Here's everything you need to know about the holy month of Ramadan, including 2025 dates, Ramadan bazaars, and where to break fast with the fam!
As the month of Ramadan commences for Singapore’s Muslim community (which all leads to the Hari Raya weekend – hurrah!), here’s your guide to this major festival in Singapore.
One thing we love about living in Singapore is its multicultural environment: this is one of the world’s great cities for teaching children about diversity and immersing them in an array of vibrant, cultural experiences. We also love that Singapore is the place where Ramadan (and Hari Raya), Vesak Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas are celebrated and respected in equal measure.
Whether your kids are fasting for the first time this year or you simply want to know more about its cultural significance, here’s everything you need to know about Ramadan in Singapore.
All you need to know about Ramadan in Singapore
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is the holiest month of the year. Ramadan is when the Qur’an (Islam’s holy book) was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The night that the Qur’an was revealed is known as Lailut ul-Qadr (‘The Night of Power’), which takes place within the last 10 days of Ramadan.
The start of Ramadan differs each year, depending on the moon’s cycle. Ramadan starts when the new moon first appears in the night sky. A full moon marks the middle of Ramadan. As the moon wanes to the other side, Ramadan finishes and Syawal, or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, begins.
This year’s observance commences from the evening of 1 March to 30 March 2025 in Singapore. The first day of the fasting month of Ramadan began on 2 March 2025. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or drink during daylight hours. This is known as fasting.
Why do Muslims fast?
Fasting is much more than just abstaining from food or drink – it is also a commitment to the purification of the soul. This means they refrain from bad habits, thoughts and actions. Not only is this a form of detoxification for the body, but fasting also teaches Muslims endurance, patience, builds empathy for those who suffer in life, and fosters community spirit as the act of breaking the fast brings friends and family together.
However, not everyone has to observe Ramadan. Children (more on Ramadan for kids below!), women who are pregnant or menstruating, elderly people, and those who are ill or travelling don’t have to fast. If one missed their fast, they are obligated to make up for them another day.
How is Ramadan observed?
For one month, from dawn until dusk, Muslims start their fast with a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and (what seems like) gallons of water for hydration. The most anticipated time of the day – the act of breaking fast – occurs at sunset, when the meal (iftar) usually starts with dates and a short prayer before tucking in.
Many Muslims will attempt to read the whole of the Qur’an at least once during Ramadan. They will also attend special services in the mosques during which the Qur’an is read.
Ramadan for kids
Do children need to fast for Ramadan?
Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty. Traditionally, Muslim parents slowly ease their kids into fasting. For most, this usually begins from Primary One (seven years old). Typically, the first year kicks off with a half-day fast till 12pm to prepare the child for fasting until they are ready for the real deal (the usual dawn to dusk fast).
Fasting can be difficult for even the average Muslim, so coming up with ways to make Ramadan more enjoyable helps ease your kids into it. We suggest:
1. Ramadan goals: ideas for kids
Have your children set goals for the month of Ramadan. For the younger ones, it could be as simple as “fast for two hours a day” or “help mummy with cleaning away my toys.” For the older ones, encourage them to write in a journal to express their feelings throughout Ramadan so they can reflect on their day-to-day blessings.
2. Get them to make decorations for Ramadan
As Hari Raya Aidilfitri inches closer, hanging up festive decor is the perfect way to kick off the celebratory spirit. To prepare for Aidilfitri, the family home gets a thorough spring clean (we suggest roping in your bigger kids for chores). String fairy lights or plastic ketupat (rice cakes cooked in coconut leaf casings) around the house and blast Hari Raya music as you clean.
3. Teach the kids to be generous
As charity is a big aspect of Ramadan, teach your kids the value of giving through fun ways. Get crafty and decorate a big box and then every day, get them to donate a desired fraction of their allowance (since it’s not spent on food). At the end of the month, discuss as a family where you’d like to make a donation.
Where to celebrate Ramadan in Singapore
1. Geylang Serai Hari Raya Light-up 2025
Each year, the iconic neighbourhood of Geylang Serai plays host to a dazzling light display. This year, the Geylang Serai Hari Raya Light-up will kick off on 25 February 2025. We’re still keeping our eyes peeled for more details on this year’s light-up, but we can’t wait to marvel at the light display which will likely cover Changi Road, Geylang Road, and Sims Avenue. Watch this space!
2. Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2025
The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2025 will be held from 26 February to 31 March 2025 and will feature over 500 stalls all over Geylang Serai! There’s everything from traditional Ramadan and Hari Raya food to clothes and accessories, to ‘essential items’ and decor such as carpets! There are community shelves here where folks can donate perishable halal food and clothing.
