Top 10 Festivals In Singapore: A Year-Round Celebration Guide

Planning a trip to the Lion City? 

When browsing Singapore trip packages, you’ll quickly realise that timing your visit with one of the vibrant festivals in Singapore is a must! 

From the colourful streets of Little India during Deepavali to the lively markets of Chinatown during Chinese New Year, Singapore festivals offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich culture. 

And let’s not forget the food festivals of Singapore, where you can indulge in the diverse and delicious culinary delights that the city is famous for. 

Whether you’re here for the lights, the food, or the cultural experiences, there’s always something exciting happening in Singapore that will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and traditional festivals in Singapore. This Singapore famous festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar. The festivities span over 15 days, with families gathering for reunion dinners, exchanging red packets, and decorating their homes with vibrant red ornaments, which symbolise good fortune. 

Chinatown becomes the heart of the celebrations, with streets adorned with lanterns and lively dragon and lion dances. As one of the traditional festivals of Singapore, Chinese New Year offers a unique blend of cultural performances, parades, and fireworks, making it one of the must-see festivals in Singapore. It is a time when the entire nation comes together to celebrate prosperity, happiness, and new beginnings.

During this time, places to visit in Singapore include Chinatown for its festive markets, the Marina Bay area for spectacular fireworks, and temples like Thian Hock Keng for traditional prayers and offerings.

1.Festival Time: January or February (varies based on the lunar calendar).

2.Things to Do:

• Visit Chinatown for lantern displays and street markets.
• Watch the Chingay Parade.
• Enjoy traditional reunion dinners.

2. Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most important festivals in Singapore for the Malay-Muslim community. This Singapore famous festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The celebration begins with prayers at mosques, followed by visits to the graves of loved ones. Families gather to enjoy sumptuous feasts, wearing their best traditional attire. 

Streets and homes are decorated with lights and festive ornaments, creating a joyful atmosphere. As one of the prominent Singapore festivals, Hari Raya Puasa is a time for forgiveness, gratitude, and strengthening family ties. The lively bazaars in Geylang Serai offer a variety of traditional food, clothing, and decorations, making it a key highlight of the festivals in Singapore.

1.Festival Time: Marks the end of Ramadan (varies annually).

2.Things to Do:

• Visit Geylang Serai for festive bazaars.
• Attend prayers at mosques.
• Enjoy traditional Malay dishes with family.
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3. Deepavali

Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most vibrant festivals in Singapore celebrated by the Indian community. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Little India, the hub of the celebrations, is beautifully illuminated with colourful lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Families come together to light oil lamps, perform prayers, and enjoy traditional Indian sweets and delicacies. 

Deepavali is not only one of the most popular Singapore festivals but also one of the most family-friendly festivals in Singapore. The festivities include cultural performances, street parades, and fireworks, offering a rich cultural experience for both locals and tourists. Deepavali is a time of joy, renewal, and community bonding, making it a significant festival in Singapore.

During this period, shopping in Singapore becomes particularly exciting, especially in Little India, where shops are filled with festive decorations, traditional clothing, jewellery, and sweet treats. This is an excellent time to experience the vibrant markets and indulge in festive shopping.

1.Festival Time: October or November (varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar).

2.Things to Do:

• Explore Little India for light displays and cultural performances.
• Participate in temple prayers.
• Enjoy Indian sweets and traditional foods.

4. Christmas Light-Up

The Christmas Light-Up is one of the most dazzling festivals in Singapore, transforming Orchard Road into a festive wonderland. As one of the most family-friendly festivals in Singapore, the Christmas Light-Up features stunning light displays, festive decorations, and themed events that attract visitors from all over the world. 

The celebrations begin in late November and continue through December, with numerous activities such as carolling, live performances, and shopping promotions. The entire stretch of Orchard Road is adorned with twinkling lights, giant Christmas trees, and holiday-themed installations, creating a magical atmosphere. This festival not only brings joy to families but also highlights the multicultural spirit of Singapore, making it one of the most anticipated festivals in Singapore.So,Make sure to join the festival and make it one of the best things to do in Singapore.

1.Festival Time: Late November to December.

2.Things to Do:

• Stroll along Orchard Road to see the festive lights.
• Visit Christmas markets.
• Enjoy carolling and live performances

5. Thaipusam

Thaipusam is one of the most intense and popular festivals in Singapore, celebrated by the Tamil Hindu community. It is a time of penance and devotion, where devotees undertake a pilgrimage carrying kavadis—decorated structures with offerings to fulfil their vows. The procession starts at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, covering a distance of several kilometres. 

