River Hongbao 2020: All You Need to Know

Get ready for a visual extravaganza with 10 consecutive nights of breathtaking fireworks and over 20 giant lanterns pieces at River Hongbao 2020, the largest and most anticipated Lunar New Year event in Singapore. The iconic event will be held at The Float @ Marina Bay from 23 January to 1 February. The festival will showcase the traditions of Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations for locals and tourists alike.

A central part of Singapore’s festive calendar every year since 1987, the lively festival offers a special Chinese cultural experience, from stunning fireworks and interactive exhibits to giant lanterns. It has become one of River Hongbao’s key attractions year after year.

Fireworks spectacular! with a local twist

If you love fireworks, you will love the Fireworks Spectacular! With a Local Twist, a series of magnificent fireworks. Local fireworks artists will choreograph the show, sending echoes of celebration across Singapore’s most iconic Marina Bay skyline. The fireworks will light up the skies every night from 23 January to 1 February 2020.

Dazzling lanterns at River Hongbao 2020

Lanterns have been one of River Hongbao’s key attractions year after year. They are an integral piece in Chinese cultural celebrations because they symbolize wishes for a brighter future. Create the perfect photo opportunity with more than 20 dazzling lantern pieces at River Hongbao 2020, with the largest lantern set stretching over 50m long, and the tallest lantern up to 18m high.

*Abundant Wealth and Prosperity lantern, showcasing a visual effect of swimming goldfishes that spew bubbles, is one of the featured lanterns at River Hongbao 2020.*

Prosperity in Packets exhibition

The River Hongbao exhibition, titled “Prosperity in Packets, Hongbao Giving in Chinese Culture”, traces the history and development of the Lunar New Year tradition of red packet gifting. Explore the evolving aesthetics and design of red packets through a curated selection of red packet collections from private collectors and companies. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Giving red packets (hongbao in Mandarin or angpow in Hokkien) is a custom practiced by ethnic Chinese communities all over the world. Each red packet, comprising a gift of cash placed in a red envelope, symbolizes the giver’s well wishes to the recipient on auspicious occasions, such as the Lunar New Year. The exhibition is co-curated by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, students from Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and Lianhe Zaobao Student Correspondents’ Club.

*Prosperity in Packets: Hong Bao Giving in Chinese Culture Exhibition*

Local & foreign performances

River Hongbao 2020 will feature daily evening shows with performances put together by local artists like Zoe Tay, Desmond Tan, Ya Hui, 96.3 FM Guo Xian, Li Yi and many more! Foreign performance troupes such as the Shandong Song and Dance Theatre and the Department of Dance, University of Taipei will also take the stage for several nights. Each night follows a different theme dedicated to honoring Singapore’s multicultural harmony and talents.

Carnival & food stalls at River Hongbao 2020

River Hongbao 2020 is also packed with exciting activities, ranging from over 20 thrilling rides and games, to stage performances and more, ensuring your night will be filled with amusement and entertainment. Head over to the numerous food stalls for a taste of more than 40 different selections of delectable foods. Try also the authentic taste of local traditional bites available on 29 and 30 January 2020.