Deepavali 2026 in Singapore Offers Full Calendar of Family Events
Singapore's 2026 Deepavali celebrations, running from October to November, feature a street light-up, family workshops, and heritage activities.
Deepavali 2026 in Singapore offers families a full calendar of cultural events, workshops, and public celebrations across Little India and beyond. The festival period runs from 10 October to 8 November 2026, with the main day on Sunday, 8 November. Monday, 9 November 2026, is likely to be a public holiday. The Ministry of Manpower stated: "Monday, 9 November 2026, will be a public holiday if your rest day falls on Sunday, 8 November." The 2026 Deepavali street light-up ceremony in Singapore's Little India takes place on 3 October at Birch Road.
Family-friendly events and workshops across Little India
Parents can choose from clay diya painting, spice blending, brass lamp engraving, and cultural performances at venues like Tekka Place and Campbell Lane. A series of confirmed workshops provides hands-on activities.
| Workshop | Date(s) in October 2026 | Time | Venue | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Lamp Engraving Workshop | 10 & 24 | 10am to 1pm | Tekka Place | $10 per person |
| Spice Blending Masterclass | 17 & 31 | 11am to 1pm | Campbell Lane | $8 per person |
| Clay Diya Painting Workshop | 17 & 31 | 2pm to 4pm | Tekka Place | (Cost not specified) |
Cultural performances are also scheduled. The Sangeetham Under the Stars event occurs on 17 and 31 October from 8pm to 10pm at the Campbell Lane Open Stage.
Lights, heritage walks, and open houses for all ages
The street light-up, AR/VR heritage walk, and Indian Heritage Centre activities offer immersive ways to experience Deepavali traditions together. The Little India Deepavali Street Light-Up runs from 3 October onwards daily from 7pm to midnight along Birch Road and Serangoon Road.
An AR/VR Heritage Walk titled 'Journey Through Time' occurs on Saturdays between 10 October and 7 November at 6pm, starting at Tekka Market & Little India Arcade. Ticket prices vary.
| AR/VR Heritage Walk Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| General | $15 per person |
| Student | $10 per person |
| Senior | Free |
The Indian Heritage Centre Open House at 5 Campbell Lane will offer kid-friendly workshops and activities, though its exact 2026 date is still to be announced. The Deepavali Festival Village will also be located on Campbell Lane from 10 October to 8 November.
Special access and costs at Istana Open House and guided tours
The Istana opens its gates on 1 November with free entry for young children and Singaporeans, while the Big Bus Tour provides evening access with a meal voucher. The Istana Open House Deepavali celebration runs from 9.30am to 8pm on 1 November 2026.
Entry is free for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and children below four years old. Standard rates apply for others. Tickets are only available for purchase at the Istana Main Gate on the day itself.
| Istana Open House Admission | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $20 |
| Child | $10 |
| Singaporeans, PRs, & children <4 | Free |
The Deepavali Big Bus Tour operates on select dates in October and November, with departures at 7pm and 8pm from the Orchard Hotel pick-up point. The tour costs $12 per person and includes a $5 restaurant voucher, concluding at Race Course Road.
Food, fashion, and traditions that bring the festival to life
From rangoli and henna to sweets like gulab jamun and new clothes, Deepavali engages the senses in ways families can share and explain to children. Houses are cleaned and redecorated before the festival. Doorways are decorated with rangoli or kolam made from rice flour, coloured rice, or flower petals. Oil lamps of every size are placed around homes to symbolise light overcoming darkness.
In many Hindu households, prayers are offered to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Bolder and brighter colours are preferred for Deepavali outfits, and henna is often applied to hands and arms. The exchange of sweetmeats and gifts, along with big meals, are central to celebrations. Traditional foods include gajar halwa, made with carrots, milk and sugar, and gulab jamun, which are fried milk-based dough balls in sugar syrup.
Little India remains the hub of festivities. Race Course Road has restaurants offering curries for every taste and budget. Festive stalls offer glittering saris, spicy treats, sweet desserts, and shiny oil lamps. Key temples like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India and the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple on Ceylon Road are part of the cultural landscape.
Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus worldwide, with Jains and Sikhs also marking the day, though religious significance and traditions differ. The festivities usually span five days in many communities. One Hindu legend tells of Lord Rama and Sita returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, with earthen diyas lit to welcome them. For many South Indian Hindus, Deepavali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
Families can attend the Istana Open House Deepavali celebration on 1 November 2026 from 9.30am to 8pm, with free entry for Singaporeans, PRs, and children below 4 years old.
