Things to Do in Singapore for January 2026: A Complete Month Guide

Photo Credit: Singapore Art Week

January marks the perfect time to explore Singapore’s most vibrant offerings. As the island-nation shakes off the festive season and embraces a fresh start, it transforms into a cultural hub brimming with world-class art installations, concerts, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. Whether you’re a local seeking weekend entertainment or a visitor planning your Singapore getaway, the things to do in Singapore for January 2026 cater to every interest, age group, and budget. This guide showcases the must-visit attractions, events, and activities that make January one of the most compelling months to experience Singapore.

Art and Light Take Centre Stage

The start of January features one of Singapore’s most anticipated annual celebrations—Light to Night 2026. Running from 9 to 31 January across multiple weekends, this tenth-edition festival transforms Singapore’s Civic District into an open-air gallery of light, colour, and creativity. The Padang, Empress Lawn, the front lawn at The Arts House, the Asian Civilisations Museum Green, and Esplanade Park all become immersive canvases featuring interactive light installations, façade projections, and live performances. The festival’s theme, “The Power in Us,” celebrates collective creativity and community strength through art.

What makes Light to Night 2026 particularly appealing is its accessibility—the festival is completely free to attend and caters to all ages and interests. Visitors can stroll between venues at their own pace, discovering contemporary light art installations that transform familiar heritage buildings. Weekend evenings bring additional programming with live music from local musicians and interdisciplinary performers, whilst the festival village provides artisan markets, craft workshops, and diverse food stalls representing Singapore’s multicultural culinary heritage. For couples seeking a romantic evening, the illuminated Civic District offers an unforgettable backdrop. Families can make it an educational outing, discussing the art installations and their meanings.

Running parallel to Light to Night is the Impressionism Exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore, a groundbreaking event featuring over 100 artworks by legendary French artists including Monet and Van Gogh. This is one of Singapore’s largest French Impressionism exhibitions to date, offering local art enthusiasts a rare chance to experience these masterpieces in person without international travel. The exhibition continues through 1 March, so January visitors have ample opportunity to explore one of art history’s most beloved movements.

Contemporary Art Fair and Emerging Artist Celebrations

Art enthusiasts should also mark their calendars for ART SG 2026, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant contemporary art fairs. This three-day event (23–25 January) at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre transforms Marina Bay into a global art marketplace, featuring over 170 galleries from more than 30 countries. The fair attracts serious collectors, museum curators, and casual art lovers alike, with works ranging from emerging Southeast Asian artists to established international names across various price points.

For those interested in supporting local and emerging talent, COMMA Art Week (16–31 January) along Somerset Belt offers a refreshingly interactive alternative to traditional gallery spaces. Operated by *SCAPE, this annual celebration of contemporary arts features experimental installations, provocative performances, and media by emerging artists. Unlike Light to Night’s polished installations, COMMA Art Week embraces an edgier, more unconventional aesthetic—think interactive pop-up experiences rather than curated museum exhibitions.

Singapore Art Week (22–25 January) completes the month’s art triumvirate. This annual event brings together local, regional, and international artists and curators to create extraordinary public installations, creative trails, and immersive exhibitions that transcend gallery walls. Many programmes are free to attend, whilst ticketed experiences offer deeper engagement with the creative community.

Music and Entertainment for Every Taste

January 2026 caters to diverse musical preferences. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) enthusiasts should secure tickets for Armin van Buuren‘s live set on 16 January at Marquee Singapore. The renowned Dutch DJ, celebrated for his trance and techno productions, brings international club energy to Singapore. General Admission tickets start at S$100 and include a complimentary alcoholic beverage.

For a unique fusion experience, Ministry of Sound Classical performs on 23 January at Fort Canning Green. This unconventional act reimagines iconic EDM tracks—such as “Sandstorm” by Darude—through symphonic arrangements using classical instruments. It’s an experience that appeals to both electronic music fans and classical music aficionados. Tickets begin at S$130.

The SINGLAND Festival, Singapore’s first large-scale indoor New Year celebration, takes place during the early days of January (2–3 January) at Marina Bay Sands, featuring performances by international and regional music icons. These events establish January as Singapore’s music season, offering concerts for every energy level.

Motoring and Innovation Enthusiasts

The Singapore Motorshow 2026 (8–11 January) at Suntec City Convention Centre presents a must-visit for automotive fans. Over 38 automotive brands showcase their latest models, with particular excitement surrounding the first-ever Singapore appearance of luxury Chinese brand Hongqi and their latest E-HS9 model. The motorshow extends beyond luxury vehicles, featuring electric vehicles, technology innovations, and interactive exhibits that highlight the future of automotive design. Tickets start from just S$10, making it an affordable outing for families and enthusiasts alike. Evening hours (5–9 pm on Thursday) suit working professionals, whilst extended weekend hours (10:30 am–8 pm) accommodate families.

