festivals in singapore

Festivals in Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of so many beautiful cultures, so it's no surprise you'll find dozens of festivals there throughout the year. If you're visiting this beautiful country and want to join in the festivities, you'll need to know when they are, what they're about, and what you can expect to do and see during them. So, let's talk about festivals in Singapore.

We've run our fine-tooth combs through the wealth of offerings to find the very best ones you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, this is our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! And by the by, this list is in chronological order. So you'll find your early-year ones at the top and your later-year ones at the bottom! Enjoy!

Including:

  • Pongal
  • Chinese New Year
  • Thaipusam
  • Lantern Festival
  • Hari Raya Puasa
  • and more!
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Pongal

When: January 15 - January 18, 2023

This four-day festival is widely celebrated by the Indian population of Singapore, as it originated there. Dedicated to the Hindu god of the sun, Surya, Pongal is honored to bring wealth and a rich harvest to the people.

Head to Singapore's Little India, and you'll find it ablaze with lights, celebrations, and events. It's customary to exchange gifts and wear new clothes during Pongal, so bear those in mind if you want to get in on the festivities.

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Chinese New Year

When: January 22, 2023

Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world, and in Singapore, it's no different. In 2023, the big day falls on January 22, so expect Chinatown to be full of fun and fancy!

This year is the Year of the Rabbit, and people born in these years are said to be witty, ingenious, and vigilant. You can be all of those things, too, believe it or not. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Expect to find plenty of red and gold decorations, dancing in the streets, and lively processions to boot. And, like with many of these festivals in Singapore, gifts are often exchanged. Because gift-giving is fun, and fun is all we have in this cruel, cruel world.

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Thaipusam

When: February 5, 2023

'Thai' is a month in the Tamil calendar. 'Pusam' is the name of a star in the night sky. What do you get if you combine the two together? Thaipusam, of course! And you can bet your stars that Singapore's burgeoning Tamil population will celebrate it with abandon!

Over the festival, you'll see those taking part walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, carrying all sorts of symbols of divinity, but the celebration itself actually takes place over two days.

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Lantern Festival

When: February 5, 2023

Taking place on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is unsurprisingly celebrated by lighting paper lanterns and letting them drift up into the sky.

It's one of the most popular festivals in Singapore, so if you're visiting at the beginning of February, you're sure to see some of these bright tributes floating in the air. Head to Chinatown to get the best views of the festivities. If you've never seen countless lanterns lighting up the sky, you're in for a treat.

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Hari Raya Puasa

When: April 21 - April 22, 2023

Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. So it's no surprise that the following day is called the 'day of celebration'!

Following a month of fasting, you can understandably expect plenty of delicious food making the rounds. On the holy side of things, many Muslims also flock to local mosques, visit the graves of their forebears, and wear new clothes to signify the purity and renewal that comes in the wake of Ramadan. If you're a Muslim and visiting Singapore at the back end of Ramadan, you'll be pleased to know you can share Hari Raya Puasa with others!

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Vesak Day

When: May 5, 2023

Don't worry, Buddhists, we see you. And thankfully, you're catered to too here, thanks to Vesak Day. For those that don't know, Vesak Day marks the enlightenment and death of Buddha. And, given its melting pot of cultures, you'll find many Buddhists celebrating Vesak Day in Singapore.

Meditation and charity are the name of the game here, which gives believers a chance to look inward and take part in some nice self-reflection.

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Duanwu Festival

When: June 22, 2023

More commonly known as the Dragon Boat Festival around the world, Duanwu Festival is another celebration of Chinese origin. Falling on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar, it's been celebrated for thousands of years.

As you may expect from the Dragon Boat Festival, it primarily consists of dragon boats racing one another. Pretty cool! Even onlookers can enjoy the day, thanks to the food and rice wines often consumed from the sidelines.

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Hari Raya Haji

June 28 - July 2, 2023

Another Muslim festival, Hari Raya Haji is dedicated to the character of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his first-born son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah.

Sacrifice plays a huge role over Hari Raya Haji, with volunteers from mosques sacrificing goats, sheep, and cows on the holy day. A third of the meat from these animals is given to people that need it most. The rest is given to the families of those who sacrificed their animals.

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Singapore National Day

When: August 9, 2023

No matter your religion or cultural background, August 9 is a special day for Singaporeans. It's the country's National Day, and it draws massive crowds from all over the world every year.

