Top 40 free things to do in Singapore (January 2025): Light to Night Singapore, Chinese New Year fairs, Singapore Art Week and more

Top 40 free things to do in Singapore (January 2025): Light to Night Singapore, Chinese New Year fairs, Singapore Art Week and more
Bored as well as broke? We've got good news for you. This January, there's a plethora of markets, events, and activities to keep you entertained at zero cost.
This month, see the city in a different light with the return of the annual Light to Night festival. With Chinese New Year around the corner, soak in the festive atmosphere at various fairs around the island, such as the Chinatown light-up and River Hongbao at Gardens by the Bay.
Feeling indoor events more? Let the Singapore Art Week whisk you away on a journey of art, exploration, and creativity. All this and more in your guide to the top 40 free things to do in Jan 2025!
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Chinese New Year at Chinatown's 2025 celebrations, themed "Ushering fortune and unity for a prosperous New Year." From Jan 8, 2025, the streets come alive with dazzling displays, cultural elements, and a touch of SG60 national pride, offering blessings of prosperity, harmony, and joy.
Take in the 8 metre tall Tree of Fortune adorned with gold coins, red blessing tags, and a coiled snake atop an ingot, to symbolise abundance and unity. Visitors can even add their own wishes to the blessing tags for a personal touch.
Then wander through the Land of Festive Greetings, a slew of symbolic displays featuring persimmon trees, gold ingots, firecrackers, and more, each representing success, wealth, and luck. Pineapples, peonies, and zodiac snakes weave a rich tapestry of blessings.
Key events include:
Kick off your new year with a burst of creativity at Creators' Corner by Curbside Crafters, happening on Jan 11 to 12, 2025. This vibrant pop-up event is the perfect weekend outing for anyone looking to explore unique crafts, snag stylish items, or simply soak in the good vibes with friends.
Here's what’s in store:
Whether you’re hunting for that perfect addition to your home décor or just in the mood for some retail therapy, this pop-up has you covered. Bring along your shopping bag, your bestie, and plenty of good vibes for a weekend filled with discovery and inspiration.
Curbside Crafters: Creators' Corner
The Chinese New Year season is upon us! This month, Crane is hosting tons of festive markets around the island to usher in the lunar new year. Expect handmade items, yummy goodies, and crafts by local artists and small businesses.
Market | Date and time | Location |
CNY Pop-Up at Millenia Walk | 13 – 26 Jan 2025, 10 am – 9 pm – South Galleria 1 & 2, 13 – 26 Jan 2025 – South Galleria 4, 20 – 26 Jan 2025 |
Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard Singapore, 039596 |
Crane Living Pop-Up at Asia Square | 13 – 16 Jan 2025, 10 am – 6 pm | Asia Square, 8 Marina View Singapore, Singapore 018960 |
Artsy + CNY Weekend | 18 – 19 Jan 2025, 10 am – 6 pm | 432 Joo Chiat Road Singapore, Singapore 427647 |
Chinese New Year Market | 25 – 26 Jan 2025, 10 am – 6 pm | 432 Joo Chiat Road Singapore, Singapore 427647 |
From Jan 15 to May 18, 2025, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Singapore's secondary forests at Seeing Forest, hosted by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) at Tanjong Pagar Distripark.
Fresh from its debut at the Venice Biennale, this thought-provoking exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Robert Zhao Renhui returns home to showcase the hidden life of these overlooked, regrown ecosystems.
Zhao's decade-long research uncovers the surprising stories of these in-between spaces, challenging us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world.
Step into Gallery 3, where SAM transforms its space into a forested zone brimming with the sights and sounds of secondary forests. Through a stunning mix of videos and sculptural installations, Seeing Forest invites visitors to explore the intricate beauty of these environments.
Marvel at scenes of sambar deer, Japanese sparrowhawks, and even a wild boar giving birth-moments that reveal the resilience and freedom of nature alongside Singapore's urban landscape.
Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs and all can enjoy complimentary entry from Jan 17-26, 2025.
Seeing Forest
Get ready for the biggest celebration of visual arts in Singapore as Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2025 takes over the city from Jan 17 to 26, 2025.
This vibrant festival showcases a dazzling range of artistic expressions, from light installations and performance art to curated tours and physical exhibitions. Featuring both local talents and international creatives, SAW is the perfect way to explore limitless creativity and fresh perspectives.
Here are some highlights to look out for:
Mark your calendars-Light to Night Singapore returns for its 9th edition from Jan 17 to Feb 6, 2025, transforming the Civic District into a dazzling hub of creativity and reflection.
With over 70 programmes, light projections, and art installations, this year's festival celebrates Singapore's 60th year of independence and the 10th anniversary of National Gallery Singapore.
The theme for 2025, "Do You See Me?", delves into Singapore's diverse identities, exploring how we view ourselves, others, and the spaces around us. It's an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with the evolving stories of the nation through a rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Festival highlights:
With free admission to most events and activities suitable for all ages, Light to Night 2025 is a perfect blend of art, light, and inspiration for everyone to enjoy.
Light to Night Singapore 2025
Celebrate Chinese New Year the #SINGAPO人 way at CNY Family FUN, happening from Jan 17 to 19, 2025 at Shenton Way. Co-organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), this lively event is packed with activities to get you and your family into the festive spirit!
Highlights include:
Most activities are free, although selected workshops and performances are paid events!
Kick off the year with Twilight: Flea & Feast, happening from Jan 17 to 19, 2025, 12 pm to 10 pm daily, at Suntec Singapore (Halls 404 & 405 + Level 3 Concourse). This edition promises a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and entertainment that’s perfect for the whole family. Here are some highlights to look forward to:
Whether you’re there to eat, shop, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Twilight: Flea & Feast is the ultimate weekend outing for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Twilight: Flea & Feast
Did you know Singapore has a vintage flea market that happens two times a month? Every first and third weekend of the month, visit this vintage flea market to browse bits and bobs from over 50 fresh vendors, featuring rare collectibles, retro fashion, vinyl records, and pre-loved treasures.
Located at Katong Square, just a 5-minute walk from Marine Parade MRT, this all-weather event is a must-visit for lovers of vintage and retro goodness.
The Retro Factory
I don't know about you, but I am a destroyer of household items. I break things around the house on an almost weekly basis sometimes. Enter Repair Kopitiam, a haven for anyone looking to mend their broken goods rather than tossing them aside.
Gathering on the last Sunday of every month, this initiative is more than just a repair session-it's a movement towards sustainability. Whether it's faulty electronics, torn outfits, or wobbly furniture, the Repair Coaches are on hand to guide you through the fixing process.
Bring your damaged treasures and discover the joy of fixing, saving, and learning-all in the name of reducing waste and embracing sustainability.
The next Repair Kopitiam session is scheduled for Jan 19, 2025, and is your chance to embrace repair over despair. Registration opened on Jan 3, 2025 at 12 noon and will close on Jan 15, 2025. Check the Repair Kopitiam website or their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Repair Kopitiam
Mark your calendars for Jan 25, 2025 as the Aliwal Urban Arts Festival returns to Aliwal Arts Centre, bringing a vibrant celebration of urban art, street culture, and youth subcultures.
Whether you're a fan of music, dance, visual arts, or just looking for something fun to do, this one-day festival is packed with energy and creativity. The best part? Admission is free!
Here are some highlights you can look forward to.
Aliwal Urban Arts Festival
Get ready to ring in the Year of the Snake with River Hongbao 2025, a vibrant festival packed with free activities and cultural experiences at Gardens by the Bay from Jan 27 to Feb 5, 2025. This year’s event doubles as a celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, making it even more special!
The festival’s highlights include:
With exciting displays, nightly performances, carnival rides, and yums for the tum, River Hongbao 2025 has everything you need to kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations.
