January or February
Chinese New Year
The biggest festival of the year turns Chinatown into a tunnel of red and gold. Look for the street light-up, the Chinatown bazaar and the River Hongbao festival at Marina Bay.
Chinatown and Marina Bay
Festivals & events
A calendar full of celebration
Four cultures, one island, and a festival almost every month. Time your trip and the city comes alive with light, food and music.
Headline festivals
The ones worth planning around
Dates for lunar and Islamic festivals change every year, so check the current calendar before you book.
February
Chingay Parade
Asia’s largest street performance and float parade celebrates Singapore’s many cultures with dancers, lion dances, acrobats and giant floats.
Marina Bay
Date follows the Islamic calendar
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The end of Ramadan is marked with a month-long bazaar of food, fabrics and festive lights. It is a great time to try traditional Malay sweets and snacks.
Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam
October or November
Deepavali
Little India lights up with arches of coloured lights, and the bazaar fills with garlands, sweets and festive clothing for the Festival of Lights.
Little India
Year at a glance
What happens when
A quick month-by-month guide to the rest of the festive year.
- Jan–Feb
Thaipusam
A Hindu procession of devotees carrying decorated kavadi from Little India to Tank Road.
- May
Vesak Day
Buddhist temples hold prayers and processions, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple draws large crowds.
- Jun–Jul
Dragon Boat Festival
Teams race in decorated boats, and you can taste sticky rice dumplings at any time of year.
- August
National Day, 9 August
A parade, fireworks and flypasts celebrate Singapore’s independence, with rehearsals in the weeks before.
- Sep–Oct
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
A street race under floodlights around the Marina Bay circuit, with concerts across the weekend.
- Sep–Oct
Mid-Autumn Festival
Lantern displays at Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay, and mooncakes in every bakery.
- Nov–Jan
Christmas on Orchard Road
The boulevard glows with themed light displays, and shops and malls dress up for the holidays.
- 31 Dec
New Year’s Eve countdown
Fireworks and a big countdown party at Marina Bay.
Book around the big dates
Hotels fill up and prices rise during major festivals and events.