The Lunar New Year is fast approaching, and Singaporeans can look forward to celebrating at River Hongbao, the city’s largest annual Chinese New Year event. Running from January 30 to February 6, this hybrid event will feature both virtual and in-person activities, with physical festivities taking place at Gardens by the Bay for the second consecutive year.

Highlights of the event include getai performances, live shows featuring local artists, amusement rides, and an impressive display of 30 giant lanterns—up from 24 last year. Visitors can expect to see iconic figures like the God of Fortune and the 12 zodiac animals, along with an interactive, music-themed lantern titled “Rising After Challenges.”

For those interested in traditional art, the exhibition Nian Hua: Changing Times, Unchanging Aspirations will showcase classic Chinese paintings. Attendees can participate in an engaging escape-style mini-game by scanning QR codes located next to the artworks.

Virtual activities will also be available, including livestream sessions on fortune telling and ‘tang yuan’ making, plus the River Hongbao Instagram Emoji Hunt, where participants can win $388 in shopping vouchers.

To attend the physical event, visitors must book free tickets on the River Hongbao website, with up to 4,400 slots available per time slot—more than double the number of visitors allowed last year. Ticket registration opens on January 19 at 11 am, with up to five people allowed per booking. Each ticket includes a QR code for event entry, and check-in will begin 30 minutes before the scheduled time slot.

Remember, visitors can only enter once during their designated time slot, so plan accordingly and enjoy the festive atmosphere!