Want to see more? To give you an idea of what to expect at River Hongbao 2025, check out the Instagram reel below for a recap of River Hongbao 2024.
River Hongbao 2025
Escape the holiday chaos and soak up some festive cheer at Lau Pa Sat and participating Kopitiam outlets this season. From Dec 1, 2024 to Jan 26, 2025, enjoy an array of family-friendly activities, giveaways, and dining deals designed to help you "Take A Break" from holiday stress.
Here are some holiday highlights at Lau Pa Sat:
Celebrate 50 years of Hello Kitty at Changi Airport's Changi Festive Village, where Sanrio magic fills every corner! From Nov 1, 2024 to Feb 16, 2025, visitors can immerse themselves in Hello Kitty-themed festive fun with adorable attractions, exclusive merchandise, and interactive activities for all ages.
Start with the Hello Kitty Festive Wonderland in Terminal 3, featuring an 8-metre Hello Kitty topiary surrounded by fan-favourites like My Melody and Cinnamoroll. Snap Insta-worthy shots and even take a slide down a 7-metre rainbow!
On weekends, Hello Kitty fans can meet their favourite Sanrio characters in exclusive meet-and-greet sessions-just spend S$50 (S$80 in supermarkets and Jewel) in Changi's public areas to book a pass through the Changi App.
Explore the airport to spot Hello Kitty and friends in 15 festive displays across all terminals, from Hello Kitty in a rickshaw to a spinning Pompompurin.
For added fun, join the Sanrio-themed carnival at Terminal 3, where nine zones feature rides, games, and collectable Sanrio character merchandise. Plus, if you're up for some splash — tacular fun, don't miss the Cosmic HydroPark water park, also at T3!
Changi Festive Village and Hello Kitty Festive Wonderland
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Singapore's evolving identity through Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art, a new long-term exhibition at National Gallery Singapore. Opening on Dec 2, 2024, the exhibition kicks off with its first instalment, showcasing over 200 artworks and artefacts from the 19th century to the 1960s.
From vivid depictions of colonial Singapore in Market of the Tropics to P. Ramlee's iconic films in Community and Self, this exhibition weaves stories of trade, community, and identity through art. Don't miss the stunning centrepiece, Chen Wen Hsi's monumental Gibbons, newly restored and ready to captivate visitors.
The first part of Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art opens on Dec 2, 2024, while you can view the full exhibition from July 2025. Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs, while foreigners can purchase general admission tickets from $20. Head to the revamped DBS Singapore Gallery and take a journey through Singapore's artistic heritage.
Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art exhibition at the National Gallery
Are your weekdays dreary? Could they use some excitement?
Here's an idea for a delightful break from your daily routine-visit the Pop-Up Fairs at Crane Living OUE Downtown, perfect for a sneaky lunchtime shopping escape.
This unique event champions Singapore's vibrant indie scene, showcasing small, independent businesses that stand out with their one-of-a-kind offerings.
Why settle for branded, mass-produced items when you can explore and purchase from local artisans who bring much more character and charm to their products? Dive into a selection of handmade crafts, artisanal jewellery, and thoughtful gift ideas, all available during your lunch hour.
This pop-up is an excellent opportunity to support local entrepreneurs while finding unique treasures that are not available in mainstream stores.
Take a break, step out, and enjoy a refreshing midday browse that supports local businesses and rejuvenates your day!
Pop-Up Fairs at Crane Living OUE Downtown
Everyone's favourite pop-up handmade market Makers' Market always has something up their sleeves, from artisanal crafts to handmade lifestyle products. Some of my favourite bags, pins and other little trinkets have come from Makers' Markets around Singapore.
Check out these markets you can look forward to in 2025:
Makers’ Market | Dates | Time |
Parade @ Queensway Shopping Centre | 4 Nov 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 | 12 – 8 pm |
PLQ Plaza | Apr to Oct 2025, Friday – Sunday | 11 am – 9 pm |
Katong Joo Chiat | Saturdays | 11 am – 7 pm |
Pushcarts by PARADE @ PLQ MALL | Daily |
11 am – 10 pm |
SPCA is close to my heart because it’s where I adopted my own kitty (you can see her in my guide to pet birthday cakes in Singapore!).
