Planning a trip to Singapore in 2026? Discover the major festivals and events to know before you visit, plus insider tips on crowds, closures and hotel prices.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore in 2026, the time of year you visit can make a huge difference to your experience.
Singapore is packed with festivals, cultural celebrations, major sporting events and national holidays. Some are wonderful to experience as a visitor. Others can mean road closures, fully booked hotels, higher prices and very crowded attractions.
Below is your insider guide to the key festivals and events in Singapore in 2026, so you can decide whether to plan around them… or plan your whole trip because of them.
Also see our article: The Best Time to Visit Singapore.
Thaipusam (1st February 2026)
This Hindu festival is one of Singapore’s most striking religious events. Devotees carry ornate kavadis (large ceremonial structures) in a procession in Little India that starts at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.
Road closures occur along the route, and large crowds gather to watch. For visitors interested in culture and religion, it’s a powerful and memorable event to witness.
Be respectful, dress modestly and avoid blocking the procession for photos.
Click here to learn more about Thaipusam in Singapore.
Chinese New Year (17–18 February 2026)
Chinese New Year is the single most significant festival in Singapore’s calendar, and it can have a real impact on visitors.
Read more about celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore here.
In 2026 (Year of the Horse), Chinese New Year falls on 17–18 February. You can expect:
- Chinatown is transformed with lanterns and decorations.
- You’ll find festive markets and street stalls.
- River Hongbao celebrations take place at Gardens by the Bay.
- Expect fireworks and live performances.
- Keep a lookout for Lion Dances at local businesses and shopping malls.
- Many local businesses are closed on the first day or two.
Hotels often increase prices, and restaurants book out well in advance. That said, it’s a fantastic time to experience Singapore’s Chinese heritage at its most vibrant.
Tip: If you’re here during this period, book dining reservations early and check opening hours before heading out. Read more about Singapore Chinese New Year here.
Chingay Parade (27-28 February 2026)
Held during the Chinese New Year period, Chingay is Singapore’s biggest street parade, with elaborate floats, costumes and performances.
It has grown to become one of the biggest street parades in Asia, featuring over 3,000 performers and has earned the reputation of being the “Mardi Gras of the East”.
It takes place around the F1 Pit Building and Marina Bay area. Expect road closures and heavy crowds, but also a spectacular cultural show.
Note: this is a ticketed event. You can buy tickets here.
Ramadan & Hari Raya Puasa (18 Feb – 21 Mar 2026)
Ramadan affects the rhythm of life in Singapore, particularly in Kampong Gelam and Geylang Serai.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan sees Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk.
To mark the end of this fasting month, Singaporean Muslims celebrate the festival of Hari Raya Puasa (also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid al-Fitr), which is a public holiday in Singapore.
In 2026, Hari Raya Puasa will be celebrated on 21st March (subject to confirmation).
During the fasting month:
- Some Muslim-owned eateries may open later in the day.
- Evening bazaars become very lively.
- Streets are decorated with lights.
For visitors, this is a great time to visit Kampong Gelam in the evening to soak in the festive vibe at the Ramadan Bazaar.
Head to Kandahar Street and Muscat Street near the Sultan Mosque to find over a hundred stalls, featuring food and drink, decorations, souvenirs and more. There will also be traditional dancing, live music and other entertainment.
Another larger bazaar takes place at Geylang Serai with more than 500 stalls, street lights, live entertainment and more. Head to the streets near Wisma Geylang Serai.
Singapore International Festival of Arts (15-30 May 2026)
This long-running performing arts festival showcases theatre, dance, music and experimental performances from Singapore and around the world and is a high point on Singapore’s arts and cultural calendar.
It won’t disrupt your travel plans, but it’s a lovely bonus if your dates line up.
Learn more on the SIFA website here.
National Day (9 August 2026)
National Day is celebrated on 9 August and is a huge moment in Singapore’s calendar.
The National Day Parade (NDP) takes place at Marina Bay and the Padang, with fireworks, military displays and flyovers.
Useful for visitors to know:
- Excpect road closures around Marina Bay.
- Fireworks rehearsals take place on several Saturdays in July.
- Restaurants with bay views book out weeks in advance.
- Expect large crowds in the evening.
