CNY Fireworks 2026 Singapore: Confirmed Dates & Times

Planning a trip to Singapore for Chinese New Year 2026 and wondering if you’ll catch fireworks? The answer is yes—and the main show has just been confirmed with specific dates and times. River Hongbao, Singapore’s largest Lunar New Year festival, will mark its 40th anniversary with fireworks over four nights at Gardens by the Bay, giving visitors and locals a clear reason to mark their calendars.

CNY 2026 dates: 15–18 February 2026 ·
Confirmed fireworks shows: 4 (River Hongbao – 15–18 Feb) ·
River Hongbao opening night: 15 Feb, 8 PM ·
CNY Eve countdown fireworks: 16 Feb, midnight ·
Official event site: riverhongbao.sg

Here are the confirmed details for the fireworks schedule.

Are There Fireworks on Chinese New Year 2026?

Confirmed Fireworks at River Hongbao 2026

• Yes – Singapore’s River Hongbao festival will host fireworks on four nights in 2026. The display schedule from the event’s official Instagram lists: 15 Feb at 8 PM (opening night), 16 Feb at midnight (CNY Eve countdown), and 17–18 Feb at 9 PM.
• The festival runs from 15 to 24 February 2026 at Gardens by the Bay, marking its 40th anniversary (official site).

Other Possible Fireworks Locations

• As of now, no other official fireworks displays have been announced for CNY 2026 in Singapore. The Marina Bay waterfront area, which often hosts New Year’s Eve shows, has not confirmed any CNY-specific fireworks.
• Chinatown’s street light-up and Sentosa’s seasonal events may add surprises closer to the date, but nothing has been published.

The implication: for visitors and locals alike, the fireworks question has a single, clear answer for 2026. All signs point to River Hongbao, and no other venue has stepped forward.

Where to See Fireworks in Singapore in 2026?

River Hongbao – The Meadow @ Gardens by the Bay

• The primary and only confirmed location for CNY 2026 fireworks is The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay (official site). This open lawn area offers unobstructed views of the pyrotechnics.
• Opening night on 15 February runs from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM; CNY Eve (16 Feb) runs from 6:30 PM to 12:15 AM; daily hours from 17–24 Feb are 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM (based on the River Hongbao Instagram post).

Alternative Viewing Spots

• Marina Bay waterfront promenade and the Helix Bridge offer distant views of Gardens by the Bay, but no fireworks are planned there.
• Bay East Garden across the water may provide a quieter vantage point, though access may be limited.

Tips for Best Views

• Arrive 1–2 hours early to secure a spot on The Meadow.
• Use MRT: Bayfront (Circle Line) or Gardens by the Bay (Thomson-East Coast Line) stations.
• Bring picnic mats, water, and light snacks. Food stalls are available inside the festival.

The trade-off: the best view is free but crowded. The 1–2 hour wait is worth it for an unobstructed sightline.

What to Do During CNY 2026 in Singapore?

River Hongbao Festival Highlights

• Beyond fireworks, River Hongbao 2026 features 14 lantern displays, a 20-metre-tall God of Fortune statue, nightly live performances, carnival rides, and a food street (Instagram: first look at River Hongbao 2026).
• The festival’s theme celebrates the Year of the Horse and the 40th anniversary of the event (official site).

Traditions: Lo Hei, Lion Dance, and More

• Visitors can join the Lo Hei (prosperity toss) at restaurants and hotels across Singapore.
• Lion dance performances are common at malls and temples throughout the festive period.

Family-Friendly Activities

• The carnival zone at River Hongbao includes games and rides suitable for children (Instagram: first look at River Hongbao 2026).
• Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor gardens offer free play areas and photo spots with themed decorations.

What this means: River Hongbao functions as a one-stop destination for food, culture, and family fun. The fireworks are the headline, but the supporting acts are worth the trip.

Is It Good to Visit Singapore During Chinese New Year?

Pros of Visiting During CNY

• Singapore is decked out in festive decorations, and the atmosphere is electric. The Visit Singapore tourism board describes it as “an annual festival with live entertainment, street food, and cultural performances.”
• River Hongbao and Chingay (27–28 Feb, Chingay official site) provide world-class entertainment.

Cons and Practical Tips

• Some shops and eateries close for 1–2 days; check opening hours in advance.
• Accommodation and flights can cost 30–50% more during peak season.
• Public transport runs normally, but expect larger crowds near event venues.

The pattern: the trade-off is between festive immersion and higher costs. For travellers who prioritize atmosphere over budget, CNY week is ideal. For budget-conscious visitors, arriving a few days after the public holidays may save money while still catching the tail end of River Hongbao.

What Happens in the Chinese New Year 2026?

Key Dates and Events

• Chinese New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, 17 February. Public holidays are 16–17 February (CNY Eve and Day 1).
• River Hongbao runs 15–24 February, and Chingay takes place 27–28 February (Chingay official site).

Cultural Traditions

• Giving red packets (ang bao) to children and unmarried adults is customary.
• Families gather for reunion dinners on CNY Eve (16 Feb).
• Visiting temples, such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, is popular.

Food and Decoration

• Festive treats include pineapple tarts, bak kwa (barbecued pork), and yu sheng (raw fish salad for Lo Hei).
• Homes and streets are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and the zodiac motif (Year of the Horse, per official site).

Why this matters: the sheer density of events between 15–28 February means a visitor can experience an entire festival calendar in two weeks. The fireworks are just one piece of a larger cultural mosaic.

Timeline of Key Dates

• 15 Feb 2026: River Hongbao opening night – fireworks at 8 PM (official site)
• 16 Feb 2026: CNY Eve – countdown fireworks at midnight (official site)
• 16–17 Feb 2026: Public holidays; reunion dinners
• 17 Feb 2026: Chinese New Year Day 1
• 15–24 Feb 2026: River Hongbao full festival (official site)
• 27–28 Feb 2026: Chingay 2026 parade (Chingay official site)

What We Know for Sure – and What’s Still Open

“From February 15-18, the rhythmic bursts of fireworks will set the perfect, colourful stage for locals and tourists to usher in good fortune.”

— Travel + Leisure Asia editors (publication covering regional travel)

“FIRST LOOK: River Hongbao 2026 Fireworks – The Meadow @ Gardens by the Bay – 15 Feb, 8pm (Opening Night) / 16 Feb, 12am ( CNY Eve Countdown).”

— River Hongbao official Instagram post

“Celebrate CNY 2026 in Singapore with bright colours and non-stop revelry.”

— Visit Singapore official site (Singapore tourism board)

For anyone planning a trip to Singapore for Chinese New Year 2026, the choice is clear: base your visit around River Hongbao’s confirmed fireworks schedule, arrive early on firework nights, and accept that no other venue has stepped up for 2026. Travellers who want the full CNY experience should book flights and accommodation well in advance to avoid peak pricing, and those seeking a quieter break may do better arriving after the public holidays. The fireworks will be worth it – but only if you plan accordingly.

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