Free crafting workshops, big bus tours, open houses, performances and a whole heap of lights – here are all the family-friendly Deepavali events in Singapore!
Singapore is at its most colourful this time of year with celebrations happening all over the island in anticipation of Deepavali on 20 October 2025! We’re so excited for the long weekend and making dazzling plans to keep the family entertained! So if you haven’t made a checklist of things to do with the kids just yet, then we’ve come to the rescue with fun Deepavali events and things to do around Little India and beyond that the whole family will want to check out.
Deepavali 2025 Singapore: 17 events & activities with kids
1. Have a lit Deepavali weekend at this Deepavali event by Singapore Discovery Centre
There’s plenty of exciting Deepavali events for the whole fam to enjoy at the Singapore Discovery Centre’s Illam Aglow! Over the Deepavali weekend, they’ll have dance and music performances, a henna station, a garland workshop, and even a Pulli Kolam art drawing station where the little ones can try out this intricate Indian art form created with dots and lines.
When: 18 to 20 October 2025, various time slots
Where: Singapore Discovery Centre, 510 Upper Jurong Rd, Singapore 638365
More info
2. Deepavali market: Deepavali Pop-Up 2025
Hosted by Indian Inks, this Deepavali event features over 20 local brands that have come together for a fun-tastic weekend of vibrant shopping, culture, and celebration. Like other pop-ups and markets, this pop-up will have some yummy treats, local fashion brands, and cute handmade goods – you might just discover your new favourite brand here! The main highlight has to be the return of Indian Inks’ iconic Henna and Jagua Ink booth, where you can experience the look of a tattoo using henna!
Where: LYF @ Farrer Park, 2 Perumal Rd, #01-01, Singapore 218773
When: 18 to 19 October 2025, 12pm – 10pm
More info
3. Istana Open House: Deepavali
Explore the grounds of the Istana this weekend during the Deepavali Istana Open House! Soak up the Istana’s rich heritage and check out the Japanese Garden, Villa, Ceremonial Plaza, Inclusive Garden, and more – you can even go on a guided tour that’ll let you fully appreciate the sights. In last year’s edition, there were fun activities for the fam like the scavenger hunt, balloon sculpting, colouring activities, henna booth, and performances by students from various schools. Singapore residents and Permanent Residents get to go in for free, just make sure to get there early to avoid the long queue.
When: The date and time for the Istana Open House this Deepavali have yet to be announced, so keep an eye on the Istana’s website!
Where: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Open House: Free (Singapore Residents, PRs, Children below four), Adult $20, Children $10,
Guided tour: Adult ($8 for Singapore Residents, PRs & $30 for Standard), Children ages four to 12 ($4 for Singapore Residents, PRs & $12 for Standard), Children ages below 4 (Free), Family ($22 for two adults and two children ages four to 12, only for Singapore Residents and PRs)
4. Little India Deepavali 2025 Light-up with dazzling Deepavali events
It’s not Deepavali without the lights in Little India – so if you only do one thing this Deepavali, make sure it’s this. The kids are sure to love the dazzling display (even if you have to keep them up after bedtime for it). Once you’ve finished, head to one of the along Race Course Road for a truly fabulous curry or grab a takeaway for all the family!
When: Now till 9 November 2025
Where: All around Little India (Serangoon Road and Race Course Road are particularly lit up!)
Cost: Free!
5. Deepavali Open House at The Indian Heritage Centre with tons of Deepavali events and activities
The Indian Heritage Centre is throwing its Deepavali Open House 2025 bash, and it’s going to be a blast in Little India! Get ready for awesome festive outdoor performances, free henna art, awesome booths, and free lobby activities on weekends! It’s all about celebrating Deepavali in style at IHC. Don’t miss out on the fun – see you there!
When: Every weekend from 27 Sept to 19 Oct 2025, 10am to 8pm on Saturdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209924
Cost: Free entry every weekend!
6. Festival Village bazaar and night market in Little India this Deepavali
Deepavali is not just about the lights; it’s also shopping time! And the Deepavali Festive Village night market in Little India is where the shopping action is at. Picture this: a Deepavali-themed pasar malam featuring a kaleidoscope of stalls offering traditional clothing, yummy snacks, beautiful handicrafts, and all the festive decorations you can imagine. It’s basically a shopper’s paradise. But here’s the bonus – there’s also a ton of traditional music, dance, and cool artistic displays that celebrate Indian heritage. So, shop till you drop, and then enjoy the cultural vibes!
When: Now till 19 October 2025, 7pm to 12am daily
Where: Campbell Lane
Cost: Free!
More info
7. Live cooking demonstration Deepavali event – 60 Briyani in 60 minutes
Gear up the whole family and dive into a culinary adventure that’ll make cooking come alive in a fun and interactive way. Get ready for a live cooking demonstration led by the amazing celebrity chef, Chef Arifin, and watch the magic unfold as attempts to set a Singapore Book of Records milestone! He’ll be attempting to whip up 60 different types of briyani in just 60 minutes, so make sure to pay attention if you want to pick up a skill or two for yourself. And yes, you’ll get to taste the delicious briyani too!