Expect massive parades, choreographed dance, and plenty of other festivities to enjoy!

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Diwali

When: November 12, 2023

And finally, we end our guide to festivals in Singapore with Diwali, the biggest celebration in the Hindu calendar. Marking the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, it represents the triumph of good over evil. But what does it mean for you, oh traveler?

Well, plenty! Plenty of fireworks, bright clothes, and dancing. Little India will be buzzing all day, so make sure you go down there and check it out!

And that rounds out our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Go City's got you covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience the best of Singapore for one low price, and fit them around your festival itinerary!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Time to Visit Singapore
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Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore is one of the most diverse countries in Southeast Asia. With so many cultures and ideologies living peacefully in one place, it's no wonder it's such a popular tourist destination! However, planning a trip is another thing entirely. What will you do when you get there? Where will you stay? And, perhaps most importantly, what will the weather be like when you visit? See, Singapore has predictably unpredictable weather throughout the year. Sadly, it's not always beaming sun and clear-blue skies. So let's talk about the best time for you to visit Singapore, season by season, and how to make the most of your trip! Including: How many days is enough to see Singapore? Is Singapore expensive to visit? What is the hottest month in Singapore? Is spring the best time to visit Singapore? Is summer the best time to visit Singapore? and more! How many days is enough to see Singapore? Three days is likely enough to tick off everything on your Singapore itinerary. However, five days should cover it if you want to add some downtime between your adventures or take your vacation a little easier. Is Singapore expensive to visit? It's ranked as the second most expensive place in the world, so yes, it can lean on the dearer side of things. But don't worry about that; Go City's got your back. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can book your spots way in advance and get the best prices around. Don't even worry about it. What is the hottest month in Singapore? It's not one month, but two - lucky you. Both May and June hold the highest average monthly temperature at 82°F. That might sound reasonable, but considering the average high is closer to 90°F, it can be hotter than you'd expect. So, let's go through the seasons and determine the best time for you to visit Singapore! Is spring the best time to visit Singapore? Singapore's spring is at the backend of the wetter seasons, though you can expect some of that rain to splash over into March. Temperature-wise, you're looking at average highs of 88-89°F and lows of 76-77°F. Therefore, make sure to pack plenty of light spring/summer wear, and maybe a light raincoat or umbrella just in case. It's also one of the busiest times of the year for tourism, with plenty of people venturing the Singapore's shores in spring to get their fix. Attraction-wise, you can look forward to a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities! If the sun is shining, dare to try the Giant Swing at Sentosa, or take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city's best bits. You can get off and explore any stop that piques your interest, and then hop back on the next bus to continue on. If you're experiencing some of that March rainfall, head inside and get some culture in you at the National Museum of Singapore. You'll learn all about Singapore's history, and the many cultures that have called it home over the centuries. Is summer the best time to visit Singapore? Surprising nobody, summer is the peak heat season for Singapore. From June to August, you can expect peak temperatures of 90°F and lows of 76°F. So it's not a dramatic shift from spring's average temperatures, but every degree counts, right? Even in Singapore's hottest months, you're still likely to experience some rainfall. Sadly, no season is safe from the dreaded pitter-patter of sky water. So as far as how to pack for your trip, take light clothing, lightweight waterproofs or an umbrella, and sunscreen, because even on overcast days, that shiny little beauty can still get you! Surprisingly, summer is one of the quietest times for tourism in Singapore. That could be because it doesn't get hot enough for some sun-seeking vacationers, or because of the higher-than-usual amount of rainfall. But either way, traveling then will at least lead to smaller queues and fewer travelers, if that's your thing. Attraction-wise, brave a biking tour of the city to get your sweat on and see the sights. And then, cool off with a trip to one of Singapore's most exclusive rooftop bars (and a free drink on us, of course). If rain's getting in the way, take your thrills indoors at Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, and then cool off at an indoor bar instead. Is fall the best time to visit Singapore? Fall, or autumn to everyone else, is the beginning of the wet season in Singapore. Especially towards the back end of the season, you'll see a marked increase in rainfall - November is actually the second-wettest month of the year! However, a glance at the mercury can be deceiving, with average temperatures hitting highs of 87°F. Whether you like it or not, the rains go hand in hand with the heat. So dress appropriately - light clothes, light jackets, and umbrellas. If we sound like a broken record, that's because temperatures stay pretty steady throughout the year in Singapore! Whether because of the increased rain, or the 'off-season' nature of fall, this is the quietest period for tourism. So, if you dare brave the monsoons, it could be the best time to be a tourist in the country! Attraction-wise, we're going to dodge the rain with our suggestions. Experience outdoor fun in another, drier reality at Virtual Room Singapore - perfect for solo travelers and groups. History buffs will get a kick out of The Battlebox, where the US directed the Battle of Singapore in the Second World War. Or, have your mind boggled at Trickeye. Is winter the best time to visit Singapore? Winter is a real tale of two cities in Singapore. On the one hand, December has the highest monthly rainfall of the year, beating November by a whopping 2 inches. On the other hand, February is the most visited month of the year! Predictably, the temperature's not affected by the rains, either, with average highs of 85°F. So it's not coat weather, but if you don't bring some sort of waterproof with you, you're gonna have a bad time. But why is February so popular? Well, firstly, it normally spells the end of the 'wet season', with rainfall nearly half of December's usual downfall. And because of the steady high temperatures, Singapore makes a great winter/early spring escape! Attraction-wise, Christmas is amazing in Singapore, so if you're around for December, you'll find plenty to do. And, when the rain chills out, see Pulau Ubin on a kayak, or go on a night safari and see some exotic animals in the natural, sleepy habitat. Now, it's up to you to decide when is the best time to visit Singapore! Whatever the weather, you'll have a blast.
Dom Bewley
Christmas in Singapore
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Christmas in Singapore

