Top Festivals in Singapore 2025 Guide: Location, Timings & Travel Tips
Want to experience the tradition and culture of Singapore closely? Visit Singapore during the festive seasons. Festivals in Singapore are more fantasised as the colourful lights adorn the streets, and the religious areas are full of hymns of traditional songs. This state offers an authentic glimpse into Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and other heritage celebrations year-round. This makes it the perfect festival destination. From Chinese New Year fireworks to Hindu temple processions, every month in Singapore showcases the beauty of different communities. Read this guide to learn more about the festivals, dates and their importance in Singapore Tourism.
Key Takeaways
- Most of the major festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Singapore, symbolising the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultural practices in a single multicultural centre.
- January-February (Chinese New Year), March-April (Holi/Thaipusam) and October-November (Diwali) are the most jovial periods in a year in terms of the festival seasons.
- Most public festival celebrations are completely free to experience and photograph.
- Each cultural district transforms during festivals - Chinatown for Chinese celebrations, Little India for Hindu festivals, Kampong Glam for Malay traditions.
- Respectful participation is encouraged - locals love sharing their cultural heritage with curious visitors.
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Singapore Festival Calendar 2025: Month‑by‑Month Guide
Month | Festival | Location | Cultural Origin |
| January | Chinese New Year | Chinatown, Citywide | Chinese |
| January/February | Thaipusam | Little India, Tank Road | Hindu/Tamil |
| February/March | Lantern Festival | Chinatown | Chinese |
| March/April | Holi (Festival of Colours) | Little India | Hindu |
| March/April | Good Friday Processions | Various Churches | Christian |
| May | Vesak Day | Buddhist Temples Citywide | Buddhist |
| June | Dragon Boat Festival | Marina Bay, Bedok Reservoir | Chinese |
| July/August | Hungry Ghost Festival | Chinese Temples | Chinese |
| August | National Day | Marina Bay, Citywide | Singaporean |
| September | Mid-Autumn Festival | Chinese Gardens, Chinatown | Chinese |
| September/October | Navaratri | Hindu Temples, Little India | Hindu |
| October/November | Diwali | Little India | Hindu |
| November/December | Hari Raya Puasa | Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai | Islamic |
| December | Christmas | Orchard Road, Citywide | Christian |
Note: Islamic festivals like Hari Raya Puasa follow the lunar calendar.
Festivals in Singapore
Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore: Chinatown & Chingay Parade
Chinese New Year is one of the main festivals in Singapore that attracts millions of visitors annually. This 15-day celebration turns Singapore into a festive wonderland. On this occasion, you may watch Lion and Dragon dances and feel the local traditions. On top of that, you could also see the renowned Chingay Parade with its fancy floats and cultural performances as the streets are decorated. The event culminates with the mind-blowing fireworks on Marina Bay.
- Where to visit: Chinatown, South Bridge Road, Temple Street
- Celebrated Months: January and February
Tips: Book your hotel early - prices double during this period. The best photo opportunities happen during the evening light displays.
Lantern Festival (Mid‑Autumn) 2025: Chinatown Night Lights
Witnessing the glowing night sky of Singapore during the Lantern Festival in January. It is also referred to as the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore and is celebrated to mark the end of the Lunar New Year. One of the most exciting things to do in Singapore during this time is walking on the streets of Chinatown and seeing the floating lights. Visit Chinatown after sunset to catch the lanterns just as they’re lit against the twilight sky.
- Where to Visit: Chinatown, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
- Celebrated Month: January
Thaipusam 2025: Spiritual Procession in Little India
Thaipusam is one of the famous festivals in Singapore, which offers very strong cultural experiences. It is a two-day event, which signifies the victory of good over evil. It is observed as an honour to Lord Murugan, who is also the deity of war and success. If you want to enjoy the greatest Thaipusam, do visit the Hindu temples in Singapore, where the aroma of incense, the rhythm of the drums, and glittery kavadi ornaments conjure a magical moment.
- Where to Visit: Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Sri Thendayuthapani Temple
- Celebrated Month: January/February
Tips: If attending Thaipusam, stay hydrated and wear breathable cotton clothing. Crowds can be dense by mid-morning.
