Guide to Singapore
Holidays and Festivals
New Year's Day (Public Holiday)
Like many countries, Singapore ushers in the new year on January 1st.
How it's celebrated: The eve of New Year's Day sees grand countdown parties, often with spectacular fireworks displays over Marina Bay, live music, and DJs. Many families also gather for meals and informal celebrations.
Location: Marina Bay is the prime location for the major countdown and fireworks. Various other venues host parties. The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown is a world-class event, offering an unforgettable way to ring in the new year with an incredible skyline backdrop.
Pongal: Tamil four-day harvest festival
Date: It will take place on 14 January - 17 January 2026
How it's celebrated: It's a thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, for a bountiful harvest and life's riches. People exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes, particularly a sweet rice dish called Pongal. Cultural dances and cooking competitions are common.
Location: Primarily in Little India, especially along Campbell Lane. The street decorations are particularly beautiful.
Singapore Art Week
Date: It will take place on 22 January - 31 January 2026
To promote and celebrate the visual arts scene in Singapore. It features various exhibitions, gallery openings, public art walks, lifestyle events, and workshops across multiple venues.
For more information, you can visit this website
Thaipusam
Date: It will take place on 1st February 2026
Why it's celebrated: Devotees express their devotion, fulfill vows, and offer thanks to Lord Murugan.
How it's celebrated: A solemn yet striking procession takes place, with devotees carrying elaborate "kavadis" (portable altars) that are often pierced into their bodies, or carrying pots of milk. The procession starts from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
Location: Procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Little India.
Chinese New Year (Public Holiday)
Date: It will take place on 17 February - 18 February 2026
Why it's celebrated: The most significant festival for the Chinese community in Singapore. The dates vary based on the lunar calendar, usually falling in late January or February. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, chasing away bad luck and ushering in good fortune, prosperity, and family reunion.
How it's celebrated: Homes are meticulously cleaned, people wear red (symbolizing good luck), visit relatives, exchange "ang baos" (red packets containing money). Lion dances and dragon dances are common, believed to bring good fortune.
Location: Chinatown is the epicenter of celebrations, with spectacular street light-ups and festive markets. River Hongbao at Marina Bay offers large-scale lantern displays, cultural performances, and food stalls. The Chingay Parade, a vibrant street parade with floats and multicultural performances, is another highlight.
Hari Raya Puasa (Public Holiday)
Date: It will be observed on March 20, 2026 (tentative)
Why it's celebrated: Also known as Eid al-Fitr, it marks the successful completion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
How it's celebrated: The festivities begin even before Hari Raya with the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar and Light-Up. This vibrant market transforms the Geylang Serai precinct with dazzling lights, traditional Malay food, contemporary snacks, and festive goods. It's a must-visit for tourists to experience the pre-festival buzz and diverse culinary offerings.
On Hari Raya morning, Muslims attend special prayers before visiting family and friends, dressed in new, often matching, traditional Malay attire. It's customary to seek forgiveness from elders and share blessings. Homes are open for guests, offering a spread of delicious traditional Malay dishes like ketupat, rendang, sayur lodeh, and a variety of kueh (sweets). Children and younger relatives often receive "duit raya" (money in green packets).
Good Friday (Public Holiday)
Date: It will be observed on 3rd April 2026
Why it's celebrated: A solemn day for Christians to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus.
How it's celebrated: Christians attend church services and engage in prayer and reflection. While not a public spectacle, many shops and restaurants remain open.
Location: Churches across Singapore.
Points of Interest: You can visit some of Singapore's churches spread out in the island in this list here.
Labour Day (Public Holiday)
Date: It takes place every 1st of May
Why it's celebrated: To honor workers' rights and achievements.
How it's celebrated: Primarily a day for rest and leisure. Many Singaporeans use this long weekend for family outings or short trips. Parks, attractions and shopping malls will be more crowded than usual.
Vesak Day (Public Holiday)
Date: It will be celebrated on 31st of May 2026
Why it's celebrated: Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. The most significant day in the Buddhist calendar.
How it's celebrated: Buddhists visit temples for prayers, offerings, and rituals like "bathing the Buddha" statues. Temples are beautifully decorated with lanterns. Acts of charity and kindness, such as releasing caged birds or animals, are also common.
Location: Buddhist temples across Singapore, particularly Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.
iLight Singapore - A Light Art Festival
Date: It is normally held every last week of May from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
Why it's celebrated: To showcase innovative light art installations and promote sustainable living practices.
How it's celebrated: Features unique light art installations, often made with recycled materials, creating a mesmerizing display after dark. Workshops and educational programs on sustainability are also offered.
Location: Marina Bay.
Hari Raya Haji (Public Holiday)
Date: It will take place from the evening of 26th May - 27th May
Why it's celebrated: To honor workers' rights and achievements.
How it's celebrated: Primarily a day for rest and leisure. Many Singaporeans use this long weekend for family outings or short trips. Parks, attractions and shopping malls will be more crowded than usual.
Dragon Boat Festival
Date: It is normally held every last week of May from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
Why it's celebrated: To showcase innovative light art installations and promote sustainable living practices.
How it's celebrated: Features unique light art installations, often made with recycled materials, creating a mesmerizing display after dark. Workshops and educational programs on sustainability are also offered.
Location: Marina Bay.
The Great Singapore Sale (GSS)
Date: It is normally held every last week of May from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
Why it's celebrated: To showcase innovative light art installations and promote sustainable living practices.
How it's celebrated: Features unique light art installations, often made with recycled materials, creating a mesmerizing display after dark. Workshops and educational programs on sustainability are also offered.
Location: Marina Bay.
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