Deepavali Singapore 2026: 20+ Events, Little India Lights & Kids' Activities

Updated 27 October 2026

Deepavali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November, with Monday, 9 November as the public holiday in Singapore. The Little India lights are already up, the Festival Village runs at Campbell Lane until 8 November, and there are 20+ family-friendly events across the island before and after the big day. This guide shows what's still on, where, and which ones are free.

Event details can change. Please check the organiser's page before you go.

Source: Canva

Table of Contents

• Quick Guide: What's Still On Before Deepavali
• Your Last 2 Weeks, Day by Day
• This Sunday: Nimbu Diwali Kids Workshop at DORS
• Zia Collection at TGC
• Little India Deepavali Events 2026
• Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House 2026
• Community Deepavali Events 2026
• Deepavali Activities for Kids in Singapore
• What to Wear for Deepavali 2026
• Tips for Visiting Deepavali Events in Singapore 2026
• FAQs

Quick Guide: What's Still On Before Deepavali

Already happened: Little India light-up launch (3 Oct), Brass Lamp Engraving Workshop (10 Oct), NRI BuZZar Diwali Edition (16 Oct), Nimbu's Diwali Bash (17 Oct), and the 17 Oct sessions of the spice, diya and music events.

Your Last 2 Weeks, Day by Day

Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October: warm up on weeknights The lights and the Festival Village are on every evening, and weeknights are the calmest time to wander Little India with small children. This is also a good moment to sort outfits. Nimbu offers same-day and next-day delivery in Singapore, so festive pieces can arrive before the weekend.

Saturday 31 October: the big Little India day Spice blending in the morning, diya painting in the afternoon, then the AR/VR Heritage Walk, Big Bus tour and Sangeetham Under the Stars in the evening. The Indian Heritage Centre also stays open late on Saturdays, and neighbourhood celebrations are happening across the island.

Sunday 1 November: Orchard Road and beyond Start early at the Istana Open House, then join us at DORS, Design Orchard, from 2pm to 4pm for the Nimbu Diwali Kids Workshop. Prefer the east? Tampines Park is hosting its own celebration the same day.

Monday 2 to Friday 6 November: final shopping week The crowds build as Deepavali approaches. Weeknight evenings are still your best bet for relaxed browsing at the Festival Village.

Saturday 7 November: Deepavali eve Expect the busiest night of the festival in Little India. It is also the last Saturday for the AR/VR Heritage Walk, the Big Bus tour, Spotlight in Transit and the Indian Heritage Centre's late opening, and the start of a three-day long weekend.

Sunday 8 November: Deepavali Last night of the Festival Village and last day of the Indian Heritage Centre Open House.

Monday 9 November: public holiday A day to rest, visit family and keep celebrating.

This Sunday: Nimbu Diwali Kids Workshop at DORS

Nimbu is heading to Orchard Road this Sunday for a hands-on Deepavali afternoon for the whole family, and we would love to see you there.

At a glance

• Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
• Time: 2pm-4pm
• Location: DORS, Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road
• RSVP: Diwali Workshop at DORS - Regist Now!
• Ticket Option: 
  • One little artist: S$20
  • Two siblings creating together: S$35 total
    Make it a sibling outing and save S$5 with our Sibling Duo ticket.

Three little creations to take home

Our team will guide every child through three activities during the workshop. Each child makes and takes home:

• One mosaic coaster: arrange colourful pieces into a coaster for home.
• One air-clay diya: shape a festive diya from air clay and keep it as a handmade decoration.
• One peacock decoration: create a colourful peacock to brighten your celebrations.

Meet Kriti and discover your festive look

Kriti, Nimbu's founder and designer, will be at the workshop from 2pm to 4pm for collection styling and recommendations. Explore elegant pastels, thoughtful silhouettes and family looks that suit your celebrations and the days after.

Planning your look for Orchard Road? Browse Nimbu's Dad & Me matching ethnic sets and Mum & Me matching wear online beforehand. Check out our new Zia collection—we'll be bringing it to DORS for the workshop, so you can explore the range in person and find the perfect festive pieces for your family.