If you love fireworks and atmosphere, it’s an exciting time to be in Singapore. If you prefer quieter sightseeing, you may want to avoid the Marina Bay area in the evenings during rehearsal season.
Singapore Grand Prix (9-11 October 2026)
The Formula 1 night race is one of Singapore’s biggest annual events and is both an exciting and expensive time of year to visit Singapore.
As the Singapore GP is a street circuit, it means road closures around the Marina Bay and Civic District area.
Alongside the motor racing is Asia’s biggest music festival, with big-name headliners (past performers include Elton John, Bon Jovi, Kings of Leon and Gwen Stefani) bringing in the crowds.
Even if you’re not attending the event, it will likely affect your trip. You can expect:
- Significant road closures in the Marina Bay area.
- Fencing and race infrastructure up for weeks.
- A steep increase in hotel prices.
- Concert headliners and parties across the city.
- Restaurants booked up ahead of time.
For some visitors, the buzz is part of the appeal. For others, it can feel disruptive. It will definitely make your visit more expensive.
Mid-Autumn Festival (25 September 2026)
Chinatown glows with lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and mooncakes fill bakery windows across the island.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2026 this will 25th September.
Around this time, you will find colourful lantern displays in Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay. Another big part of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival is buying and eating mooncakes, and you’ll see them advertised at all bakeries and hotels throughout this time.
Mid-Autumn Festival is not a public holiday, and it won’t disrupt your travel plans, but it’s a lovely seasonal highlight.
Deepavali (October/November 2026)
Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in Little India with beautiful light displays and street decorations.
9th November 2026 will be a public holiday in Singapore for Deepavali.
It’s one of the most colourful times of year in Little India, when night markets, bazaars and cultural performances run throughout the lead-up to Deepavali, so head here to soak up the festive vibe.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (6 December 2026)
This major marathon causes early morning road closures, particularly around Marina Bay and the Civic District.
If you’re staying in the CBD or Marina Bay area, you may find access restricted in the early hours.
Christmas in Singapore (December 2026)
Singapore pulls out the stops to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. You’ll find plenty of fun ways to celebrate Christmas all over Singapore, from the Orchard Road light-up to Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, and plenty more in between.
Read more about Christmas in Singapore here.
You can expect:
- Orchard Road light-ups, Christmas villages, bazaars, pop-up stores, street parties and more.
- Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay: a supersized fairground with stunning light displays.
- World Christmas Market with a global market, carnival rides, live performances and craft workshops.
Late December is peak travel season, so book early if you’re planning a festive visit. You can also expect hotels to be more expensive and restaurants to be busier.
New Year’s Eve (31 December 2026)
New Year’s Eve in Singapore is a big one — especially around Marina Bay.
Each year, thousands gather around Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and the Helix Bridge for a countdown and fireworks display over the water.
Many restaurants with a view and Singapore’s rooftop bars host ticketed parties, and hotels with bay views often sell out months in advance.
What to expect:
- Large crowds around Marina Bay.
- Road closures and restricted access zones.
- Ticketed viewing areas in some years.
- Surge pricing on hotels.
- Public transport running late.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, book early and arrive well before midnight to secure a good viewing spot.
If you prefer a quieter celebration, consider staying away from the Marina Bay area. Neighbourhood restaurants and hotel celebrations offer a more relaxed alternative.
For families, note that crowds can be intense late at night, so plan your exit route in advance.
Don’t Forget: Singapore School Holidays
If you’re travelling with children (or simply want to avoid peak family crowds), keep local school holidays in mind.
For Singapore local schools, school holidays will be the following dates (note that these may vary with Singapore’s international schools).
- 14-22 March
- 30 May – 28 June
- 5-13 September
- 28 November – 2 January
During these periods:
- Sentosa is noticeably busier.
- Theme parks and family-friendly attractions are more crowded. Book ahead and consider fast-track passes for the likes of Universal Studios.
- Hotel prices can creep up.
Final Tips for Planning Your 2026 Singapore Trip
Before you book:
- Check if your dates fall over Chinese New Year or the Singapore Grand Prix.
- Look up National Day rehearsal dates if staying near Marina Bay.
- Book popular restaurants early during major festivals.
- Expect higher hotel rates during big event periods.