Free crafting workshops, big bus tours, performances and a whole heap of lights – here are all the family-friendly things to do with kids this Deepavali in Singapore!
Singapore is at its most colourful this time of year with celebrations happening all over the island in anticipation of Deepavali on 31 October 2024! Although there’s no long weekend this year, we’re 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 2024 Singapore: 15 events & things to do with kids
1. Deepavali Istana Open House
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. There’ll be fun activities for the fam too – the kiddos will love the scavenger hunt, balloon sculpting, colouring activities, henna booth, and performances by students from various schools. Fuel up at the Singapore residents and Permanent Residents get to go in for free, just make sure to get there early to avoid the long queue.
When: 20 October 2024, 8.30am to 6pm (Guided tours 9am to 4pm)
Where: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Cost: 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)
2. Check out the Deepavali lights in Little India!
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 17 November 2024
Where: All around Little India (Serangoon Road and Race Course Road are particularly lit up!)
Cost: Free!
3. Deepavali Open House at The Indian Heritage Centre
The Indian Heritage Centre is throwing its Deepavali Open House 2024 bash, and it’s going to be a blast in Little India! Get ready for awesome festive outdoor performances, free henna art, cultural carnival games, 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 5th to 27th Oct 2024
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209924
Cost: Free entry every weekend!
4. Deepavali Festival Village
Deepavali is not just about the lights; it’s also shopping time! And the Deepavali Festive Village is where the shopping action is at. Picture this: 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 30 October 2024, 10am to 10pm
Where: Campbell Lane
Cost: Free!
5. Live cooking demonstration
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 your favourite Deepavali cultural dishes come to life. You’ll not only learn about ingredient selection and food prep techniques but also uncover the delicate art of balancing flavours and so much more. Get ready to become a kitchen pro!
When: 19 October 2024 4pm to 5pm
Where: Junior Kuppana Restaurant
Cost: Free!
6. Deepavali Big Bus Tour
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: 18 October & 21 October to 25 October, 6.45pm to 7.30pm & 7.45pm to 8.30pm
Register: Via TicketNow, tickets released weekly
Cost: $10
7. Meet the Deepavali mascot
The little ones will love meeting Tekka Raja, the cuddly Deepavali mascot! Snap some pics with Tekka Raja if you spot them along Serangoon Road spreading festive cheer and joy to make some memories this Deepavali 2024.
If you want to catch a glimpse of Tekka Raja, they’ll be along Serangoon Road on 19 October between 4pm to 5pm!
8. Take part in some 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 an hour-long too – just enough to keep the attention span of the little ones and keep them engaged.
9. 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!
10. Deepavali 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.
11. Diwali Shopping
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 fashions to plan the ‘fam-Diwali-look’ for the year. In short, there are lots to check out and so much to do!
12. 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!
13. 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!
14. 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 The Giftable Boutique. 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!
15. Make a difference this Deepavali
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 an umbrella drive where you can donate any unused or extra umbrellas to shield migrant workers from harsh weather conditions.
When: Now till 31 December 2024
Where: Check the drop off points here
We’re still updating this list! In the meantime, check out other Deepavali events from last year
Celebrate with the community at Rangoli & Rhythm
Getting ready for a blast this Deepavali? Head down to Singapore Sports Hub for a community-centric celebration! There’s loads of fun stuff to do, from adding your creative touch to a giant masterpiece that exudes celebration vibes to witnessing the fired-up showdown as the top five teams battle it out in a lively Bollywood Dance-off Contest. While they’re at it, moms can don an elegant saree for plenty of photo ops, while the rest of the family can unleash their creativity at the Diya painting station. But wait, there’s more! Get ready for an awesome lineup of traditional dances like Peacock dances, watch a snake charmer work their magic, have a blast with classic Indian games like Golli Gundu, and even indulge in a delicious array of Indian treats from Pani Puri to Murukku. It’s a day brimming with cultural richness, entertainment, and fantastic activities for everyone to enjoy!
When: 4pm – 10pm, on 10 & 11 November 2023
Where: OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub
Deepavali Food Bazaar
Get set for a mouthwatering adventure at this indulgent Deepavali Food Bazaar! Here your taste buds are in for a wild ride with a symphony of flavours while you dive headfirst into the vibrant Deepavali celebrations. But it’s not just about the food; it’s also a chance to hang out with fellow foodies who share your love for Indian cuisine. So, let’s dig into some tasty dishes and soak up the festive vibes together. It’s a feast for your senses and a whole lot of fun with great company!
When: till 11 November 2023, 2pm to 10pm
Where: Poli@Clive Street
Deepavali Fashion Show
Get set to be amazed by the sheer elegance of Indian fashion at this super cool runway show. The models are going to strut their stuff in a mix of North and South Indian designs, giving tradition a trendy twist that’s seriously stylish. So, come on down to the fashion extravaganza, not just to grab some awesome Deepavali outfit ideas, but also to soak up the cultural vibes of clothing during festive times. It’s all about celebrating the beauty of Indian culture and its ever-evolving fashion game!
When: 21 October 2023, 6.30pm to 8pm
Where: Outside Indian Heritage Centre
Traditional Deepavali performances
Get ready to be wowed by some seriously awesome song and dance performances that totally embrace the festive vibe, making sure you’re entertained to the max. Join the party at this cultural extravaganza, soak in the awesome atmosphere, and feel the lively cultural energy that’s rocking the streets of Little India!
When: 27 October 2023, 6.30pm to 8pm
Where: Outside Indian Heritage Center
Get inked with henna
Ready to embrace some artistic expression this Deepavali? We’ve got the perfect spot for you. Indian Inks is all set to host a fabulous Henna Booth at the Deepavali Bazaar, just in time for Karwa Chauth and the Deepavali celebrations. Folks of all ages can look forward to adorning themselves with cool and intricate tattoo designs. The best part? You have a choice between two temporary ink options: henna and jagua. Don’t miss out on this creative opportunity during the festive season to rock some bold ink!
When: 30 October – 11 November 2023, 11am – 11pm
Where: Air-conditioned Tent @ Burmah Road, Deepavali Expo Bazaar 2023, Near Farrer Park MRT station
Learn some Deepavali dance moves
Ready to bring some Bollywood magic to the dance floor this Deepavali? Well, here’s the scoop – head on over to Esplanade for the Bollywood Dance workshop that’s perfect for parents and kids aged 6 and above. But hey, if you’re a bit older and looking to bust a move, there’s another workshop for participants 13 years and above too. Get ready to groove to those catchy Bollywood beats in this super fun workshop by Royalusion. Your whole crew is going to have a blast!
When: Bollywood Dance Workshop, 18 Nov 2023, Sat, 11am, Esplanade Annexe Studio; Bollywood Dance Parent-Child Workshop, 19 November 2023, Esplanade Annexe Studio, 11am,
Register: Click here to book your tickets
Cost: $15 per ticket; $30 per parent & child pair; $45 (1 adult + 2 children OR 2 adults + 1 child)
Stay tuned, for more events coming soon. Happy Deepavali, everyone!