Usually, as was my own experience too, SPCA’s shelter animals are only available for viewing by appointment. But every once in a while, they open their doors to the public for walk-ins.
This month, that day is Jan 11, 2025, Saturday, from 11 am to 3 pm. Head on down to SPCA between these hours to meet the friendly cattos, doggos and more up for adoption!
Alternatively, you can also get a sneak peek of the furry friends over at SPCA's Adoption Gallery.
SPCA Adoption Drive
Calling all pet lovers! On Saturday, Jan 11, 2025, from 2 pm to 6 pm, head down to Soo Chow Walk Park for the Toa Payoh West-Thomson Pets Fiesta. This paw-some event promises an afternoon of fun, learning, and bonding for you and your furry (or feathered) friends.
Here's what you can expect:
Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a spot for your favourite activities!
Toa Payoh West-Thomson Pets Fiesta
Calling all furry and feathered friends! This month, Crane at Joo Chiat is opening up their doors to you for a pawsome Chinese New Year festive fair full of yummy treats, fun playtime, and cute pet accessories.
There'll be food vendors for the humans too, so you and your pet can enjoy the day out with both hearts and tummies full. Like many of the other weekend fairs on this list, all vendors at Pets Weekend will be small businesses in Singapore.
Crane’s Pets and Food Weekend: CNY Edition
Have green thumbs? Love animals? Listen up. The Pets and Plants Extravaganza is back and bigger than ever, taking over the Suntec Convention Centre Halls 401/402 from Jan 17 to 19, 2025. This exciting event is the perfect way to combine your love for plants and pets in one fun-filled weekend. Here are some highlights you can look forward to:
This event isn't just about shopping — it's a celebration of the love we share for pets and plants. With a vibrant lineup of local and international vendors, there's plenty to explore, whether you're looking to pamper your pets or spruce up your home with greenery.
Pets and Plants Extravaganza 2025
Looking for a fun evening in Singapore this month? Head to Swee Lee Clarke Quay! They’re hosting a music trivia night, open mic night, and a songwriting workshop.
Swee Lee at Clarke Quay: Blk 3B River Valley Road #01-06 Singapore, Singapore 179021
New year, new music! Celebrate up and coming artists as they showcase unreleased tracks and reimagined favourites this January at the Esplanade’s stages. Here are some acts I’m excited about:
Dive into the world of jazz with this free introductory workshop series hosted by the Music Improvisation Collective (MIC).
A 6-part series, these monthly sessions will introduce the wonders of jazz and improvisation to music lovers of all levels. Feel free to bring along your instrument if you'd like to join the jamming segment!
MIC promotes community-based music improvisation, offering a safe and supportive space for everyone to experiment and play. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to explore jazz in a non-judgemental environment.
Sign up for the sessions at the links below:
Jazz for Curious Listeners
It feels almost like it should be a secret, but this is too good not to share. Every Sunday evening, tucked away in Bali Lane, you can get a taste of live jazz jams at The Jazz Loft @ Blu Jaz Cafe at no cover charge.
Called the Sunday Jam Sessions, each session opens with pianist Rachma Lim and her trio. Then, homegrown and international jazz stars take the stage — some familiar faces already well established in the jazz world, and some up and coming jazz musicians paving the way for a new wave of jazz.
You never really know exactly who you'll get to hear (to our knowledge, they don't publish this anywhere), but perhaps the mystery is part of the appeal. Just like jazz improv, every iteration is unique.
Sunday Jam Session at The Jazz Loft
Everyone wants a safe space where you can just be you, and be supported. Not everyone has such spaces in their lives — but everyone deserves them.
