowd favourites like Flying Dumbo and the London train. Meanwhile, the bustling Food Street serves up a tempting mix of local favourites and international treats, making it an ideal stop to recharge between attractions.

Beyond the physical event, River Hongbao extends online with digital games, contests and a 2026 sticker collection featuring horse-themed designs and playful Singlish greetings, available on Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram.

Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity

Complementing River Hongbao, Gardens by the Bay presents its annual Chinese New Year floral display, Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity. In celebration of the Year of the Horse, eight majestic, life-sized horse lanterns take centre stage in the Flower Dome. Handcrafted by Chinese artisans using techniques dating back to the Tang Dynasty, the lanterns symbolise strength, vitality and success.

Inspired by Ba Jun Tu, the classic Chinese ink painting of galloping horses, the display places the lanterns amid plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo, collectively known as the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese art and philosophy. Marking Gardens by the Bay’s first collaboration with Shanghai Gardens Group, the showcase draws inspiration from Jiangnan Gardens, famed for their harmony with nature. Visitors can stroll through moon gates, pause at a pavilion and strike the Blooming Drum of Spring to welcome good fortune for the year ahead.

Highlights at River Hongbao 2026

Key attractions at this year’s festival include fireworks at The Meadow, horse-themed lanterns and commemorative 40th anniversary installations, the River Hongbao 40th Anniversary Special Exhibition, traditional calligraphy and New Year greetings by Life Art Society, nightly performances by local and international artistes, themed entertainment nights, and the Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity floral display at Gardens by the Bay.