It's the same every year. Horned animals, jolly red fellows, and gifts wrapped in paper start appearing on TV. Those songs clog up your favorite radio stations - you know the ones. And you hear the distant scream of your bank account as it prepares to be drained of all its savings. Yes, that's right. It's Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. So if you're considering visiting Singapore this winter, you might want to know what Christmas is like in the city. Well, don't worry; we've got all answers down below, as well as suggestions to amplify your merriment! Read on, and discover Christmas in Singapore. Including: How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? Is Christmas in Singapore good? Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay Christmas at Universal Studios and more! How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? In such a multicultural city, it's no surprise that Christmas is handled in a rather traditional sense. Shopping malls are wrapped in tinsel and fairy lights, Christmas trees spring up from nowhere, and stockings adorn many a shop window. So, really, it's probably just like your home town. Only in Singapore, so the weather's much better! Is Christmas in Singapore good? It is! You'll find plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy in and around the city, as well as Christmas shopping savings, markets, and plenty more. But we'll get to that. Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Even though there's a relatively small Christian population in Singapore - around 19% identify as Christians - Christmas is still a big holiday in the city. Much like many of the other religious holidays and festivals celebrated in Singapore, Christmas gets a similar treatment. Now that we've got your burning questions out of the way, let's talk about the best things to do over Christmas in Singapore! Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay If you're visiting Singapore, you've probably already heard of Gardens of the Bay. Thanks to its beautiful SuperTrees, it's one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. With millions of plants, multiple biomes, and even an Avatar movie crossover found within, there's plenty to do and see for every visitor. But what of Christmas? Well, you've got a few choices. First is Christmas Wonderland. Arguably Singapore's biggest Christmas extravaganza, visitors will be treated to the kind of light show one expects at Garden Rhapsody - just extra Christmasy. But that's not all; you can also meet Santa and snap a pic, play carnival games, explore the Mistletoe Alley Christmas market, and even hop on some rides. All-round yuletide fun for one and all, just like Santa always wanted. This one runs throughout December, so if you're visiting Singapore over Christmas, you should be just fine. The other is Poinsetta Wishes, a massive display of delightful Andalucian flora that gets a Christmas glow-up every winter. Every year, a different Christmas theme takes over the Flower Dome. Last year it was Nordic-inspired Christmas treats like gingerbread reindeer and a giant hollowed-out apple adorning Santa's sleigh. 2022/23's display hasn't been announced yet, but keep an eye out online to find out. Typically, the Christmas display at the Flower Dome runs from the end of November to the beginning of January. Joy to the world at Universal Studios Universal Studios is every cinephile's ideal theme park. With tons of rides dedicated to some of the planet's biggest film franchises, it's fun for kids and bigger kids alike. One moment, visitors will be dodging dinos at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure; the next, they'll be riding alongside Optimus Prime as the Transformers battle the Decepticons. But over Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. The halls are firmly decked with boughs of holly, carols bellow out around the park courtesy of your favorite universal characters, and you can hop on the Universal Rocking Railway to catch a glimpse of trees inspired by Shrek, Minions, and plenty of others. You can also post a letter to Santa and watch as the Postmaster Elf drops it off at the North Pole Postal Service. And when you're overcome with hunger from all the Christmasy activity, head to the Festive Market to pick up some Christmas twists on Singapore favorites. Pick up some cheer at a traditional Christmas market We've already talked about Gardens by the Bay's Mistletoe Market and Universal's Festive Market. But what other markety delights can you find in Singapore? Well, there's the Chinatown Christmas Market, which appears at the end of December, from Dec 19-20th, and then again from Dec 26-27. See Chinatown adorned in decorations, and prepare to pick up some great bargains on food, knickknacks, and decorations if you're behind on your Christmas schedule. Then there's the Christmas Fair at Crane Club. From Dec 4-5, you can pick up some great gift ideas, all made by local businesses. From clothes to homeware and plenty of chocolate to boot, you'll find something for everyone at this brilliant Christmas spot. Or, try I'mable Gift Market, a conscientious Christmas Market that not only offers sustainably-made products, but they're also made by people with disabilities. And no matter what you pick up, you'll know that your purchases help the community and disability services. Does it get much more Christmasy than that? Not in our book. Let loose at a Christmas Village And finally, we'll end our exploration of Christmas in Singapore with a visit to Changi Festive Village. From November 4 - Jan 2, you'll be able to attend one of Singapore's best-kept winter secrets. Located onsite at Changi Airport, this wonderful village provides with a myriad of activities on offer. Hop on a go-kart and race around a circuit, jump into the dino-themed bouncy castle, lay your eyes upon a huge 50+ foot Christmas tree, and top it all off with some Christmas bites. Brilliant. And there ends our guide to Christmas in Singapore! Wherever you choose to spend your winter holiday, have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If you're wondering what else to get up to on your Singapore vacation, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. That way, you can get your fix of Christmas cheer and make the most of the rest of your stay!
Dom Bewley
Singapore food market
Blog

