How to spend the year-end holidays in Singapore
Singapore has plenty to do all year round, but if you’ve picked to visit during this time of year, you’re in for a treat. We’ve got you covered with these picks—from cultural celebrations and music festivals to art exhibitions, sporting events and foodie weekends. Good vibes and festive cheer guaranteed.
Singapore events in October
Deepavali Celebrations
When: 30 Sep–3 Dec 2023
Deepavali, also known as the “Festival of Lights”, is one of the major cultural festivals in Singapore. Celebrated by Hindus to mark the triumph of good over evil, it’s a fixture on Little India’s event calendar. Make your way to Little India to catch the festive street light-up and immerse yourself in cultural performances and more. Sample some traditional snacks or get yourself a henna tattoo to mark the occasion.
UltraLuxe
When: 13–22 Oct 2022
Those with an appreciation for the finer things in life shouldn’t miss UltraLuxe, which features a stunning showcase of jewelry, timepieces and lifestyle brands from all over the world. Held at the Tent@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, UltraLuxe is a must-visit for collectors of vintage timepieces and exquisitely crafted watches.
The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023
When: 15 Oct - 18 Oct 2023
Singapore will host the 15th edition of the World’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony on Oct 17 at the historical Pasir Panjang Power Station, the first time the annual ranking is held outside Europe. Get tickets to a range of events including the all-new 50 Best Signature Sessions, where you can sample outstanding cocktails dreamed up by local and international bartenders at Singapore’s top bars. The boozy festivities will culminate with the 50 Best Closing Party Brunch on Oct 18.
Kita Food Festival
When: 19–23 Oct 2023
Foodies, mark your calendar. The Kita Food Festival, an annual celebration of Southeast Asian food held in Malaysia is expanding to Singapore for the very first time. The Singapore Weekender, led by chef Ivan Brehm from Michelin-starred Nouri, will feature a series of fine dining and casual dining events, including the Big Sunday Barbecue. For a deep dive into all things food-related, sign up for Kita Conversations with leading industry personalities.
Capcom Pro Tour 2023 - Singapore Offline
When: 20–22 Oct 2023
Video game developer Capcom will hold its Capcom Pro Tour 2023 tournament in Singapore, offering Street Fighter gamers a shot at winning the championship title and cash prize. Held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event will be centered around Street Fighter 6, launched recently in June. Sign up now to flex your skills.
One Love Asia Festival Singapore 2023
When: 28–29 Oct 2023
Pegged as “Asia’s biggest Mandopop festival of the year,” One Love Asia Festival returns to the Bayfront Event Space, this time featuring an expanded and brand-new lineup including Hebe Tien, Lala Hsu, A-Lin, Power Station and Kelly Yu, among others. Immerse yourself in the high-octane performances over two days and don’t miss the various fringe activities. Tickets are on sale now.
Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium
When: 28–29 Oct 2023
Cheer on 32 of the world’s fastest and fearless cyclists, including 2022 Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard and British cyclist Mark Cavendish, as they zip through Singapore’s specially designed street circuit that starts and ends at Suntec City. The 1.8-mile route will take riders past iconic landmarks such as the Esplanade and the Merlion. You can also sign up for the PRURide Seeker’s Criterium, open to amateur and pro-amateur cyclists.
Singapore events in November
WB100 Celebrating Every Story
When: 10–26 Nov 2023
Warner Bros. will commemorate its 100th anniversary with an epic fan-first celebration at Sentosa. With the theme “WB100 Celebrating Every Story,” there will be a host of free and interactive experiences across three main events. Look out for iconic characters at WB100 Central at Beach Station and learn all about the past century of entertainment history, meet the superheroes from Justice League and Tom & Jerry characters at Emerald Pavilion, and don’t miss movie screenings at Southside over two weekends.
Christmas on a Great Street
When: 16 Nov 2023 - 1 Jan 2024
Singapore’s famous shopping street Orchard Road is dressed up in fairy lights and festive ornaments come Christmas. Soak up the holiday cheer as buskers and carolers keep everyone in high spirits. Look out for the return of the Great Christmas Village, comprising pop-up stores, family-friendly carnival rides and entertainment acts. There will be plenty of photo ops along the pedestrian mall so get your cameras ready.
Boutique Fairs November 2023 Edition
When: 17–19 Nov 2023
A shopping event that brings together design-led brands from the region, Boutique Fairs attracts both locals and tourists. Make your way down to the F1 Pit Building for an exclusive shopping experience with your favorite designers or explore a series of seminars, workshops, artisan demonstrations, and food and drink tastings.
Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America
When: 18 Nov 2023–24 Mar 2024
Admire the works of over 60 renowned artists at the world’s first large-scale exhibition to take a comparative approach between artistic expressions from Southeast Asia and Latin America, united by their struggles against colonialism during the 20th century. More than 200 paintings, sculptures, drawings, performances and sensorial installations will be exhibited at the National Gallery; look out for works by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Latiff Mohidin and more.
Anime Festival Asia
When: 24–26 Nov 2023
Anime Festival Asia, one of the largest (by attendance) and longest-running J-pop culture conventions in Southeast Asia, is set to return to Singapore this November. Held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, you can expect an exhibition hall, creators and cosplay hubs, a cosplay singles competition and musical performances by special guests. Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day.
Singapore events in December
ZoukOut 2023
When: 2–3 Dec 2023
As one of Asia’s longest running annual dance music festivals, ZoukOut returns to Siloso Beach in its 20th edition with the theme “The Tribe of Tomorrow.” Rave from dusk to dawn with the world’s greatest DJs covering genres such as house, tribal, progressive, techno, and more. This year’s lineup includes Joji, Alesso, and FISHER, among others. Tickets are up for grabs now.
Women’s World Floorball Championships 2023
When: 2–10 Dec 2023
The Women’s World Floorball Championships (WFC) returns to Singapore after 18 years, with 16 teams competing in 48 matches at the Singapore Sports Hub. Team Singapore is ready to bid for world glory once again after retaining their SEA Games gold at the 2023 Games in Cambodia. Off court, expect various fringe activities and promotional booths at OCBC Square and OCBC Arena Park.
Singapore Comic Con
When: 9–10 Dec 2023
From toys, collectibles, comics and esports to cosplay, the homegrown East-meets-West pop culture event will return to Sands Expo & Convention Centre this December. Geek out with other like-minded fans at a range of programs, from panels with industry experts, celebrity appearances and fan engagements to gaming tournaments and sneak peeks of upcoming movies, games and TV shows. The cosplay competition is also a huge draw every year. Kids under 12 enter for free.
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024
When: 31 Dec 2023
Ready to close another chapter and ring in the new year? Join other revelers at the annual Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, the largest and most iconic countdown celebration in Singapore. The spectacular fireworks at the stroke of midnight are always a crowd-pleaser so make sure you secure the perfect spot early.