There are some streets in Singapore that, at a certain time of year, simply transform. One moment, Serangoon Road is its familiar, bustling self—a wonderful commotion of spice shops, goldsmiths, and the scent of fresh thosai.
The next, it becomes a river of gold.
When the Deepavali lights switch on, the air feels different. It gets thicker, sweeter, heavy with jasmine, incense, and the faint, celebratory crackle of a million tiny bulbs. This isn't just an event; it's a full-sensory immersion. It’s one of those experiences that reminds me why we’re so lucky to live here.
But let’s be honest: tackling a massive street festival with a family in tow can feel daunting. I’ve got a six-year-old daughter who wants to know the "why" behind every single light, and a four-year-old son who is primarily motivated by snacks and things that move.
That’s the "real value" of this, though. You don’t need a plane ticket for a world-class cultural deep-dive. It’s right here, and the only price of admission is a little patience and a good pair of walking shoes.
So, here’s our family’s guide to doing it right. This is how you find the magic, see the best bits, and (mostly) keep everyone’s spirits as high as the lights themselves.
Aattam, Paatam, Kondaatam: What’s New This Year
First, a few details. This isn't just a random assortment of lights; it's a carefully orchestrated celebration. The theme for this year’s festivities, organized by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA), is 'Aattam, Paatam, Kondaatam'—which translates beautifully to 'Dance, Music, and Festive Joy.'
And it’s a big one. This year marks LISHA's 25th anniversary and helps kick off the celebration for Singapore's SG60.
The lights are officially on every single night from September 6th all the way to November 9th, running from 7:00 PM to midnight. So, you have plenty of time to catch them. This year’s celebration also saw the return of the 'UTSAVAM' street parade, setting a joyful tone for the whole season.
Our Family’s Game Plan: A Walk Down the Golden Mile
You can’t just "pop by" to see the lights. You have to immerse. Our strategy is simple: start at one end and commit to the walk.
The Starting Line (And the 'Wow' Moment)
We always start at the Little India MRT (Tekka end). The minute you step out, you’re in it. The main archway over the road is the big "wow" moment. It’s the perfect spot for that first family photo, where everyone is still fresh and mesmerized.
The scale of it is what gets you. The entire street is canopied in intricate designs—peacocks, lotuses, and oil lamps, all glittering against the dark sky. It feels less like a street and more like a grand ballroom.
The Kids’ Verdict: A Tale of Two Spectators
This is where the real fun begins. My six-year-old daughter, who fancies herself an art critic, was immediately transfixed by the giant peacocks.
"Daddy," she announced, pointing very seriously. "That one has real diamonds. I counted them." She spent the next ten minutes trying to "find the King Peacock" and asking why peacocks are so important (a great opportunity to explain their connection to Lord Murugan!).
My four-year-old son, on the other hand, was on a different planet. He was less concerned with cultural symbolism and more with the sheer scale. He just pointed at the main arch, wide-eyed, and yelled, "It’s a fire-car-wash!"
I think he meant the glowing, tunnel-like effect of the arches. For the rest of the night, every new set of lights was, to him, a "golden car wash." And you know what? He’s not wrong. It does feel like you’re passing through something magical and coming out cleaner on the other side.
Don't Just Look Up: The Magic on the Ground
The "real value" here is that the celebration isn't just above you. As you walk, the street is alive. Music pours from the shops, vendors sell bright flower garlands, and the energy is infectious.
LISHA has also organized workshops on things like rangoli and flower garland making, and even treasure hunts. We were too busy with our "fire-car-wash" mission to join, but just seeing the activity adds to the festive air.
More Than Lights: A Feast for Every Sense
You can't go to Little India and just look at things. This is a hands-on, multi-sensory experience.
The Tastes of Celebration
The air is thick with the smell of sizzling vada and sweet jalebi. This is not the time for a diet. We ducked into a side-street eatery for a family-sized paper thosai. Watching my four-year-old try to tear off a piece of a cone taller than he is, is a memory in itself. Grab a cup of masala tea or a sticky-sweet Indian dessert from the bazaar. It’s fuel for the walk.
The Sights and Sounds of the Bazaar
The Deepavali Festival Village is a must. It’s a maze of stalls selling everything from glittering jhimkis (earrings) and colourful saris to intricate oil lamps and statues. My daughter was mesmerized by the rows of glittering bangles, while my son found a vendor selling small wooden flutes. (We promptly steered him toward the snacks.)
Tips for a Perfect Night
A little planning goes a long way. Here are our hard-won tips for a smooth family outing.
Getting There (and Getting Home)
Leave the car at home. I cannot stress this enough. Serangoon Road is the heart of the action, and traffic will be heavy, with some side roads even closed for events. Your best friends are the Little India and Farrer Park MRT stations. They get you right to the start and end of the main stretch.
Timing is Everything
The lights switch on at 7 PM. This is the golden hour. Go on a weekday, right at 7 PM. You get the full "lights on" magic, but you beat the massive post-dinner crowds that swell around 8:30 PM. Weekends are wonderful but packed, so if you go, just be prepared to move at a slower, more "festive" pace.
Conclusion: Finding the Real Value in the Glow
Walking back to the MRT, my son half-asleep on my shoulder and my daughter quietly clutching a small, glittering peacock ornament she bought with her own money, I was reminded of the real value of this night.
It’s not just about the millions of LED bulbs. It's about feeling the heartbeat of a community in full celebration. It’s about answering your daughter's questions about culture and watching your son invent a new word ("fire-car-wash," which is definitely staying in the family vocabulary).
This isn't just a Singaporean-Indian festival. As the SG60 and LISHA anniversaries remind us, this is a Singapore celebration. It’s a golden tradition, a tunnel of joy, and it’s right here in our backyard.
Go see it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long are the Deepavali lights on Serangoon Road available for?
A1: The lights are on every night from September 6, 2025, to November 9, 2025. You can see them glowing from 7:00 PM until midnight.
Q2: Is it free to see the Deepavali lights?
A2: Yes, viewing the light-up along Serangoon Road is completely free. It's a public street celebration open to everyone. You only pay for any food, drinks, or items you choose to buy from the shops and bazaars.
Q3: What is the best way to get to the Serangoon Road light-up?
A3: The best way is by public transport. Take the MRT to either Little India Station (North East/Downtown Lines) or Farrer Park Station (North East Line). Both stations put you right at the start or end of the main light display, allowing you to walk the full stretch. Driving is not recommended due to heavy traffic and road closures.
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