The 2024 Chinese New Year in Singapore is set to be a vibrant and unforgettable celebration, especially at the River Hongbao, one of the city’s most grand and longstanding festivities for the Lunar New Year. Marking the Year of the Dragon, the event will be highlighted by a magnificent 140m-long dragon lantern display, elegantly draped across two Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.
At the heart of the celebration, a beloved God of Fortune figurine will also grace the Supertree Grove, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Scheduled to take place at Gardens by the Bay for the fourth year in a row, River Hongbao 2024 will commence from February 8th and continue until February 17th. The event will open at 6.30 pm on the first two days and at 2.30 pm for the remainder of the festival. Entrance is completely free of charge.
For the first time in over a decade, the event, which has been a staple since 1987, will feature a spectacular display of 30 firecrackers, collectively measuring 18 meters. These will be ignited during the first three nights of the festival. Safety measures, including barricades, will ensure a secure distance of about 15 meters for spectators.
The River Hongbao is a collaborative effort organized by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SPH Media Trustโs Chinese Media Group, Singapore Tourism Board, and Peopleโs Association.
To adapt to contemporary times, the event organizers have expanded their digital offerings, including the launch of a virtual River Hongbao and an interactive metaverse, accessible via the River Hongbao website. Xiao He, a character designed by artificial intelligence, will debut at the event, featured in various social and digital content.
2024 Chinese New Year, commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, is a globally celebrated occasion that unites people from various corners of the world. This time around, the commencement of the Chinese New Year is on Saturday, February 10.
Marking the zodiac Year of the Dragon, a multitude of Chinese New Year festivities in Singapore are anticipated to highlight the symbolic Chinese dragon.
International performers, absent for the past three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will return. This includes acts from the Guizhou Huadeng Theatre and the National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sportโs dance department. Thematic shows and nightly performances from diverse ethnic groups will be part of the entertainment lineup.
Attendees can enjoy large lantern displays, carnival games, and an exhibition showcasing local Chinese New Year markets from the late 20th century. A variety of famous local and Asian cuisines will be available at the Food Street.
An opportunity for charity will be present at the Wishing Heart lantern set, where visitors can toss coins to make a wish, with all proceeds supporting the Lions Home for the Elders.
Complementing the River Hongbao, Gardens by the Bay will host Dahlia Dreams, its signature Chinese New Year floral display in the Flower Dome. The exhibit will feature over 1,000 dahlias in more than 40 varieties and various dragon sculptures, including a 7m-tall, 15m-long centerpiece, representing the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Participants of the Mapletree-SCCCI River Hongbao Hackathon 2023, a competition for youth business ideas related to the River Hongbao event, will also be showcasing their innovative products and services.
Starting February 10th, the 2024 Chinese New Year festivities span 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival that signifies the end of the celebrations!