This Singapore festival is deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Indian community. Thaipusam is not just one of the traditional festivals of Singapore, but also a testament to the faith and resilience of the devotees. The festival draws large crowds of onlookers, both locals and tourists, making it one of the most captivating festivals in Singapore.

1.Festival Time: January or February (varies based on the Tamil calendar).

2.Things to Do:

• Watch the kavadi procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
• Observe the devotees’ rituals.
• Explore the cultural significance of the festival.
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6. Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most charming festivals in Singapore, celebrated primarily by the Chinese community. This festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is a time for family gatherings, mooncakes, and lantern displays. The highlight of the celebration is the vibrant lantern parade, which illuminates the night with colourful lights. Although primarily a traditional celebration, the festival also features elements of modernity, such as dance performances and cultural shows, making it one of the most diverse Singapore holiday festivals.

The festival also includes a variety of activities such as mooncake tasting, storytelling, and lion dances, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a beautiful representation of Chinese culture and one of the must-see festivals in Singapore.

1.Festival Time: September or October (15th day of the 8th lunar month).

2.Things to Do:

• Attend lantern parades.
• Taste mooncakes.
• Enjoy cultural performances and lion dances.
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7. Singapore Food Festival

The Singapore Food Festival is a culinary extravaganza that celebrates the rich and diverse food culture of Singapore. As one of the top food festivals of Singapore, this event showcases the best of local cuisine, from traditional dishes to innovative culinary creations. Held annually, the festival features a variety of events, including food trails, cooking workshops, and chef collaborations, offering a deep dive into Singapore’s gastronomic heritage. 

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to experience the vibrant food scene, the Singapore Food Festival is one of the essential Singapore festivals to attend. This festival not only highlights the diversity of Singapore’s culinary landscape but also brings together food lovers from all over the world, making it one of the most anticipated festivals in Singapore.

1.Festival Time: July.

2.Things to Do:

• Attend food workshops and masterclasses.
• Explore food stalls and taste local delicacies.
• Participate in food trails.

8. Singapore International Jazz Festival 

The Singapore International Jazz Festival is one of the premier music festivals of Singapore, attracting jazz enthusiasts from around the globe. This festival showcases a stellar lineup of international and local jazz artists, offering a diverse range of performances from traditional jazz to contemporary styles. 

Held in iconic venues across the city, the festival creates a sophisticated atmosphere where music lovers can enjoy world-class performances in a stunning setting. As one of the key Singapore festivals, the Singapore International Jazz Festival not only promotes the genre but also contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the city. This festival is a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates music, making it one of the standout festivals in Singapore.

1.Festival Time: Typically held in March or April.

2.Things to Do:

• Attend live jazz performances by international and local artists.
• Enjoy jazz in iconic venues across the city.
• Participate in jazz workshops.
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9. Laneway Festival Singapore 

Laneway Festival Singapore is one of the most popular music festivals of Singapore, known for its eclectic mix of indie, alternative, and electronic music. This festival attracts a diverse crowd, from music aficionados to casual festival-goers, offering a unique experience in Singapore’s vibrant music scene. 

Held annually, the festival features a lineup of international and local artists, performing across multiple stages. The laid-back vibe, combined with the stunning backdrop of Singapore’s cityscape, makes Laneway Festival a must-attend event for music lovers. As one of the key festivals in Singapore, Laneway Festival not only highlights emerging talents but also provides a platform for artists to showcase their music, contributing to the dynamic cultural landscape of Singapore.

1.Festival Time: January.

2.Things to Do:

• Enjoy performances by indie and electronic bands.
• Explore food and merchandise stalls.
• Experience the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

10. ZoukOut

ZoukOut is one of the largest dance festivals in Singapore, offering an unparalleled beach party experience. Held at Siloso Beach, this festival attracts thousands of party-goers from around the region, making it one of the top festivals attractions of Singapore. ZoukOut features a lineup of world-renowned DJs, spinning a mix of electronic dance music that keeps the crowd dancing from dusk till dawn. 

This festival is not only a celebration of music but also a showcase of Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene. As one of the standout festivals in Singapore, ZoukOut offers a unique blend of music, dance, and beach vibes, making it a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the best of Singapore’s festival culture.

1.Festival Time: December.

2.Things to Do:

• Dance to world-class DJs at Siloso Beach.
• Enjoy the beach party vibe.
• Explore festival-themed zones and attractions.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, the diverse festivals in Singapore reflect the nation’s rich culture, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring vibrant food festivals of Singapore or enjoying the lively atmosphere of traditional celebrations, these events provide a unique way to experience the city’s culture. 

With many free things to do in Singapore during these festivals, from street performances to light displays, visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the festive spirit without breaking the bank.