Why come along

• It is a free, kid-friendly activity on Orchard Road, right in the middle of the final week of festive shopping.
• Children make three keepsakes they can take home and use in their own Deepavali celebrations.
• You get styling advice straight from Nimbu's founder and can plan matching family looks in one visit.

Zia Collection at TGC

Our Diwali Bash at The Green Collective (TGC), Funan Mall, on 17 October brought together festive crafts, Bollywood dancing, snack tasting, storytime and our Diwali Swap Shop. It was also the place to shop our new ZIA Collection in person at TGC, alongside our Deepavali outfits. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Browse the full range at nimbu.sg.

Shop Deepavali Outfits

Need something for the celebrations? Browse Nimbu's Deepavali outfits, girls' lehengas, boys' kurta sets and matching family sets. Same-day and next-day delivery is available in Singapore.

Little India Deepavali Events 2026

Little India is the heart of Deepavali in Singapore. Go by public transport, because parking gets difficult as the festival gets closer.

1. Deepavali Street Light-Up 2026

Source: www.visitserangoon.com

Serangoon Road and nearby streets are lit with colourful decorations and traditional motifs. The lights were switched on from 3 October 2026 around Birch Road and Little India. It's one of the easiest free Deepavali activities in Singapore, and it looks best after dark. Check deepavali.sg for the latest information.

Dressing the family for the lights? Little ones stay comfortable in Nimbu's girls' lehenga sets and boys' kurta pajama sets.

2. Deepavali Festival Village 2026

• Dates: 10 October-8 November 2026
• Location: Campbell Lane, Little India
• More info: Deepavali Festival Village

Browse festive products, accessories, gifts and traditional treats along Campbell Lane. It's a good stop for Deepavali shopping and a first taste of Little India during the festival.

Planning matching family photos while you shop? Browse Nimbu's Deepavali collection first and pick your colours before you go.

3. Big Bus Deepavali Tour

• From: 10 October 2026
• Location: Little India
• More info: Deepavali Singapore Events

See the decorations and heritage streets from a bus, without planning a walking route. This suits families with young children or older relatives.

It's a long, warm day out, so breathable cotton helps. Nimbu's kurta shirts for boys and kurti and palazzo sets are easy to wear all day.

4. Clay Diya Painting

• Date: 31 October 2026 (the 17 Oct session has passed)
• Time: 2pm-4pm
• Location: Tekka Place
• More info: Deepavali Singapore Events

Children decorate traditional clay lamps, learn what they mean for the Festival of Lights, and take a keepsake home. It's one of the most kid-friendly Deepavali activities in Singapore.

Paint can get messy, so dress little artists in soft cotton shirts or co-ord sets that wash easily.

5. Spice Blending Masterclass

• Date: 31 October 2026 (the 17 Oct session has passed)
• Location: Campbell Lane
• More info: Deepavali Singapore Events

Learn about the flavours behind Indian festive cooking. It pairs well with dinner in Little India afterwards.

Cooking in festive clothes? Nimbu's women's kurti and palazzo sets move easily and look good in photos afterwards.

6. Sangeetham Under the Stars

• Date: 31 October 2026 (the 17 Oct session has passed)
• Time: 8pm-10pm
• Location: Campbell Lane
• More info: Deepavali Singapore Events

An evening of music in the middle of the festival lights, a lovely way to end a family night out in Little India.

An evening out calls for something special. Explore Nimbu's kurti, sharara and dhoti pant sets for girls, or kurta jacket sets for boys.

Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House 2026

Source: www.indianheritage.gov.sg

The Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House is one of the best Deepavali family events in Singapore.

• Dates: 17 October-8 November 2026
• Location: Indian Heritage Centre, Campbell Lane
• More info: Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House

One of the best Deepavali family events in Singapore, running across four weekends. Expect:

• A Deepavali bazaar
• Live cultural performances, including Saturday evening shows
• Mini mithai box crafts and peacock-inspired brooch painting
• Children's activity booklets
• Heritage gallery tours and museum programmes

It's a good pick if you want your children to understand the traditions behind Deepavali while keeping it fun and hands-on.

