Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Entertainment

When is the best time to go to Singapore? It depends on how tolerant you are of crowds and heat. There is something to enjoy no matter what time you arrive, and Singapore’s world famous cuisine and shopping is available year-round, as are the gorgeous beaches and natural attractions. Feel the vibrancy and buoyant mood during Chinese New Year or savor a more laid-back Singapore during the July’s Food Festival where Singaporeans celebrate pan-Asian cuisine. To view the myriad options, consult the Singapore Tourism Board website’s events calendar. Here is a taste of what awaits:

The Chinese Lunar New Year is incomparable: the mood, the atmosphere, and the crowds are unbelievable. It makes New Orleans’s Mardi Gras look like a genteel tea party. Throughout the months of January and February, you will find colorful parades and festive air about the city. March brings both hotter temperatures and music and arts festivals. It’s a great time to experience some of Singapore’s cultural offerings.

April’s still hot, so why not laze through the days and enjoy the World Gourmet Summit, a celebration of food and wine from internationally acclaimed chefs and wineries. Participate in Singapore’s other main passion in May: shoppers will love the Great Singapore Sale, which brings out some wonderful deals for consumers. In fact, since Singaporeans love shopping so much, they extend the Great Sale into June and July. If you’re shopped out by July, indulge yourself in the Food Festival, when chefs pull out all the stops and show you why Singapore is the food capital of Asia.

September may be a little cooler, but the action is still hot in Singapore. Once again, a festive mood falls over the city when the Grand Prix comes to town. Streets are closed for the race, but seeing the world’s only night race is worth the trouble. Experience Singapore’s talent with dance festivals in October, the River Regatta in November, and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon in December. And then it’s time to start the craziness again as Singapore readies for Chinese New Year. So much to see and do – and eat!

Events

Chinese New Year
January/February
Chinatown and various locations throughout Singapore

Thaipusam
January/February
Sri Perumal Temple – Sri Thandayuthapani Temple

Chinese Festival of the Arts (Huayi)
February/March
Esplanade Theater and various locations around the city

Singapore International Film Festival
April
Cinemas throughout the city

Singapore Arts Festival
May/June
Various locations throughout Singapore

Great Singapore Sale
May/June
Orchard Road and other shopping locales throughout the city

Singapore Dragon Boat Festival
June
Qu Yuan, Bedok Reservoir

Singapore Food Festival
July
Various locations throughout the city

National Day Celebrations
August
Marina Bay and Esplanade

Mid-Autumn Festival
September/October
Chinatown and other locations in Singapore

Singapore Grand Prix
September
Marina Bay city streets

Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
October/November
Little India

Hari Raya
October/November
Geylang Serai

New Year’s Eve
December
Marina Bay

Hotels in Singapore, Singapore