The Deepavali Istana Open House 2024 will be on Sunday, 20 October, 8.30 am to 6 pm. Pay a visit to the Istana grounds and tour the main Istana building on this occasion, one of several throughout the year when the residence of Singapore’s President is open to the public.
What to Expect at the Deepavali Istana Open House 2024
Visitors to the Istana Open House can enjoy its verdant grounds.
In addition to entering the Istana grounds, visitors can gain insights into the Istana’s rich history and heritage through the refreshed Istana Heritage Tour. Highlights of the Istana Heritage Tour include the Japanese Garden, Villa, Ceremonial Plaza, Inclusive Garden and more.
The Guided Istana Heritage Tours are conducted by volunteers from NParks. The tours are limited up to 20 persons per group and depart every hour from 9 am to 4 pm.
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Family-friendly Activities
Visitors can look forward to family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, balloon sculpting, and colouring activities for children.
There will be multi-ethnic dance, music and vocal performances by Pasir Ris Primary School, Tampines Secondary School, St Stephen’s School, Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary), APSN Chaoyang School, Catholic High School and St Andrew’s Junior College. The programme list and fees are listed in the tables below.
There will also be food and beverage stalls, food trucks, as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs.
All fees collected and proceeds from the merchandise booths will go towards charities the benefitting agencies supported by President’s Challenge.
Programme for Deepavali Istana Open House
Here is a look at the performances and activities that you can expect at this year’s Deepavali Istana Open House.
| Time | Activity | Venue |
| Performances | ||
| 9.45am – 10.15am | Chinese Dance by Tampines Secondary School | Main Tent
|
| 10.30am – 11.00am | Choir Performance by APSN Chaoyang with Catholic High School and St Andrew’s Junior College | |
| 11.15am – 12.15pm | Brass Band by St Stephen’s School | |
| 1.15am – 1.45pm | Modern Dance by Pasir Ris Primary School | |
| 2.00pm – 2.45pm | String Ensemble by Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) | |
| Activity Booths | ||
| 8.30am – 6.00pm | Henna booth by Cognizant | Main Tent
|
| Balloon sculpting by Singtel Recreation Club | ||
| Candle making activity by Candlescape | ||
| Kids colouring activities by Heartware Network | ||
| *NEW* Scavenger hunt activities | ||
| Refreshed Istana Heritage Tour | ||
| 9.00am – 4.00pm | Istana Heritage Tour conducted by NParks Volunteers | Just after the Main Gate |
| Snacks and Merchandise | ||
| 8.30am – 6.00pm | Food Trucks | Near Food Tent |
| Food stalls | Food Tent and Main Tent
|
|
| Drinks Booths | ||
| President’s Challenge Merchandise Booth | Main Tent | |
| Social Service Agencies (SSA) Merchandise Booths | ||
Admission to the Deepavali Istana Open House
The Deepavali Istana Open House is open to all visitors.
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents enter for free. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $20 (adults) and $10 (children from 4 to 12 years old).
Find out more about the Deepavali Istana Open House.