That's why Growth Collective SG has organised Growth Circles, 2-hour sessions for individuals to connect meaningfully and feel empowered by each other. It's about showing support, being present, and ultimately building a world where no one feels alone.
Here's how a month’s worth of Growth Circle sessions looks like:
These are the Growth Circles sessions this month:
Event | Date and time | Venue | Registration |
Growth Circle 15 January’25 (Cairnhill CC) | 15 Jan 2025, 730 pm | Cairnhill Community Club, 1 Anthony Road Community Lab #01-05 Singapore, Singapore 229944 | Register here. |
More Than Words: A Talk on the Psychology of Communication Struggle | 20 Jan 2025, 730 pm | Cairnhill Community Club, 1 Anthony Road Community Lab #01-05 Singapore, Singapore 229944 | Register here. |
Growth Circle 21 January’25 (Online) | 21 Jan 2025, 730 pm | Online | Register here. |
One of my closest friends used to use the dating app Tinder — not to date, but to make friends. She would chat with people on the app-filtering out any creeps, of course — and actually made some meaningful friendships from her efforts.
These days, there's an easier, non-virtual way to make friends. Friendzone hosts community-building gatherings for young adults to connect with each other and develop friendships. They believe that Singapore is, and I quote, "full of diversity and interesting people that just haven't met yet". If you don't agree, maybe you should give one of their sessions a try.
This month, there are two free Friendzone sessions planned at the time of writing:
Session | Date and time | Venue and address |
Mind The Gap (Men-Only) – A Conversation with Youths & Mid-Career Adults | Jan 20, 2025, 730 – 930 pm | NTUC Centre, 1 Marina Boulevard Room 801 (Level 8) Singapore, 018989 |
Friendzone: A Htht on All Things Marriage | Jan 22, 2025, 730 – 930 pm | Workcentral – Premier Co-Working Space & Office Rentals in Singapore, 190 Clemenceau Avenue #06-01 Singapore, 239924 |
Remember to respect that these are friend-making events, not dating ones.
Zalora is extending its Snap and Drop Programme, a programme that lets you donate your unwanted clothing to reduce the amount of apparel that ends up in landfills. On top of that, you'll receive a $10 cashback voucher from Zalora for each clothing drop you make. How does it work? It's pretty simple:
Pack your clothes, shoes, bags and more-basically any fabric item.
Snap a photo of your bag of unwanted fabric items in front of the collection box at any of these drop-off locations.
Drop your items into the collection box. You'll also want to note down the collection box number (SG0XXX) on the front of the box.
Fill in this form to get your cashback! You can only redeem this once a month, and the cashback expires in one month.
For this initiative, Zalora is partnering with Life Line Clothing, a Malaysia-based zero waste textile collector. They'll sort the donated items and resell the apparel in good condition while refurbishing, upcycling, recycling, or even reprocessing the poorer condition items into fuels.
Hone your public speaking skills with the Jurong Green English Toastmaster Club. This toastmasters club meets once or twice a month at Jurong Green Community Club to deliver their prepared speeches, practise some impromptu speaking, and get constructive feedback. You also get to network with like-minded folks and practise both speaking and leadership skills.
Gain your Confidence Today: Free Public Speaking Course @ Jurong Green CC
Thinking of taking your career to the next level or pursuing a new passion? Don't miss the HeadHunt Postgraduate Fair 2025 happening on 18 Jan 2025 at the Raffles City Convention Centre. This event offers a one-stop platform to explore MBA, Masters, and continuing education programmes from both local and international institutions.
What to expect:
Your free entry ticket gives you:
HeadHunt Postgraduate Fair
If you've always wanted to upgrade your public speaking skills but don't know where to start, Breakthrough Toastmasters Club is one good option to consider.This is a supportive space for you to practise speeches and impromptu dialogue, suitable for both beginners and experienced public speakers.
