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Where to Celebrate National Day 2025: The Best Ways to Show Off Your Singaporean Pride

| Last Updated: July 2025

National Day in Singapore is always a joyous and extravagant affair, but 2025 marks Singapore’s 60th anniversary, so it’s even more special! Seriously, I’m not kidding about the sheer number of exciting events lined up leading to the actual event on August 9. 

Of course, there’s the anticipated National Day Parade from Padang to Marina Bay, as well as the NDP fireworks on the night of the event, but several other places in the country have their own unique celebrations as well. 

That’s why I’m extra excited this year. From what I’ve heard, here are the best places to be to celebrate this momentous occasion.

What to Expect of National Day 2025

From: ndpeeps

NDP Parade at the Padang and Marina Bay

When: August 9, 2025

Where: The Padang and Marina Bay

Undeniably, the NDP Parade is the event to see during National Day. 

For this year, both the Padang and Marina Bay venues will have their own programs, but they’re synchronised, so you can witness the highlights of both events at the same time. 

At the Padang venue, I’m looking forward to seeing the main parade, as well as the Red Lions doing an iconic parachute performance. 

Meanwhile, at Marina Bay, I hear that naval divers will, well, dive into the Bay’s waters. These performances are new additions to the NDP celebration, and I’m super excited to see them for myself.

Of course, there will also be a show segment, which promises a lot of fun. Some of our local celebrities like Kit Chan, Charlie Lim, and Dick Lee will grace us with their angelic voices, and Marina Bay will have a floating stage, so you can definitely see the performers clearly no matter where you’re sitting. 

These events will go deep into the night, and they will end with a marvellous fireworks show. From experience, I can say that they go all in when it comes to the NDP fireworks, and I’m expecting something even grander this time around!

Unfortunately, to get into either the Padang or Marina Bay venues, you have to apply to get a ticket, and the application period has already ended. 

That said, you can still watch the fireworks show from other spots like The Helix, Marina Reservoir, and Gardens by the Bay.

NDP 2025 in the Heartlands

From: ndpeeps

I can almost hear you complaining, “It’s not fair that all the NDP celebrations happen in the city centre,” and I hear you. Which is why I’m thrilled to let you know that there will be NDP-themed events happening all over the heartlands! 

It’s too early to say where these events will happen, but if past celebrations are any indication, I’d reckon that they’ll be held at various open fields, such as the ones beside Waterway Point, Futsal Arena at Yishun, and Paya Lebar Quarter 1. 

As for the festivities themselves, there has been no confirmation yet, but it’s safe to say you can expect to find fun carnival games, live performances of local talent, and exciting activities to do with the family. 

Oh, and of course, there will also be fireworks! Seriously, it isn’t an NDP celebration without a good ole fireworks show!

More details about NDP 2025 in the Heartlands are yet to come, so I recommend following the official NDP account on Instagram. That’s where they drop any relevant information (e.g., venues and admission fees if there are any), so stay tuned! 

Promontory at Marina Bay

When: July 26, August 2 and 9, 2025

Time: 4 pm to 9 pm

Where: The Promontory at Marina Bay

Since National Day 2025 is even bigger than before, the Promontory at Marina Bay will also host its very own celebrations, sponsored by NTUC. 

The NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations will be just like the National Day Parade in a way. You can expect to enjoy live performances of local icons, and you can also find several interactive installations and activities that you can do alone or with a group.

One thing I’m looking forward to is the NTUC Symbolic Moment: Building Singapore’s Hopes and Moving Dreams Forward. All I know about this is that it’s a multi-sensory experience, and that’s enough to have me hooked! 

Unfortunately, admission to this event also runs on ticket balloting, and the application period has just ended. If you’ve managed to get in though, be ready because you’re in for a grand time!

Other Places to Go

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve

From: mandaiwildlifereserve

Where: Bird Paradise, Night Safari, Rainforest Wild ASIA, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo

When: Until August 31, 2025

Many business entities in Singapore are also throwing out their very own NDP celebrations by offering unique experiences and—best of all—limited-time discounts and special promos! The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is one of them, and you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity. 

Little ones will be delighted to find larger-than-life inflatables of animals that have been born and raised in the reserve. They might want to say hi to the adorable capybaras, Gentoo penguins, and pygmy hippos (yes, our very own Moo Deng!). 

