10 Deepavali Events & Activities In Singapore 2026

Check out the Deepavali Festival of Lights at Little India, plus there are a ton of other 2026 Deepavali activities in Singapore to experience with the family!

One of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar, Deepavali (or Diwali) is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It takes place on Sunday, 8 November 2026 this year. Want to experience this colourful festival for yourself? Check out our list of Deepavali activities and events in Singapore to get into the spirit – there’s plenty happening in the Little India district and around town.

Read more: Kid-Friendly Guide To Celebrating Deepavali

1. Istana Open House Deepavali celebration

The Istana Open House takes place four to five times a year, including during Deepavali! This Deepavali event will give visitors a rare peek into the Istana, with each open house comprising guided tours (for an additional fee), cultural performances, food and lots of family-friendly activities.

When: 1 November 2026, 9.30am – 8pm
Where: The Istana
How much: Free for Singaporeans, PRs & kids below 4 years old. Standard rates of $20/adult and $10/child apply. Tickets can only be purchased at the Istana Main Gate on the day itself.

Read more: All About The Istana Open House

2. Little India Deepavali Street Light-Up: Decorative lights

The Deepavali street light-up is an annual must-see​ in Singapore over Deepavali. Little India is always super colourful, but over Deepavali the lights are something else! Plus, look out for the colourful peacocks guarding Serangoon Road. Each year the Deepavali lights are expected to switch on daily from around 7pm till midnight. The light-up ceremony on 3 October 2026 will also see festive music and dance performances. If you are looking to buy Indian ethnic wear, jewellery, decorations and traditional snacks visit the Deepavali festival bazaar along Campbell Lane and Hastings Road.

Deepavali 2026 light-up at Little India
When: 3 October 2026 onwards, 7pm – midnight
Where: Birch Road and Serangoon Road
How much: Free!

3. Indian Heritage Centre Open House

Take the kids to Indian Heritage Centre’s Carnival Open House that usually takes place around Deepavali. There’s usually an exciting line-up of programmes and activities, including free craft activities, carnival games, live performances and more. Join cultural workshops to learn more about the story behind Deepavali, and check out the festive market for shopping fun!

When: 17 October – 8 November 2026, 10am – 6pm (extended till 8pm on Saturdays)
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
How much: Free!

4. Deepavali Festival Village: Traditional clothing & snacks

The highly anticipated Deepavali Festival Village is an annual favourite bazaar with a beautiful kaleidoscope of scrumptious snacks, intricate crafts, traditional clothing and decorations to celebrate this joyous occasion. Enjoy a captivating line-up of cultural performances that display the beauty of the Indian heritage. Gather your friends and family for an evening of exciting Deepavali festivities!

When: 10 October – 8 November 2026
Where: Campbell Lane
How much: Free!

5. Deepavali Big Bus Tour: Guided tour around Little India

Looking for a relaxing way to soak in the Deepavali light up this year? Book your seats on a spectacular Big Bus Tour that will take you through the lively streets of Little India and the Deepavali bazaar. Marvel at the beautifully adorned streetlights to celebrate this joyous occasion! Plus, get a $5 voucher that you can use at a restaurant in the area.

When: 10, 17, 24 & 31 October; 7, 13, 21 & 28 November 2026, 7pm & 8pm
Where: Pick-up point at Orchard Hotel; Drop-off point at Race Course Road
How much: $12 per person.

6. Brass Lamp Engraving Workshop

This Deepavali, try your hand at traditional brass craftsmanship by designing your very own Kuthuvilakku lamp at a two-day-only workshop at Tekka Place. Under the guidance of master craftsmen, you can learn pattern hammering and decorative etching techniques to create your very own piece. Traditionally displayed in homes during Deepavali, the Kuthuvilakku symbolises light, prosperity and auspiciousness during the festival.

When: 10 & 24 October 2026, 10am – 1pm
Where: Tekka Place
How much: $10 per person.

7. AR/VR Heritage Walk: “Journey Through Time”

Did you know that Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple dates back to the 1880s?! This Deepavali, step back in time and discover the history of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Market and Little India Arcade through an AR/VR Heritage Walk. Don a portable AR/VR headset and be guided through these iconic landmarks as you uncover stories of their history and heritage. You’ll even receive a digital souvenir album at the end of the tour!

When: Saturdays between 10 October and 7 November 2026, 6pm
Where: Tekka Market & Little India Arcade
How much: $15 per person, $10 per student, free for seniors

8. Spice Blending Masterclass: Learn about Indian spices with a chef

What better way to spend Deepavali than learning about the vibrant spices that give Indian cuisine its distinctive flavours? Led by a local chef, this Spice Blending Masterclass will teach you how to make Garam Masala and Sambar Powder from scratch. The session concludes with a tasting, and you’ll even get to bring home your freshly made blends, recipe cards and more!

When: 17 & 31 October 2026, 11am – 1pm
Where: Campbell Lane
How much: $8 per person

9. Deepavali Workshop: Clay Diya Painting

Get creative this Deepavali by decorating your very own terracotta diyas with acrylic paints, gilding paste and rhinestones at this free workshop! Along the way, learn about the symbolism behind traditional motifs such as peacocks, lotus flowers and kolam patterns.

When: 17 & 31 October 2026, 2pm – 4pm
Where: Tekka Place
How much: Free with registration

10. Sangeetham Under the Stars: Live festive performances

Nothing quite like getting into the festive spirit of Deepavali with a party! Catch free performances at Sangeetham Under the Stars at the Campbell Lane Open Stage, featuring Carnatic classical, fusion, Bollywood beats, emerging local artists and more!

When: 17 & 31 October 2026, 8pm – 10pm
Where: Campbell Lane Open Stage
How much: Free!

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