Breakthrough Toastmasters Chapter Meeting
Uncle Chris is a self-described "everyday Singapore uncle" who's seen a lot of Singapore over the years, and now loves showing it to others. Join Uncle Chris on his free walking tours to be entertained and even educated on the hidden heritage, culture and history behind various areas in Singapore.
I love how Uncle Chris always comes up with interesting itineraries and angles. Uncle Chris spills all he knows, and isn't afraid to touch on the darker parts of history; for this reason, do look out for tours that are adult only-Geylang Red-Light District Walking Tour, anyone?
Do note that while Uncle Chris Walking Tours are not ticketed, you're strongly encouraged to tip at the end of the tour. Their tipping guidelines are $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.
If you're keen on tours in Singapore, another great option for you is the heritage tours conducted by My Community, a non-profit organisation that showcases and celebrates the community, culture and heritage in locales like Queenstown, Bukit Merah and Tiong Bahru.
Off the mainland, they also conduct tours to St John Island, Sentosa, and Pulau Ubin. These tend to be pretty popular, so be sure to reserve your slot early!
Check out the My Community Heritage Tours line-up for the month. But be warned that at the time of writing, many are already fully booked!
Whether you're looking around for a new job or just want to upgrade your skills at work, these next few programmes will be useful for you.
Thanks to the National Library Board (NLB) and their Get Professional series, you can access professional advice on resume writing, personal branding, public speaking, and EQ at work — all for free this month. Get guidance from industry experts who've coached hundreds before you and know all the tips and tricks to play the game.
View the various NLB Get Professional series sessions lined up for you this month. Do note that the events that are labelled as part of their Get Professional X TOYL series are for participants aged 50 years old and up.
Is ChatGPT taking over the world? Not quite yet, but it's certainly had a huge impact on the way many of us work. In the Future of Work series organised by the National Library Board, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are embraced as, well, the future of work. These workshops will equip you with the relevant skills and knowledge in our digital age to prepare you for the quickly evolving office landscape.
For more details, view this month's Future of Work sessions. Like NLB's Get Professional series, some of the Future of Work events are only for participants aged 50 years old and up. These are again labelled as Future of Work X TOYL on their page.
Exactly as it sounds. These yoga sessions from Pay As You Wish Yoga are all donation-based, meaning you only pay what you can and want to. All proceeds from these sessions go to Yoga Circle, a non-profit organisation that aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in yoga.
This month, there's 1 session you can sign up for:
Pay What You Wish Yoga
Meditating is hard. Anyone who's tried it can attest to the surprising difficulty of being present. That's why sometimes we need a little help from seasoned meditators with years of experience.
With Let's Meditate Singapore, start every Sunday morning off on the right foot with a free guided 'Sahaja Yoga' online meditation class. Sahaja Yoga is a gentle, beginner-friendly technique that's always free.
In these weekly sessions, let experienced volunteers guide you through a 9-step "self-realisation" guided meditation to get you started followed by a 3-step "balancing" guided meditation to stay in the present and distance yourself from unnecessary or unproductive worries and concerns about the past and future.
Sessions are conducted online every Sunday at 945 am using the same Zoom link. Sign up at the link below!
Let's Meditate Singapore
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, the Puma Run Club is a great community to help you meet your running goals.
Remember how in 2.4km runs in school, you’d pick a fit person ahead of you to try to keep up with? Well for this run sesh, there’ll be pacers from Singapore Runners Club who’ll run alongside you at 7min/km, 6min/km, and 5.30min/km or less.
After you’re done, the pacers will also lead you in a cool down to end off the session. So really all you need to do is to show up for yourself and give it your best shot!
Puma Run Club
If you need an extra push to hit your fitness goals, Singapore's New Balance Run Club (NBRC) may be the community you've been looking for.
NBRC meets every Tuesday evening at Suntec City's New Balance outlet to work out together. They run (of course), do some HIIT (a classic!), and even do Fartlek — that's Swedish for "speed play". As the name suggests, it involves switching between fast and slow running to boost metabolism.
This article was first published in MoneySmart.