There will also be a digital trail that you can take to discover all the native species and animals born here. If this sounds like your jam, you better hop on it now because the trail is only available until August 10, 2025. 

As for perks—well, my friend, I have the best news to share. They’re offering so many that I’ll have to spend a day just telling you about it. Here’s the page to see all the perks you can enjoy. Personally, these are the ones I’m most excited about:

  • Youth Admission Promo. Admission for three for only S$60!
  • Senior Membership Special. Treat your grandparent with a one-year membership to the reserve for only S$60! Considering that the standard price is S$235, that’s quite a steal!
  • 16% Off Annual Access Membership. Not a senior citizen? Don’t worry, you can still score a discount to the reserve’s membership program. That’s still a steal in my book.

El Chido at Pullman Singapore Hillstreet

When: July 1 to August 10, 2025

Where: El Chido, Pullman Singapore Hillstreet

El Chido, a bar at Pullman Singapore Hillstreet, is going all out with its SG60 promotions. One set menu you can get is the Viva SG Rooftop Set, which has two cocktails and Mexican treats with a Singaporean twist on the flavour. This one is perfect for two, so feel free to enjoy this with your partner. 

If you’re dining with a group, get the Chill Like It’s 1965 set, which comes with a generous bowl of nachos and six Corona beer bottles! 

Oh, and you might want to bring a swimsuit because this bar has an infinity pool that overlooks Marina Bay. This is the perfect spot to cool off and even enjoy the fireworks show on the actual NDP celebration!

SG60 Homecoming Concert at the Jewel Changi Airport

From: jewelchangiairport

When: August 1, 2025

Time: 7 pm to 9 pm

Where: Jewel Forest Valley, Jewel Changi Airport

Admission Fee: Fee

Jewel Changi Airport is also chiming in to celebrate National Day! On August 1, there will be an SG60 Homecoming Concert set against the vibrant greenery of Forest Valley. Expect to enjoy the performances of local stars like Stefanie Sun, Kit Chan, and Sezairi! 

This event is free, but unfortunately, admission operates on a ballot system. As of writing, there hasn’t been any news about ticket reservations, but I recommend following Jewel Changi Airport on Instagram so that you’ll know once the news drops.

Aside from the concert, there will be a charity night walk on July 27, as well as gorgeous floral displays, light shows, and other SG60–themed exhibitions across the airport throughout July and August.

MediaCorp National Day Concert at Gardens by the Bay

From: mediacorp

When: August 3, 2025

Time: 4:30 pm onwards

Where: The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay

Admission Fee: Free

Gardens by the Bay isn’t missing out on all the fun, which is why they will be hosting two major events to celebrate National Day. The first one is the MediaCorp National Day Concert. This concert has the theme of “Ties That Bloom,” and it will celebrate nationhood, community, and family. 

This concert will have popular artists in attendance. Some of the ones who have confirmed are Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza, and Charlie Lim. It’s a good thing this is a free event; everyone will get the chance to watch and participate. 

Before the concert, there will also be some activities on the side, so come early when you can! 

SPARK at Gardens by the Bay

When: July 31 to August 3, 2025

Time: 8 pm to 10 pm (July 31 to August 2), 9 pm to 10:30 pm (August 3)

Where: Supertree Grove Lawn

Admission Fee: Free

The other event being held at Gardens by the Bay is SPARK, an immersive light installation that’s set up at the Lawn. Spark has visited other major cities like London and Tokyo, and now it’s making its debut in Singapore (and Southeast Asia). 

From what I’ve seen, I’m fairly certain that this light installation will wow me and other viewers. I mean, this has thousands of silent biodegradable lights just floating in the air. I imagine that they look like fireflies in person! 

PAssionArts Festival 2025

From: passionartssg

When: Various dates between now and September 2025

Where: Various locations around Singapore

Admission Fee: Free

PAssionArts is kicking into full gear in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday! From now to September, they will host their own festival with the theme “Our Neighborhood Gems,” which aims to shine a spotlight on various neighbourhoods in the country.

Details are yet to be finalised, but from what I hear, events will pop up across 60 locations, each having its own large-scale art installations, live music, and hands-on workshops. 

Some neighbourhoods have shared what they’re working on, and some that I’m looking forward to are the giant birdcage in Kebun Baru, the Peranakan-inspired art in Marine Parade, and the nostalgic mini railway in Bukit Timah.

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