A Guide to National Day in Singapore 2026: Best Spots to Watch Fireworks, Heartland Celebrations, and More

Couldn’t get your hands on BTS concert tickets? You can try your luck at National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 tickets. While getting NDP tickets also involves a balloting system, it’s not as crazy as BTS or Taylor Swift. 

But fear not, even if you haven’t gotten tickets, there are still places to go and activities to participate in as the nation celebrates its 61st birthday, including the yearly fireworks extravaganza, which is always a treat.  

Feeling patriotic? Hit play on this year's NDP theme song and read our guide to how you can join in the festivities.

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Main event: the National Day Parade (NDP) 2026

For the first time in a decade, the National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 is heading back to the National Stadium. Themed “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!”, this year’s show moves entirely indoors, meaning no weather worries but also a few major programming shakeups—namely, no Red Lions or mobile column due to the enclosed roof.

To make up for it, the organisers are rolling out some pretty cool tech and media firsts. 

This year’s highlights include: 

• A massive indoor live drone light show with over 300 drones alongside the largest indoor special effects setup in NDP history. 
• 3 new original NDP songs: Giants by Iman Fandi, Sparkle by Gareth Fernandez and Dru Chen, and You'll Be Okay by Jasmine Sokko. Stream the songs on the NDP website.
• Nationwide digital treasure hunt called the Majulah Hunt. Powered by a web app, you can win prizes by doing the tasks.
• Presidential Gun Salute to fire from the Kallang Basin for the first time ever. It’s a completely different vibe this year, trading traditional outdoor spectacles for an immersive, indoor tech showcase.

Road closures for NDP 2026

Our hardworking Singaporeans need to practice so there will naturally be some road closures in the lead up to NDP. 

Road closures will be on: 25 Jul, 1 Aug and 9 Aug 2026.

At this point, the info for those dates are not yet out, but check the Singapore Police Force (SPF) website for updates. 

Judging on previous closures, you can expect the area around the National Stadium to be affected. 

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Best heartland activities for National Day 2026

Unfortunately, there are no official NDP activities in the heartlands this year as everything will take place in the National Stadium.

However, in the lead up to the actual National Day on 9 Aug, you’ll get to see the fireworks during rehearsals on 25 July and 1 August. 

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Best hotels to watch NDP 2026 fireworks 

This year’s National Day falls on a Sunday, and for those of us who get the Monday after off, this is the perfect opportunity to book a staycation in one of the nearby hotels and get a great view of the fireworks. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

This renowned luxury hotel needs no introduction. Known for its opulent amenities and breathtaking views of the city skyline including unobstructed views of the Marina Bay waterfront, booking a room at the Ritz facing the waterfront will give you a bird’s eye view of the fireworks.

This year, the hotel is celebrating Singapore’s 61st birthday with a $68++ three-course set menu at The Ritz Lounge from 7-9 Aug 2026.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is located at Marina Bay, at 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799. Check out its website here.

Wyndham Singapore Hotel

The understated hotel beside Funan in the heart of the Civic District guarantees a view of the Padang and fireworks. What’s more, its close proximity to major attractions like the National Gallery, Boat Quay and City Hall means you’re in the perfect location for lots of food and entertainment. 

From 8-10 Aug 2026, the hotel is celebrating National Day with a special Flavours of Malaya & International Buffet from $79++.

The ​​Wyndham Singapore Hotel is located at 5 Coleman St, Singapore 179805. Check out its website here.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is celebrating with a Poolside BBQ Party ($138++) on its wellness floor where you get a great view of the fireworks above the city skyline. 

You can also opt for the 9 Aug staycation package, which includes breakfast for 2, Poolside BBQ dinner for 1, $118 Poolside BBQ Dinner Credit, and $61 St. Gregory Spa Credit. 

The Parkroyal COLLECTION Marina Bay is located at Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594. Check out its website here.

Pan Pacific Singapore

It’ll be a delectable feast or rather, feasts, at Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel has several promotions at its restaurants—Edge, Mosella, Lime, Peppermint, Ginger and PLUME—for National Day 2026. Serving up international flavours, check out the promos to see which restaurant and cuisine fits your preferences. 

The Pan Pacific Singapore is located at 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595. Check out its website here.

JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach

A blend of modern design and sophistication, JW Marriott offers guests a perfect balance of style, comfort, and convenience with its location in Beach Road. Catch the fireworks from its Flow18 Sky Garden and Premier Marina Bay Rooms and Suites. 

While there’s no specific National Day promotion, there are staycation packages such as A Mindful Stay that includes 45-Minute Full body Oil Massage per stay per registered adult for stays until 31 Aug 2026. 

The JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach is located at 30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763. Check out its website here.

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Best bars/restaurants to watch NDP 2026 fireworks 

For those who don’t want to stay overnight, there are plenty of places in the city to kick back and enjoy the festivities with some good food. 

LeVeL33 

LeVel33 needs no introduction for its fantastic view of the Marina Bay skyline. This year, it has a curated 4-course dining experience and National Day cocktail specials on 8 and 9 Aug from $138++. 

Expect dishes such as NZ King salmon sashimi, King Island Tenderloin or Tuna Murray Cod and an interesting Kaya Toast Stout that is sure to be an eye opener.

LeVeL33 is located at 8 Marina Blvd, #33 - 01 Tower 1, Singapore 018981. Make a reservation here.

SUSHISAMBA

Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian restaurant SUSHISAMBA on the 52nd floor in the CBD will offer a great view of the skyline. 

