Light to Night Singapore 2026 Guide: All The Events, Installations And Highlights
Stephanie Zheng
Contributor | Urban List, Singapore
Singapore’s signature after-dark arts festival is back, bigger, longer, and more community-driven than ever. Light to Night Singapore 2026 returns from 9 to 31 January 2026, marking its 10th edition with the festival’s longest run to date and, for the first time, both free and ticketed programming spread across four full weekends.
Held across National Gallery Singapore and the Civic District, the 2026 edition is anchored in the theme “The Power in Us”, spotlighting collective creativity, shared experiences, and the strength of community through art. Expect large-scale projection mappings across iconic buildings, participatory installations, and a mix of free and ticketed programmes designed to be explored at your own pace.
A major new addition this year is SANTAI, a brand-new series inspired by the Malay word for “to relax”. The series introduces interactive artworks across five key gathering points: the Padang, Empress Lawn, Front Lawn at The Arts House, ACM Green, and Esplanade Park – encouraging festivalgoers to slow down, linger, and connect. Highlights include Gathering on the Lawn by Taiwanese artist Michael Lin, a weekend-only participatory artwork where visitors move through the Padang carrying artist-designed paper lantern bags adorned with batik-inspired motifs.
Fan favourites also return, including projection mappings on National Gallery Singapore’s façade, and the expanded Art X Social: Festival Village, now stretching across St Andrew’s Road and Empress Lawn, with food, drinks, DJ sets, and roving performances. On the programme front, expect crowd-pleasers like Sing Song Social Club, playful art tours with social media personality Zaki Hussain, and Life Prep (Art x Bakes), a multi-sensory experience blending movement, food, and art.
Light to Night Singapore 2026: What’s On, At A Glance
Art & Installations (Free)
Projection Mappings (Art Skins on Monuments)
Nightly light projections on iconic Civic District buildings, including the façade of National Gallery Singapore. Big visuals, zero commitment.
SANTAI Art Installations
A new, chill-focused art series spread across five outdoor locations: The Padang, Empress Lawn, Front Lawn at The Arts House, ACM Green, and Esplanade Park. Designed for wandering, pausing, and people-watching.
Gathering on the Lawn – Michael Lin (Weekends only)
Image credit: Light to Night Singapore | Supplied
Grab an artist-designed paper lantern bag and join a participatory artwork at the Padang. Think communal, slow, and surprisingly photogenic.
Rumah Laut – Firdaus Sani
A sculptural installation at the Padang inspired by Singapore’s early coastal communities and seafaring histories.
Performances & Social Spaces (Free)
Gallery Gigs
Image credit: Light to Night Singapore | Supplied
Live performances by homegrown artists across festival weekends.
Art X Social: Festival Village
Food, drinks, DJ sets, and roving performances. Expanded this year across St Andrew’s Road and Empress Lawn, ideal for post-art decompression.
Sing Song Social Club: 10 Jan 2026, 4–6pm | Free
Image credit: Light to Night Singapore | Supplied
An open community choir session at the Padang Atrium. No auditions, no pressure, just vibes.
Programmes You Can Join
My Tour, My Rules with Zaki Hussain: 10, 17, 24 Jan 2026, 4.30–5.30pm | $15
Image credit: Light to Night Singapore | Supplied
A cheeky, non-boring art tour led by social media personality Zaki Hussain.
Life Prep (Art x Bakes): 10 & 17 Jan 2026, 3–4pm | $30
Image credit: Light to Night Singapore | Supplied
A multi-sensory experience blending movement, art, and food, ending with treats from Bakery Brera.
Quick tip for festival weekends:
Go early (think 6.30–7pm) if you want photos, breathing space, and actual vibes. After 8pm, the Civic District turns into a human screensaver. Great energy, terrible navigation. Pro move: start with the free or paid programmes if you're inclined, loop through the Padang installations, park yourself at Art X Social once the crowds peak, then catch a glimpse of the projections on the monuments before you head home.
Looking for more? Check out:
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- Add To Cal: Your Guide To The Best Singapore Events In 2025 And Beyond
- Where To Countdown To 2026 In Singapore (And Get The Best Fireworks Views)
Main image credit: Light to Night Singapore | Supplied