Unique Dining and Food Experiences in Singapore

If you’re looking for unique culinary experiences, you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is an absolute mecca for foodies. Here’s where spectacular Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian influences collide in a veritable explosion of flavours; where you can gorge on umami hawker center chili crab for just a few dollars, or splash serious cash on tasting-menu odysseys at any number of Michelin star-winning luxury restaurants. There’s plenty to satisfy IG addicts too, with quirky dining options galore sure to light up your socials and set your tastebuds singing. Check out our guide to some of the most unique dining and food experiences in Singapore below, including: Wild dining at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Sky high eats on the Sentosa Cable Car and Singapore Flyer Harry Potter vibes at Platform 1094 Hawker center street food highlights Immersive dining at Absurdities Robot baristas and fortune tellers at Soul Coffee Underwater eats at Ocean Restaurant Mandai Wildlife Reserve If you’ve always dreamed of breakfasting with baboons or picnicking with pandas, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the place for you! Bird Paradise is where it’s at for peckish punters with a penchant for penguins. No, of course you don’t eat them! But you can watch them glide gracefully through their underwater kelp forests as you munch on your sandwiches. Or take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall and tropical birdlife from the Crimson Restaurant. Hit up neighboring Singapore Zoo for breakfast among the lush jungle foliage that surrounds Ah Meng Terrace. You’ll meet park ambassadors such as cute coatimundi, multicolored macaws and curious orangutans and hear from their handlers as you tuck into a wide range of breakfast items including cereals, fruits, eggs and curries. Heck, you can even have a four-course lunch overlooking the giant panda enclosure at River Wonders if you fancy it; a tour of the panda forest guarantees your Insta feed will be the envy of everyone you know. Top tip: you can save money with a Singapore pass from Go City that includes entry to all four of the Mandai wildlife parks. But note that the dining experiences are separate and must be booked direct via the individual attraction websites. Sky High Dining Did someone say dinner with a view? Well, it doesn’t get much better than dining aboard the Singapore Flyer. Rotating all the way up to a knee-knocking 541 feet, this mammoth observation wheel is a great way to take in the city at night, as the sun sets and lights come on all over town. A double rotation of the wheel gives you plenty of time to finish your private dinner (served with champagne, natch). Just as much fun is the dinner and drinks experience aboard the Sentosa cable car, which soars 200 feet over the sea, showcasing Sentosa’s lush foliage and fine sandy beaches en route. Book a private pod for dinner at sundown and fear not: once again a double rotation means there’s no need to rush dessert. Tea for Two No-one could ever accuse the late Queen Elizabeth II of being poorly traveled. Nor of declining a spot of light refreshment when offered. Her various sojourns to Singapore saw her (allegedly) drink the bar dry at the legendary Raffles hotel and, in 1989, bring hubby Phil along for a rather more sedate tea-drinking experience at Tea Chapter, one of the city’s most celebrated (and authentic) tea houses. You too can indulge in a regal tea appreciation ceremony right here in this lovingly converted haven of zen Chinese architecture, sampling the very same leaves – jasmine-scented Imperial Golden Cassia – once deemed fit for Liz’n’Phil. Hawker Centers Rich with the heady scent of sizzling satay pork and deliciously umami chili crab, hawker centers – great sprawling street-food markets that can be stumbled upon on nearly every corner – are the quintessential Singapore foodie