For National Day, it has a Singapore-inspired edition of its Copacabana Brunch on 8 August from $160++, followed by a five-course National Day Lunch on 9 August priced at $98++ per person, alongside limited-edition cocktails inspired by local flavours. 

SUSHISAMBA is located at 168 Robinson Rd, Level 52 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912. Make a reservation here.

Altro Zafferano

The popular Italian restaurant on the 43rd floor known for its city views will offer two limited time menus exclusively on 9 August 2026:  

• Sunset Dinner Menu (4 Courses): $88++/pax — highlights include: Laksa Beurre Blanc with the Wild Turbot and spiced cauliflower
• National Day Menu (5 Courses): $198++/pax (Early Bird*) | $248++/pax (regular price) — highlights include: Clarified Pepper Sauce with a European Lobster, and a sweet-tangy Tamarind Glaze with the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin – and a tender fragrant Gula Melaka Pannacotta lifted with Calamansi.

Altro Zafferano is located at 10 Collyer Quay, Level 43, Singapore 049315. Make a reservation here.

CÉ LA VI

Set 57 levels above Singapore, CÉ LA VI is one of Singapore’s most iconic spots for amazing views. For Singapore’s 61st birthday, it is having a National Day celebration across the Club Lounge and Sky Bar on 9 Aug 2026 from 12pm - 8.30pm. 

Cover charge costs $68 and includes 1 drink. 

If you’d like to have something more substantial, come between 11.30am-3pm for a National Day Brunch, featuring a 3-course menu paired with free-flow Billecart Salmon Champagne, cocktails and more, starting from $88++. 

From 5pm onwards, the 4-course menu ($168++) feature the restaurant’s signature modern Asian cuisine. 

CÉ LA VI is located at 1 Bayfront Avenue, Hotel, Tower 3 Marina Bay Sands, 018971. Make a reservation here.

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Other fun free National Day 2026-related things to do 

Catch the fireworks for free

Since this year’s parade will be held at the National Stadium in Kallang, the fireworks display will be at the Kallang side. While you can still see the fireworks from the high level places in the CBD, they may be a bit far. 

Head to nearby the area for free views, although you may have to jostle with the crowd a bit. Places include: 

• Stadium Riverside Walk
• Outside the Water Sports Centre and Singapore Indoor Stadium
• Tanjong Rhu Promenade
• Merdeka Bridge
• Lookout Deck @ Kallang Basin
• Kallang Riverside Park

Collect NDP eCoupons

If you haven’t already, collect your NDP eCoupons to get a plethora of deals on food, beauty and wellness services, home appliances and other products from a wide range of merchants. Each page of an eCoupon will show you the exact discount you’ll get and how to redeem the coupon. 

Spot the RSAF flypast 

For the first time, the state flag flypast will be conducted at the Kallang Basin. Carried by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Chinook helicopter and escorted by the AH-64 Apache helicopters, the flag will be flown from right to left across the western opening of the national stadium.

Do some good with #GiveAsOneSG Campaign 

There’s no right or wrong time to do some good for others. The #GiveAsOneSG Campaign aims to promote volunteerism among Singaporeans and runs from now to 9 Aug in honour of SG60.

Join fellow Singaporeans in giving to others less fortunate here: https://www.giving.sg/content/ndp-give-as-one-2026. 

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Other tips to enjoy NDP 2026

For an enjoyable NDP, take note of the road closures and public transport disruptions on affected days so you don’t find yourself caught out. 

SBS Transit has also posted details about affected bus services due to the parade. 

Want to stay at home and avoid the crowds? You’ll still be able to catch the Parade on TV or NDPeeps’ Facebook page.

NDP 2026: What if you want a short getaway instead?

Since this year's National Day falls on a Sunday, many of us will get the Monday off! If you’re not feeling particularly patriotic, you can gift yourself a holiday by going on a short weekend getaway to a nearby spot, especially if you'd rather skip the dense crowds during the NDP weekend. Here are some ideas for a short vacay:

• Malaysia is always the closest and most easily available option for anything from food to massages and haircuts. If you're headed there, don't miss our Johor Bahru (JB) travel guides:
  • Tips for Travelling From Singapore to Johor Bahru
  •  How to Take the Bus From Singapore to Johor Bahru
  • Best Times to Travel to Johor Bahru From Singapore
  • How to Drive Into Johor Bahru From Singapore
• Bintan and Batam are a ferry ride away. These spots are great for winding down and taking a chill pill, especially right after mid-year review season.
• If you want to hop on a short flight, Bangkok or other parts of Thailand might be the first location that comes to mind. There's also Koh Lanta, an underrated spot for tropical beach vibes and a destination dupe for Bali.
• Alternatively, you can also consider Vietnam, especially Northern locations like Hanoi and Sapa. July and August are the shoulder seasons for North Vietnam, when prices are lower and crowds are thinner!

Don't forget to purchase travel insurance in case things go awry. We want you safe and protected this National Day weekend, wherever you're going to be. 

Specially for National Day 2026, get up to $61 cashback when you purchase selected travel insurance policies from insurers such as HL Assurance, FWD, or INCOME. 

From now till 31 July 2026, there are also exclusive rewards to be redeemed on eligible plans such as: 

• Sennheiser Accentum Open Wireless Earbuds (worth S$149)
• $30 Revolut cash reward
• FREE 1GB Global eSIM
• Up to $70 GrabGift vouchers

Do you know a patriot who loves celebrating Singapore National Day? Share this article with them!