Family-Friendly Activities and Wellness

Families planning activities throughout January will appreciate the diverse options available. The Pets & Plants Extravaganza (16–18 January) at Suntec Convention Centre Hall 406 offers completely free entry, making it ideal for budget-conscious families. Pet owners and plant enthusiasts can explore countless booths, participate in interactive workshops, and discover new products for their furry friends and houseplants. The three-day weekend format allows flexible scheduling.

Fitness-focused visitors should consider the themed runs at Marina Barrage (17–18 January). The Baby Shark Run, Capybara Run, and Hello Kitty Run combine exercise with fun, offering themed experiences that appeal particularly to families with children. Registrations start from S$58, and participants receive race tees, medals, and bibs. These runs encourage wellness whilst celebrating iconic characters and playful themes.

Cultural Immersion and Heritage Celebrations

January honours Singapore’s multicultural identity through various cultural festivals. Pongal (13–17 January) celebrates Tamil heritage through a traditional four-day harvest festival honouring the Sun God. Little India comes alive with ethnic dances, performances, cultural exhibitions, and a unique street-side mini village featuring cultural souvenirs. The festival includes a mass cooking competition and festive light displays that transform the precinct into a vibrant celebration of Tamil traditions.

Chinese New Year approaches later in the month (celebrations extend into February on 17–18 February, marking the Year of the Horse), but January events already build anticipatory momentum. The Chingay Parade and River Hongbao festivities typically begin in late January/early February, bringing street celebrations with giant lantern installations, traditional performances, and carnival atmospheres to Marina Bay and surrounding precincts.

Anime, Pop Culture, and Niche Collectibles

Pop culture enthusiasts will find January particularly rewarding. The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition (24 January–15 March) at the Former Singapore Sports Hub Library offers the franchise’s first-ever physical exhibition. Dedicated to the latest anime film, it features main character displays and iconic scenes that immerse fans in the series’ world. To avoid lengthy queues, advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended.

The Skullpanda CAGE-UNCAGE Exhibition (ongoing through 22 February at the National Museum Singapore) appeals to Pop Mart collectors and vinyl toy enthusiasts. Featuring exclusive merchandise and collectibles, some items are selling quickly, making January visits strategically important for fans seeking limited editions. Daily hours from 10 am to 7 pm accommodate most schedules.

Immersive and Experiential Events

For those seeking unconventional experiences, Ren Faire SG (31 January–1 February) at Fort Canning Park’s Old Married Soldiers Quarter invites visitors to step back in time. Singapore’s first medieval-themed renaissance fair encourages costume participation (though not mandatory) and features character interactions, artisan vendors, live music, dancing, quests, and authentic period food. Operating from 2–9 pm and priced at just S$8.80, it offers excellent value for families and groups seeking immersive entertainment.

Planning Your January 2026 Singapore Adventure

Several practical considerations enhance your January experience with things to do in Singapore for January 2026. Weather-wise, January is typically warm with occasional rainfall, so lightweight clothing and a compact umbrella are recommended. Many events occur outdoors, but covered spaces are available at venues like Suntec City and Marina Bay Sands.

Booking advance tickets for popular attractions prevents disappointment—ART SG, the Demon Slayer Exhibition, and premier concerts frequently sell out or face long queues. Transport is convenient, with most venues accessible via Singapore’s efficient MRT system. Consider downloading the Visit Singapore app for real-time event updates and venue information.

For budget optimisation, prioritise free attractions (Light to Night, COMMA Art Week, parts of Singapore Art Week, Pongal celebrations) alongside paid experiences that align with your specific interests. Package several nearby activities into a single outing to maximise time and transport efficiency. For instance, combine Light to Night visits with the Impressionism Exhibition at the National Gallery (both in the Civic District/Bras Basah area).

January also presents strategic advantages for longer stays. Taking time off between New Year’s Day and mid-January allows visitors to experience the month’s opening cultural events whilst navigating smaller crowds compared to peak tourist seasons. Similarly, extending stays into late January captures Singapore Art Week and Chinese New Year anticipatory celebrations.

Conclusion: January as Singapore’s Cultural Renaissance

January 2026 positions itself as one of Singapore’s most culturally vibrant months, offering unprecedented access to art, music, innovation, and community celebrations. The things to do in Singapore for January 2026 collectively demonstrate the island-nation’s commitment to celebrating creativity, supporting emerging talent, and maintaining multicultural traditions whilst embracing contemporary innovation.

Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, family entertainment, fitness motivation, cultural connection, or simply fresh experiences to start your year, January delivers. From free public installations that transform the Civic District into a glowing wonderland to world-class art fairs attracting international collectors, from themed runs that energise your fitness journey to cultural festivals honouring centuries-old traditions—January 2026 truly offers something for every visitor.

Plan ahead, book your tickets early for popular events, and embrace the month’s infectious energy. Singapore in January isn’t merely a destination; it’s an invitation to participate in creativity, community, and celebration at the start of a new year.