20 Best Festivals in Singapore You Must Experience

Singapore, a bustling island city-state, is known for its cultural diversity and rich heritage. The country’s multi-ethnic population celebrates a variety of festivals, each offering a glimpse into different traditions, beliefs, and celebrations. 

Whether you’re fascinated by Chinese, Malay, Indian, or Western festivals, Singapore is a vibrant hub where these cultural events come to life. This article will introduce you to the top 20 festivals in Singapore, ensuring you don’t miss out on experiencing these lively events.

20 Best Festivals in Singapore

Here’s a rundown of 20 unmissable festivals in Singapore:

1. Chinese New Year (CNY)

• The grand celebration of the Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year, the most significant cultural festival for the Chinese community in Singapore, marks the beginning of the lunar new year. The streets of Chinatown come alive with festive decorations, dragon dances, and the iconic lion dance. 

What to Experience

• Visit Chinatown for decorations and festivities
• Enjoy lion and dragon dances
• Witness the Chingay Parade
• Taste traditional snacks like pineapple tarts and bak kwa

2. Hari Raya Puasa

• Celebrating the end of Ramadan

Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the biggest Muslim festivals in Singapore. It’s a time of feasting and celebrations after a month of fasting. Muslims visit family and friends, offer prayers at the mosque, and enjoy delicious traditional foods like ketupat (rice cakes), rendang (spicy beef), and lemang (glutinous rice).

What to Experience

• Visit the Geylang Serai Bazaar for local delicacies and shopping
• Attend the Hari Raya prayers at mosques
• Explore the Malay cultural performances

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3. Deepavali

• Festival of Lights

Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Singapore’s Indian community. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The celebrations include decorating homes with oil lamps (diyas), colorful rangoli art, and enjoying sweet treats. The Little India district is particularly vibrant during this time, with streets lined with lights and festive activities.

What to Experience

• Witness the light displays on Serangoon Road
• Taste traditional sweets like laddoos and jalebis
• Participate in cultural events in Little India

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4. Thaipusam

• A Hindu religious observance

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Singapore. Devotees observe fasting, prayer, and rituals, culminating in a procession to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. Participants often carry “kavadi,” ornate structures attached to their bodies, to demonstrate their devotion.

What to Experience

• Watch the procession along Serangoon Road
• See devotees carry kavadis
• Visit the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple for prayers

5. National Day

• Celebrating Singapore’s independence

Singapore’s National Day celebrates the country’s independence and national identity. The day is marked with a grand parade at the Padang, where military displays, fireworks, and cultural performances highlight Singapore’s unity and progress.

What to Experience

• Watch the National Day Parade (NDP)
• Enjoy the stunning fireworks display
• Participate in local events and street parties

6. Vesak Day

• A Buddhist celebration

Vesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. In Singapore, it is a public holiday observed by the Buddhist community with temple visits, prayers, and offerings. 

What to Experience

• Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
• Participate in prayer ceremonies
• Offer flowers and candles to Buddha statues

7. Mid-Autumn Festival

• A celebration of the harvest moon

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, celebrates the harvest moon and the legends of Chang’e. Families gather to admire the full moon, eat mooncakes, and participate in lantern processions. 

What to Experience

• Visit Chinatown for lantern displays
• Enjoy mooncakes and pomelos
• Participate in lantern parades

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8. Chingay Parade

• A colourful and lively street parade

Chingay Parade is Singapore’s largest street performance, created to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Over the years, it has become a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural event that showcases vibrant costumes, cultural performances, and impressive floats. 

What to Experience

• Witness the spectacular floats and performances
• Join in the festivities along the parade route
• Explore the cultural displays at the event

9. Good Friday

• A Christian religious observance

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christian communities in Singapore attend church services and participate in various religious activities. While it’s a solemn occasion, the holiday also offers an opportunity to reflect and come together in prayer.

What to Experience

• Attend church services at local Christian churches
• Participate in processions and prayers
• Visit holy sites like St. Andrew’s Cathedral 

10. Durga Puja

• Celebrating the victory of Durga

Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by the Bengali community in Singapore. The festival honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and is marked by elaborate rituals, traditional music, dance, and sumptuous feasts.

What to Experience

• Visit the Bengali temples for prayers and rituals
• Enjoy traditional Bengali sweets like sandesh
• Witness performances of Durga Puja rituals

11. Christmas

• Celebrating the birth of Jesus

Christmas in Singapore is a joyous occasion, with the Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up being one of the main attractions. The streets are adorned with festive lights, and malls offer seasonal discounts and promotions. Families gather for Christmas dinners, and children look forward to Santa’s visit.

What to Experience

• Enjoy the Christmas lights along Orchard Road
• Participate in Christmas markets and fairs
• Indulge in festive foods and sweets

12. Pongal

• The Tamil harvest festival

Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival that celebrates the end of the harvest season and the arrival of the sun’s northern journey. It is marked by the cooking of rice in milk (known as “Pongal”), offering prayers, and enjoying family feasts.

