Things to do on Diwali celebrations in Singapore

Looking for the best things to do during Diwali celebrations in Singapore? This guide covers top events, festive activities, food experiences, and cultural highlights across the island to help you celebrate the Festival of Lights in style.

In 2025, Diwali (also known as Deepavali) falls on Monday, 20 October, with celebrations continuing into the following day. As a national holiday, it transforms Singapore into a vibrant hub of colour, tradition, and joy. From light displays in Little India to temple rituals and festive feasts, discover how to enjoy every moment of this cultural celebration.

1. Immerse Yourself in the Little India Deepavali Light‑Up

Little India's iconic light‑up along Serangoon Road and Race Course Road is at the core of things to do on Diwali celebrations in Singapore. Starting as early as September and running through October, streets glow with colourful arches, fairy lights, and rangoli‑inspired motifs.

Best evening stroll: Visit from 7 PM until midnight, when the lights shine their brightest.
Photo ops: Under the illuminated arches, you’ll find ideal spots for festive Instagram shots.
Shopping: Pop-up stalls line Campbell Lane and Hastings Road, offering sparkling textiles, diyas, traditional sweets, and festive décor.

2. Dive into the Deepavali Festival Village & Bazar

Located on Campbell Lane and Clive Street, the Deepavali Festival Village and food bazaar offers a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes.

Indian street food stalls: From pani puri and samosa chaat to dosas and biryani, arrayed with aromatic spice stalls. Discover the best chaat in Singapore to try beforehand.
Crafts & shopping: Browse for saris, jewellery, rangoli supplies, clay diyas, and festive home décor.
Family fun games: Carnival-style booths and kids’ activities add to the festive atmosphere.

3. Participate in Cultural Workshops & Interactive Events

Singapore’s Diwali events calendar includes many hands-on experiences guided by local experts:

Rangoli/Kolam Workshops.
Flower-tying workshops.
Treasure Hunts in Little India.

For those seeking more cultural dining post-workshop, explore options like Indian fine dining in Singapore or vegetarian Indian restaurants to enhance your evening plans.

4. Catch Cultural Performances & Fashion Shows

The Indian Heritage Centre, community spaces, and Little India open plazas host enchanting Diwali cultural events:

Fashion Show: Live runway featuring Indian ethnic wear and festive styles.
Street performances: Bollywood dance troupes, classical dancers, music acts along Campbell Lane.
Countdown Concert on Diwali Eve: A finale of live music, dance, and surprises culminating in the main event night.

These events bring vibrant energy and local talent into the heart of the festival.

5. Take a Deepavali-Themed Tour of Little India

For an immersive overview:

Deepavali Big Bus Tour: A one-hour guided bus ride around Little India, timed around the festival lights; pickup at Orchard Hotel, drop-off on Race Course Road.
Walking tours or neighborhood guides: Ideal for discovering temple architecture, traditional shops, and communal decorations.

Tours anchor your experience and give context to the dazzling visuals.

6. Temple Visits & Rituals During Diwali

Religious observances are central to Diwali’s meaning:

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India hosts elaborate pujas, devotional ceremonies, and public lighting rituals.
Sri Krishnan Temple, a national monument, also welcomes worshippers during Deepavali; many devotees cross‑worship with nearby Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

Expect dawn-to-evening rituals, oil lamp lightings, and community offerings. Most temples will publish Diwali schedules in advance.

7. Feast on Special Diwali Sweets at Akasa

Culinary highlights abound:

Hotel and Indian restaurant buffets often roll out special Diwali menus featuring festive favourites. At Akasa, you can savour traditional Diwali desserts like Gulab Jamun, Lesooni Malai Kheer, Kulfi Falooda, and Gajjar Ki Barfi as part of their seasonal offerings.

8. Watch Light Shows & Fireworks (Where Allowed)

Although personal fireworks are restricted in Singapore:

Light shows, laser displays, and community fireworks occasionally feature in Deepavali events.
Eco-conscious sparkler zones are often set up near Little India—safe, supervised, and minimal environmental impact.

These visual spectacles bring sparkle to the festive night safely.

9. Shop Diwali Essentials & Gifts

No Diwali is complete without festive shopping:

Tekka Centre and Mustafa Centre offer everything from traditional clothing and gold jewellery to sweets and home décor.
Deepavali bazaars: Ideal for buying clay diyas, rangoli powder kits, Indian sweets, ethnic outfits, and decorative items.

For sweet gifting options, visit Indian sweets in Singapore or consider curated Diwali celebration restaurant menus.

10. Connect with Community & Charity Events

Diwali brings communities together:

Open-house celebrations at the Indian Heritage Centre and community clubs, featuring prasad distribution and communal dining.
Charity galas or cultural nights raise funds for community causes and showcase performances and festive dinners.
Corporate Diwali parties in multicultural organisations are also common work events during this season.

These communal settings reinforce the festival’s spirit of unity and generosity.

11. Celebrate at Home or Host a Diwali Summer Soiree

If you prefer smaller gatherings:

Home decor: Clean your space, set up rangoli at your entrance, light diyas or tea lights, and hang Indian-style fairy lights.
Games & entertainment: Tambola (housie), card games, Antakshari, Bollywood music and dance playlists.
Food: Serve homemade festive Indian snacks, sweets, or dine out and bring in catered items.
Dress: Encourage festive attire—sarees, kurta pajamas, lehengas.

Such parties capture Diwali’s warmth and personal meaning amid close company.

Diwali 2025 at a Glance

Feature

Details

Diwali date

Monday, 20 October 2025 (main day); festivities span 18–23 October

Public holiday

Deepavali is observed as a national holiday in Singapore

Main area

Little India (Serangoon Road, Campbell Lane, Race Course Road)

Key venues

Indian Heritage Centre, Sri Veeramakaliamman & Sri Krishnan Temples, community clubs

Highlight events

Light‑up, Festival Village, street shows, workshops, fashion & cooking demos

Food zones

Street food bazaar, hotel buffets, specialty restaurant menus

Family-friendly

Workshops for kids, treasure hunts, temple visits, craft sessions

Top Tips for Planning Your Visit

Plan early: Many events require pre‑registration or fill up quickly.
Time visits wisely: Weekends and evenings tend to be more crowded.
Dress respectfully: Temples and cultural workshops welcome modest attire.
Stay hydrated: October nights in Singapore can still feel humid.
Public transport: Little India MRT station, bus routes, and Uber/Grab options are available; parking is limited.
Health & safety: Stick to lighting zones for sparklers, and supervise children during candle-lit decorations.

Conclusion

Singapore’s Diwali season offers a sparkling blend of tradition, culture, art, cuisine, and community warmth. Whether you’re drawn by the spectacular light-up in Little India, the rich tapestry of Diwali events guide Singapore, or the rich culture behind Indian festival activities, there’s no shortage of festive spirit.

As you plan your things to do on Diwali celebrations in Singapore, embrace both the visual delight and the deeper meaning of togetherness, heritage, and renewal. From temple ceremonies to craft workshops, from street feasts to fashion shows, Diwali in the Lion City invites everyone—locals and visitors alike—to experience a festival that truly lights up the soul.

Things to Do on Diwali Celebrations in Singapore: A Complete Guide