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Light beams over the Supertree Grove during the nightly Garden Rhapsody show at Gardens by the Bay

Photo: tee_eric, CC BY 2.0, cropped

Nightlife

Light & Evening Show Guides

Free shows after dark: show times, the best viewing spots and how to see two in one evening.

This page gathers our guides to the free Singapore light show scene and other evening shows. It covers Spectra at Marina Bay, Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay and a paid night show on Sentosa. Use it to choose a show, find a good viewing spot and see two shows in one evening.

Plan it with EatStays: Marina Bay Night Walk and Gardens by the Bay.

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Singapore light show guide: what is on after dark

Singapore puts on free shows on most evenings, and they are some of the best things to do after dark. The two big ones are both at Marina Bay. Spectra lights up the water in front of Marina Bay Sands. Garden Rhapsody lights up the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. Each Singapore light show lasts about 15 minutes, and you do not need a ticket. For the full guide, read Free Light Shows in Singapore: Spectra & Garden Rhapsody.

The free shows at Marina Bay

Spectra

Spectra is a light, laser and water show on the waterfront in front of Marina Bay Sands. Fountains, coloured lights and lasers move in time to music. For the best view, sit on the steps of the Event Plaza by the water. You can also see the lights from across the bay, near Merlion Park. The water effects look best up close, though.

Garden Rhapsody

Garden Rhapsody is a light and music show at the Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay. The Supertrees are tall steel structures covered in living plants. During the show, they glow and change colour in time to the music. Many people sit on benches or lie on the ground to look straight up. The outdoor gardens and the show are both free.

How to see both in one evening

The two shows are spaced so you can catch both on the same night. Watch one, then walk to the other in time for its next show. The walk between the Supertree Grove and the Event Plaza takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Show times can change, so check the official schedules on the day.

Other evening shows and night sights

  • Wings of Time: a ticketed night show by the sea on Sentosa, with water, light and fire effects.
  • Helix Bridge: a curved footbridge that is lit up at night, with good views across the bay.
  • Singapore River Cruise: a boat trip that shows the lit-up skyline from the water.
  • Night Safari: a wildlife park for animals that are active after dark.

Want a full evening plan? Browse our Night Itineraries.

Festival light-ups

Several festivals bring street lights and decorations to different parts of the city. They are free to walk through. Festival dates follow different calendars, so check them before you travel.

  • Chinese New Year: lanterns and decorations fill the streets of Chinatown. See Chinese New Year.
  • Hari Raya: lights line the streets of Geylang Serai, the heart of the Malay community. See Hari Raya.
  • Deepavali: the Hindu Festival of Lights brings a street light-up to Little India. See Deepavali.
  • Christmas: Orchard Road is lit up for the festive season. See Christmas.
  • National Day: fireworks are part of the celebrations in August. See National Day.

Tips for watching the shows

  • Arrive early. Get there 10 to 15 minutes before a show for a good spot, especially at weekends.
  • Check the weather. Shows may be cancelled during heavy rain or lightning. Evening storms are common in Singapore.
  • Take the MRT. Bayfront MRT station is close to both Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. See How to Get to Marina Bay by MRT, Bus and Taxi.
  • Eat nearby. Satay by the Bay is a food centre inside Gardens by the Bay. Makansutra Gluttons Bay is a hawker spot near Esplanade.
  • Bring water and insect repellent. Evenings stay warm and humid, especially in the gardens.
  • Think of others. Keep steps and paths clear, and try not to hold phones high above other people's heads.

FAQs about Singapore light shows

Are the light shows in Singapore free?

Yes. Spectra and Garden Rhapsody are both free, with no ticket needed. Wings of Time on Sentosa is a paid show.

Can I see Spectra and Garden Rhapsody on the same night?

Yes. The shows are spaced so you can watch one, then walk to the other. The walk takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

How long does each show last?

Spectra and Garden Rhapsody each last about 15 minutes.

Do the shows run when it rains?

Shows may be cancelled in heavy rain or lightning. Check the official channels on the day.

Where is the best place to watch Spectra?

Sit on the Event Plaza steps by the water in front of Marina Bay Sands. From there you see the full show of water, lights and lasers.