What to Experience

• Watch the traditional cooking of Pongal
• Enjoy the folk dances and music
• Visit temples for prayers and blessings

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13. Deepavali Bazaar

• Shopping and celebration during Deepavali

In the lead-up to Deepavali, Singapore hosts the Deepavali Bazaar in Little India. This is a lively shopping event where visitors can purchase festive clothing, decorations, jewelry, and delicious foods.

What to Experience

• Shop for traditional Deepavali items
• Taste festive snacks like murukku and vadai
• Watch traditional dance and music performances

14. International Film Festival (SGIFF)

• A celebration of cinema

The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is a major event in the city’s cultural calendar. It showcases the best of Asian and international cinema, with screenings, award ceremonies, and filmmaker discussions.

What to Experience

• Attend screenings of international films
• Participate in filmmaker workshops
• Enjoy panel discussions and award ceremonies

15. Thaipusam Night Procession

• A night-time procession of devotion

A unique aspect of Thaipusam in Singapore is the night-time procession, where devotees walk barefoot to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in a display of piety and devotion.

What to Experience

• Witness the midnight procession
• See devotees participate in religious rituals
• Observe the carrying of kavadis

16. Aloha Festival

• Celebrating Hawaiian culture

The Aloha Festival in Singapore celebrates the vibrant culture of Hawaii with hula dances, traditional Hawaiian music, and authentic food. This event is a unique opportunity to explore Hawaiian traditions on the island.

What to Experience

• Enjoy hula dance performances
• Taste Hawaiian food like poke bowls
• Participate in cultural workshops

17. F1 Singapore Grand Prix

• A celebration of motorsport

The F1 Singapore Grand Prix is a world-famous night race held on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It’s a highly anticipated event, with stunning light displays, live concerts, and a thrilling race.

What to Experience

• Attend the F1 night race
• Explore the live concerts and entertainment
• Visit the race track for up-close action

18. River Hongbao

• A celebration of the Lunar New Year

The River Hongbao festival takes place during Chinese New Year and features spectacular displays, lanterns, dragon dances, and cultural performances. It’s one of Singapore’s largest celebrations during the festive season.

What to Experience

• Visit the grand lantern displays
• Enjoy performances and cultural shows
• Taste festive foods like dumplings and spring rolls

19. Singapore Art Week

• Celebrating art and creativity

Singapore Art Week is an annual celebration of visual arts, where galleries, museums, and cultural spaces across the city showcase art exhibitions, installations, and performances by both local and international artists.

What to Experience

• Explore art exhibitions and galleries
• Participate in workshops and art talks
• Witness live performances and installations

20. Racial Harmony Day

• Promoting multiculturalism

Racial Harmony Day is observed to celebrate Singapore’s multicultural society and promote understanding among different racial and religious groups. The day includes cultural performances, exhibitions, and activities for students and the public.

What to Experience

• Attend cultural performances and exhibitions
• Learn about Singapore’s multi-ethnic heritage

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FAQs

What is the best way to experience Singapore’s festivals?

To fully experience Singapore’s festivals, it’s best to visit cultural hubs like Chinatown, Little India, and Geylang Serai during major celebrations. Engaging with the community, visiting local temples, and attending processions and parades will provide an authentic cultural experience.

Are the festivals in Singapore family-friendly?

Yes, most festivals in Singapore are family-friendly. Events like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya Puasa feature activities and entertainment suitable for all ages, including cultural performances, street fairs, and traditional foods.

What is the significance of mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival?

Mooncakes are a traditional food enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They symbolize unity and completeness, as families gather to share these round pastries filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings while appreciating the full moon.

Can tourists participate in local festivals in Singapore?

Yes, tourists are encouraged to participate in local festivals in Singapore. Many events are open to the public, such as the National Day Parade, Deepavali light-up in Little India, and the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown.

Is it difficult to get a visa for Singapore to attend festivals?

No, obtaining a visa for Singapore is straightforward. OneVasco simplifies the visa application process by providing personalized assistance, ensuring a smooth experience for travelers attending festivals in Singapore.

Are there any special events during Singapore’s National Day?

Yes, National Day in Singapore is celebrated with a grand parade featuring military displays, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks display. There are also community events, concerts, and various patriotic activities throughout the city.

How long do the festivals in Singapore typically last?

Most festivals in Singapore last several days. For example, Chinese New Year and Deepavali are celebrated for about a week, with significant events and activities happening throughout the duration. Some festivals, like Hari Raya Puasa, may last up to three days.

Do Singapore’s festivals involve a lot of street food?

Absolutely! Street food is a central part of many festivals in Singapore. During festivals like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya Puasa, you’ll find special foods like mooncakes, ketupat, and ladoos, served at vibrant street markets and food stalls.