3. More 2025 night markets and Ramadan-themed events for you to visit
It’s not just Geylang Serai that will be teeming with Ramadan bazaars and events. In fact, there are several locations across the island that will be having their own night markets and Ramadan-themed events too! We’ve spotted Ramadan bazaar set-ups beginning to take shape in Kampong Gelam (now till 25 March), Woodlands (now till 28 March) and other heartland locations. Psst, check out our sister site for a guide to the Kampong Glam bazaar, plus details on other Ramadan bazaars to look out for!
4. Help the less fortunate via Giving.sg
Good deeds to get you (and the entire fam) involved in this Ramadan in Singapore! Donate to these campaigns where you’ll help raise funds for food hampers and grocery vouchers, Free Food For All, and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation. Even if you can’t donate, do help to spread the word and spread some cheer this festive season.
Where to break fast during Ramadan in Singapore 2025
The greatest part of the day during Ramadan is iftar, a great time to catch up with each other and bond over food. Here are the Ramadan dining deals in Singapore – some from the coolest kid-friendly restaurants, of course!
We’re still updating this list for 2025, but here are the Ramadan feasts from past years for inspiration!
Suki Suki Hotpot
1 March to 18 April 2025
Warm, comforting hotpot after a day of fasting? Yes please! With soup flavours like tomato, chicken collagen, and Singapore lemak laksa, there’s something for the whole fam! We love that Suki Suki Hotpot offers delicious premium ingredients (even wagyu is on the menu!) from fresh vegetables to high quality meats and fish paste. For Ramadan 2025, Suki Suki is offering special add-ons like mala soup and free flow iced bandung.
Ramadan buffet price: From $27.90++ per adult and $18.90++ per child (5-12 years old), available after 7pm daily
Suki Suki Hotpot; HomeTeamNS Khatib, 2 Yishun Walk #01-01, Singapore 767944
Permata at Gedung Kuning (1-for-1 buffet for adults!)
2 to 30 March 2025
Permata, which means ‘jewel’ in Malay, is a halal restaurant located within the former historic mansion Gedung Kuning at Kampong Glam. It serves up classic Nusantara dishes in a modern way. The curated Iftar menu for Ramadan 2025 features dishes exclusively created for Ramadan, including the Nasi Ulam Cakerawala, Roti Kirai, Rawon Risotto, Chilli Crab, Tulang Merah and more. Its signature dishes, such as Traditional Pulut Hitam, Cek Mek Molek and Kolak Pisang Sagu are also available. There’s also a current 1-for-1 offer for adults!
Ramadan buffet price: From $108++ per adult, $20++ per child (6 – 10 years old)
Permata, Gedung Kuning, 73 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198497
Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road
27 February to 30 April 2025
In celebration of Ramadan, Ginger is offering a Korean-themed buffet featuring over 30 authentic Korean dishes alongside its signature local delights. Savour highlights such as seven varieties of Korean Fried Boneless Chicken, D.I.Y Bibimbap, Abalone Porridge, and Ginseng Chicken Soup.
Ramadan buffet price: From $75 per adult, $37.50 per child (6 – 12 years old)
Ginger, PARKROYAL on Beach Road, 7500 Beach Road, Singapore 199591, from $75++ per adult and $37.50++ per child
Window on the Park at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
2 to 30 March 2025
Window on the Park presents Citarasa Ramadan with a delicious yet affordable dinner buffet, featuring signature traditional dishes alongside exciting fusion creations – there are over 50 delectable dishes at this Ramadan buffet!
Ramadan buffet price: From $118++ per adult (1-for-1 offer), $35++ per child (kids age 6 and below dine free!)
Window on the Park, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, 11 Cavenagh Road, Singapore 229616
Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant at Furama RiverFront
2 to 30 March 2025
Craving an Indonesian feast? Furama Riverfront has got you covered! Its halal-certified restaurant serves up unlimited portions of beef simmered with thick coconut sauce, grilled chicken with black sauce, Manado spicy fish, and more. These delicacies are also offered to-go if you prefer to dine in the comfort of your home.
Ramadan buffet price: From $52++ per pax
Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant, Furama RiverFront, 405 Havelock Road, Singapore 169633
Atrium Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
28 February to 30 March 2025
If you can never decide what to eat, Atrium Singapore has a little bit of everything that you can enjoy. On top of its iftar essentials, diners get to savour Asian, Indian, and Western delicacies. Of course, we can’t leave out the desserts, which include Singapore staples “uncle hawker ice cream” and Pandan chiffon cake. Sounds yummy!
Ramadan buffet price: From $118++ per adult, $30++ per child (1-for-1 for adults, selected credit cards gets 50% off!)
Atrium Restaurant, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, 317 Outram Road, Singapore 169075
Ramadan Murabak, folks!