Dressing up is part of the fun at the Open House. Nimbu's matching ethnic wear lets the whole family twin for the day.

Community Deepavali Events Singapore 2026

Heading to Little India for the day? Nimbu's Mum & Me ethnic sets are comfortable for a long shopping trip.

Saturday, 31 October

• Woodgrove Zone 2 Deepavali Celebration (Woodlands): performances, games, a best-dressed competition and a group visit to Little India. Details
• Nanyang CC IAEC Deepavali Celebration (Jurong West): a smaller neighbourhood gathering with cultural activities. Details
• Shubh Deepavali @ Lengkong Tiga: Indian food, dance, rangoli, diya painting, henna and a best-dressed competition. Details
• Jurong Spring Deepavali Shopping Tour: Little India, a temple visit, the Indian Heritage Centre and festive shopping. Details

Best-dressed competitions are fun with a coordinated look. Try Nimbu's twinning sets for siblings or Dad & Me kurta sets for father and son.

Sunday, 1 November

• Tampines Park Deepavali Celebration: Indian dance, Bhangra drums, saree draping, jewellery experiences and rangoli. Details

For rangoli, saree draping and dance, kids move best in soft cotton. Browse Nimbu's ethnic dresses and kurta pajama sets.

Saturday, 14 November

These take place after Deepavali, so you can keep celebrating after the public holiday.

• Buona Vista Deepavali Festival (Buona Vista CC): cultural performances and traditional festivities. Details
• One Punggol Deepavali 2026 (One Punggol CC): festive activities, Indian cultural performances, traditional music and food. Details
• Sengkang West Deepavali 2026 (Anchorvale CC): performances, competitions, rangoli sand art, festive food and children's activities. Details
• Bukit Gombak Deepavali Celebration (Bukit Batok): banana-leaf dining, performances and lucky draws. Details
• Jalan Kayu Deepavali Celebration (Fernvale CC): performances, traditional instruments, rangoli, lamp painting and a children's ethnic wear competition. Details
• Cheng San Deepavali Kondattam (Cheng San CC, Ang Mo Kio): Indian entertainment, dinner, lucky draws and a Best Dressed Duo competition. Details

Children's ethnic wear and best-dressed contests are popular at these events. Nimbu's Deepavali collection has lehengas, kurta dhoti sets and matching family looks to choose from.

More community events are listed on OnePA, including the Miltonia RN Deepavali Celebration.

Deepavali Activities for Kids in Singapore

You do not need a ticket to get into the festive spirit. Over the next two weeks, families can:

• Draw a kolam or rangoli at the doorstep with coloured rice or flower petals
• Paint plain clay diyas (supplies are easy to find at Little India Arcade and along Campbell Lane)
• Shape an air-clay diya at the Nimbu workshop on 1 November
• Taste mithai and festive snacks
• Watch Indian dance performances
• Explore Little India after dark
• Learn about spices
• Dress in traditional Indian clothing
• Listen to Deepavali stories
• Join a neighbourhood celebration

Looking for festive food too? See our guide to the must-try Deepavali foods in Singapore.

What to Wear for Deepavali 2026

Singapore is warm and Deepavali days involve a lot of walking and visiting, so comfort matters as much as colour. Light cotton and breathable fabrics are easiest for kids. With Deepavali just days away, now is the time to choose, and Nimbu's same-day and next-day delivery in Singapore helps outfits arrive in time.

Kamal Style - Family Matching for Deepavali 2026

• Girls: lehenga choli, anarkali, kurti and palazzo sets, sharara sets, festive dresses
• Boys: kurta pajama, kurta dhoti, kurta jacket sets, coordinated sibling outfits
• Women: kurti and palazzo sets, sharara, lehenga, matching family outfits
• Men: kurta pajama, Nehru jacket sets, father-and-son matching outfits

Explore the new Zia collection, or see it in person at our DORS workshop on 1 November. For colour ideas and coordinated family looks, read our Deepavali 2026 Outfit Ideas for the Whole Family, or shop Nimbu's Deepavali collection.