Diwali (Deepavali) 2025: Little India Lights & Food Markets
Singapore's Little India becomes very colourful with the illuminated surroundings and Kolam patterns (decoration made using rice flour at doorsteps to bring goodwill) during Diwali. This is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During these five days of celebrating Diwali, you can visit the food markets and enjoy cultural performances. The Dipavali Food Village along Campbell Lane are the best place to witness the nightlife in Singapore during festival time.
- Where to visit: Mustafa Centre and Little India
- Celebrated Months: October and November
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Hari Raya Puasa 2025: Community Spirit in Kampong Glam
Hari Raya Puasa is the celebratory end to the fasting season or month of Ramadan and involves community activities in the Malay residential community of Singapore. This is one of the festivals in Singapore which is most significant to the muslim community. It is commemorated by praying in the mosques and the households of the family. At this period, Kampong Glam is a place of festive gathering with the Sultan Mosque being the place of prayer for the community members.
- Where to Visit: Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai
- Celebrated Months: November and December
Vesak Day 2025: Buddhist Rituals at Chinatown's Temples
Vesak Day is celebrated as the birthday and enlightenment of Buddha, peacefully in the temples throughout Singapore. On this day Buddha bathing ritual is observed, and scented water is poured upon the Buddha idols. It symbolises mental and spiritual purification. Be a part of this holy day by offering candles, flowers and Joss sticks in monasteries in Singapore. Additionally, lighting a lamp on Vesak Day symbolises inner peace and mindfulness.
- Where to visit: The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown and Kong Meng San Phor Kark
- Celebrated Month: May
Planning Tips: Best Times & Travel Advice for Singapore Festivals
Festive shopping
For festive shopping in Singapore, you can visit Orchard Road, Bugis Street Market and Chinatown Street Market. Don't miss the Singapore Christmas markets at Gardens by the Bay.
Best Times to Visit for Maximum Festival Fun
The best time to visit Singapore for festival fun is throughout the year. However, January to March can be crowded with higher prices for hotels and flights. So plan accordingly.
Season | Months | Key Festivals | Experience |
| Peak Season | Jan - Mar | Chinese New Year, Thaipusam | Spectacular, crowded, higher prices. |
| Sweet Spot | Apr - May, Sep - Nov | Vesak Day, Diwali | Impressive, manageable crowds, and affordable. |
| Year-Round | Most months | Various multicultural celebrations | Always something to experience, a diverse culture. |
Getting Around During Festivals
Singapore's MRT system connects all major festival areas efficiently. The Circle Line serves Little India perfectly. The North East Line provides direct access to Chinatown. Special shuttle buses are frequently used during Singapore's big events.
Tips: To witness the street performances, explore the festival attractions by walking. You'll miss authentic street-level experiences if you stay in vehicles too long.
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Festival Etiquette & Visitor Tips for Singapore 2025
- When visiting temples during festivals, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Maintain a respectful distance during religious ceremonies and personal devotions.
- Accept the offered food graciously during open house celebrations.
- Book your accommodation at least 1-2 months in advance during peak festival seasons for a reasonable price.
- Avoid taking flash photos inside temples during rituals, and always remove shoes before entering.
Conclusion: Why Singapore Festivals Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List
Festivals in Singapore offer something no other destination can match. Each of the festivals is a window to the rich culture of Singapore. Whether it is the spiritual Thaipusam or the festivity of Hari Raya, these festivities demonstrate the diversity at its best in Singapore. Plan your visit around the festivals with pickyourtrail by checking out the top Singapore tour packages for a magical cultural experience without any hassle.
FAQs: Visiting Festivals in Singapore 2025
What is the best time to visit Singapore to see festivals?
January to March is a great period to visit the festival in Singapore, and this period covers Chinese New Year, Thaipusam and Lantern Festival.
Are Singapore festivals free to attend?
The majority of the Singapore festivals and events are free, and these are the festivals organised by the government, held in open areas and in the parks. There are special events which might impose small fees below SGD 10.
What should I wear to Singapore festivals?
During Singapore festivals, dress modestly when visiting temples - cover shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes for festival hopping.
Can tourists participate in Singapore festivals?
Yes, tourists can participate in festivals in Singapore. Many festivals include open house traditions where families invite visitors to join their festivities.
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