When: 25 October 2025, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Campbell Lane
Cost: Free!
More info
8. Deepavali event: Big Bus Tour through Little India
Looking for a bird’s eye view of the precinct in all its dazzling glory? The Deepavali Big Bus Tour will be a winner with the fam as it offers an open-top bus tour with excellent photo opportunities from the top deck. So click away all you want as you catch the vibe of this bustling town while you enjoy the breeze on the top deck, all at the same time.
When: Deepavali Big Bus Tour: 26 September, 3 October, 10 October, 17 to 19 October, 24 October, 31 October, 7 November, 14 November, and 18 November 2025, 7pm to 8pm & 8pm to 9pm
Register: Via TicketNow
Cost: $10
9. Embark on a Deepavali treasure hunt
This treasure hunt is a fun way to learn about Indian tradition as well as the Deepavali, and even stand a chance to win some shopping vouchers! Work in pairs to solve clues and perform tasks as you go from station to station. Take this chance and compete amongst the fam or against other pairs while also soaking up the beauty and festive spirit at Tekka Place!
When: 4 October 2025, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 6pm
Register: Via TicketNow
Cost: Free!
10. Take part in some free Deepavali workshops
Time to get the creative juices flowing and try your hand at some flower tying or Rangoli making! These culturally rich workshops will not only give you the chance to learn something new, you’ll be able to create something beautiful to take home with you. They’re just two hours long, too – just enough to keep the attention span of the little ones and keep them engaged. There’s also a Saree and Dhoti draping workshop where you can learn more about these iconic garments that carry deep cultural meaning. Let the professional instructors guide you on the draping styles while sharing the cultural significance behind them!
When:
Flower Tying
11 October 2025, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm; #01-27 Dragon Playground Unit, Tekka Place
Saree and Dhoti draping workshop
27 September 2025, 11am to 12pm and 1pm to 2pm; #01-27 Dragon Playground Unit, Tekka Place
Register: Via TicketNow
Cost: Free!
11. Deepavali event: Discover Little India by foot
There are loads of things happening over the island to celebrate Deepavali, but Little India is definitely where you’ll catch most of the action. As well as checking out the events and lights, take time to explore Little India on foot with the family. From Tekka Market to Little India Arcade, there’s lots to explore. It’s also IG heaven, with its brightly coloured buildings and beautiful temples. And of course, if you head over at this time of year, you’ll get the bonus of the Deepavali lights for your pics!
Check out our family guide for how to ace Little India with the kids!
12. Deepavali events and celebrations closer to your hood
If you and your fam aren’t up for going too far and want some Deepavali fun nearby, OnePA has a bunch of cool stuff planned for neighbourhood celebrations. You can expect things like a community workout, Deepavali Nite, and more. Our tip? Keep an eye on this page to see what’s happening for Deepavali in your area and beyond.
13. Diwali shopping for traditional Indian clothes
The spirit of Diwali is best-experienced in the preps that lead up to the big day. And there are lots of boxes to check off before the celebrations commence. So kit out the fam to explore the streets of Little India- to check out the gorgeous Diwali decks like diyas and rangoli, and flavourful ingredients to keep those pantry cubbies well stashed. Check out the latest traditional Indian clothes to plan the ‘fam-Diwali-look’ for the year. In short, there are lots to check out and so much to do!
14. Deepavali event: Make Deepavali sweets at home
You know what’s a must for a festive Deepavali? That mouthwatering mithai platter! Seriously, it’s dessert heaven. And guess what? You don’t need to go on a sweets hunt because we’ve got you covered. We’ve lined up some easy mithai recipes you can whip up at home with your fam. Just grab a few ingredients, and you’re all set. Plus, you can enjoy these Indian goodies all year round. Yay for homemade treats!
15. Deepavali event: Get crafting for Deepavali at home!
If you don’t fancy heading out, there’s still fun to be had at home to celebrate Deepavali. Check out these Deepavali craft activities to keep the kids busy. From making your paper diyas to upcycling projects with glass jars and even henna hands – there’s something to keep all ages entertained!
16. Get creative with a Deepavali crafting kit!
Calling all you crafty folks! If you’re looking to add a creative twist to your Deepavali celebrations, we’ve got something special for you. Check out the awesome craft kits from Inakhi and MandalaSandArtKits. These crafts are not only a whole lot of fun but also super easy, perfect for some quality family time during the festivities. Get your craft on and make this Deepavali extra special!
17. Make a difference this Deepavali with Its Raining Raincoats
Deepavali is the perfect time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. But this year, let’s take it up a notch and spread some cheer to the hardworking immigrants in Singapore. Good news – Its Raining Raincoats has a Deepavali Drive where you can sponsor some food, prepare care packages, or volunteer to help out on the food distribution day.
When: Now till 27 November 2025
Where: More information for each contribution here.
Happy Deepavali, everyone!