Read more: Deepavali 2026 Outfit Ideas for the Whole Family

Tips for Visiting Deepavali Events in Singapore 2026

1. RSVP for Nimbu's workshop now. The 1 November Diwali Kids Workshop at DORS is free, so RSVP now to put your family on the list.

2. Arrive early at the Istana. Tickets for non-residents are sold only at the Istana Main Gate on the day, so an early start helps.

3. Take public transport to Little India. Parking becomes difficult as Deepavali approaches.

4. Choose weeknights for smaller crowds. Saturday 31 October and Deepavali eve (Saturday 7 November) are the busiest evenings. In previous years, crowd control measures have been put in place around Birch Road on the eve, so allow extra travel time.

5. Check residency requirements. Several Residents' Network and community events are restricted to residents of particular estates.

6. Dress for Singapore's weather. Light cotton and breathable fabrics are much easier for children during long festive days.

7. Check the organiser's page before leaving home. Times, ticket availability and activities can change.

FAQs

1. When is Deepavali 2026 in Singapore? Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with Monday, 9 November observed as the public holiday.

2. What Deepavali events are still on before 8 November? The Little India street light-up, the Deepavali Festival Village (until 8 November) and the Indian Heritage Centre Open House (until 8 November) are on every day. The final weekends bring the Istana Open House and Nimbu's Diwali Kids Workshop at DORS on 1 November, plus diya painting, spice blending, the AR/VR Heritage Walk, the Big Bus tour and Sangeetham Under the Stars on 31 October.

3. Where can I see Deepavali lights in Singapore? The best-known Deepavali lights in Singapore are around Little India, particularly Serangoon Road, Birch Road, Campbell Lane and surrounding streets. They are listed to stay on until 29 November.

4. Where is the Deepavali Festival Village, and when does it close? The Deepavali Festival Village is on Campbell Lane in Little India and runs nightly from 7pm until Deepavali day, 8 November 2026.

5. What are the best Deepavali events for kids in Singapore right now? Popular family options include Nimbu's Diwali Kids Workshop at DORS (1 November), the Istana Open House (1 November), the Indian Heritage Centre Open House, clay diya painting (31 October) and community Deepavali celebrations.

6. How do I RSVP for Nimbu's Diwali Kids Workshop? Use the RSVP page. The workshop is free and takes place on Sunday, 1 November, from 2pm to 4pm at DORS, Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road. Each child makes a mosaic coaster, an air-clay diya and a peacock decoration to take home.

7. Are there free Deepavali activities in Singapore? Yes. Street light displays, Nimbu's Diwali Kids Workshop at DORS (with RSVP), Spotlight in Transit, the Sangeetham Under the Stars concert, clay diya painting (with registration), the Indian Heritage Centre Open House and several community celebrations are free.

8. Is Deepavali the same as Diwali? Yes. Both names refer to the Festival of Lights. In Singapore, Deepavali is commonly used in official government and public-holiday communications.

9. What should children wear for Deepavali? Girls can wear lehengas, anarkalis, shararas or kurti sets, while boys can wear kurta pajama, kurta dhoti or kurta jacket sets. For more styling inspiration, read Nimbu's Deepavali 2026 Outfit Ideas for the Whole Family.

Celebrate Deepavali in Singapore 2026

Deepavali here is much more than a one-day public holiday. Take the kids to Little India, paint a diya, taste some mithai, join a community celebration and take photos under the festive lights. Most of all, make a tradition your family looks forward to every year.

Related reads

• Singapore Events October 2026: Family Activities & Things to Do
• Deepavali 2026 Outfit Ideas for the Whole Family
• 10 Must-Try Deepavali Foods in Singapore 2026