experience. If you only visit one, make it Lau Pa Sat, an iconic local landmark that’s as famous for its distinctive octagonal shape, colonial-style architecture and convivial dining crowd as it is for its food. Nab a spot beneath the center’s soaring Victorian arches and get stuck into a gourmand’s smorgasbord of international cuisines, including Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Korean, Malaysian, Chinese and more. Fancy a day at the beach instead? Hit up the East Coast Lagoon Food Village hawker center, where picture-postcard ocean views accompany your crispy oyster omelet and ice-cold Tiger beer. Perfection. Absurdities If immersive dining experiences and little bottles bearing ‘drink me’ labels are your bag, the aptly named Absurdities restaurant is the one for you. Indeed, the term ‘restaurant’ feels a little prosaic for this wacky gastronomic journey, which promises a multi-course, multi-room culinary extravaganza in which you might find yourself coming over all reflective in a tunnel filled with infinity mirrors one minute, and exploring an enchanted forest or chilling in a Bedouin tent the next. The six-course omakase meal that accompanies this wonderfully disorienting and dreamlike experience is every bit as confounding, and twice as delicious. One way or another, you won’t forget it in a hurry. Platform 1094 You can expect to have an, ahem, wizard time at Platform 1094, Singapore’s first magic-themed café which takes Harry Potter as its theme and, well, flies with it. There’s wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials for kids (yes, and adults too) plus more Instagram opportunities than you can shake a wand at. The Enchanted Afternoon Tea, for example, comes with treats including chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse. Owl-shaped cookies, Quidditch-themed desserts and cauldron-shaped plates help keep the kids entertained while smoke effects and flaming cocktails make it a pretty magical experience for grown-ups too. Ocean Restaurant Do you relish the prospect of watching (and being watched by) majestic manta rays and reef sharks while chomping on your tuna? Course you do! Ocean Restaurant is housed within Resorts World Sentosa, where you can accompany your sumptuous seafood dinner with ringside views of the oceanarium’s underwater habitat. Angled mirrors positioned strategically opposite the viewing window mean you’ll get an eyeful of kaleidoscopic tropical critters wherever you happen to be sitting in the restaurant. And there ain't nothing fishy about that. Soul Coffee You’d be forgiven for thinking there are hallucinogens in the beans at Singapore’s Soul Coffee, where the often bewilderingly trippy experience takes in tarot readings, wild wall projections of the natural world, and a robot barista by the name of George Hillary. Ask Mr George for your coffee straight up, or set him to work on one of the signature horoscope blends, such as the super-sweet Capricorn with espresso, salted caramel and vanilla, or the Leo, with festive flavors of cinnamon and gingerbread. Mocktails in a range of bright colors and fruity flavors – yuzu, kiwi, pineapple, agave and more – round out the drinks selection. Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari Last but by no means least in our rundown of unique, quirky and downright wacky dining experiences in Singapore is the relatively wholesome Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari. This safari-themed eatery in the hip Dempsey Hill district is a family favorite, all lush tropical foliage, al fresco dining opportunities and an ace playground to keep the kids entertained. Heck, there’s even an edible garden for intrepid little adventurers to explore. Work up an appetite in the glorious grounds then tuck into sourdough waffles, face-sized wedges of carrot cake and some of the best coffee in the neighborhood. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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