National Day Rehearsal Dates and National Day Parade 2025

National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 happens on 9 August with rehearsals and previews show happening across June, July and August!

Photo Credits: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/

Dates: 

• 1st Combined Rehearsal: 14 Jun 2025
• 2nd Combined Rehearsal: 21 Jun 2025
• 3rd Combined Rehearsal: 28 Jun 2025
• 1st NE Show: 5 Jul 2025
• 2nd NE Show: 12 Jul 2025
• 3rd NE Show: 19 Jul 2025
• 1st Preview: 26 Jul 2025
• 2nd Preview: 2 Aug 2025
• NDP 2025: 9 Aug 2025

The National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 will be held on 9 August 2025 at the Padang. This year's parade celebrates Singapore 60th birthday and it promises to be an exciting birthday bash! 

This year, the celebrations extend beyond the historic Padang to the stunning Marina Bay and city skyline, with island-wide festivities ensuring everyone can join in the joy. The main parade takes place at the Padang, with expanded live show elements, light projections, and fireworks synchronised across the Marina Bay and city skyline. There will also be traditional NDP crowd favourites like the Red Lions and aerial flypast.

While the parade is happening at the Padang, the main fireworks will still be happening at Marina Bay. So for families who are keen, we have the NDP rehearsal dates, and firework times will be coming up once we get them!

For more exciting family to-dos, here's our list of National Day events and activities to extend the celebrations beyond the parade grounds! 

National Day Parade Dates

Photo Credits: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/

The following are the dates for rehearsals and NDP2025

• NDP Rehearsals: 14, 21, 28 Jun 2025
• NE Shows: 5, 12, 19 July 2025
• NDP Previews: 26 July and 2 Aug 2025
• NDP 2025: 9 Aug 2025

Apart from the celebrations at the Padang and Marina Bay, families can expect Heartland Celebrations happening on 10th August at five Heartland Celebration sites. You can expect live performances, dazzling fireworks, carnival activities, and the Mobile Column making its way through the heartlands with selected assets. These events are fantastic for families seeking a vibrant and convenient way to celebrate.

For those who manage to register for tickets, NDP packs will also be given to those attending the celebrations. While stocks last!

*We understand there should be fireworks happening at all rehearsals but with different intensity. The rehearsals closer to the actual day will have an experience closer to the real thing. 

Fireworks Timing

Photo Credits: Stanley Chee

Based on NDP 2025 1st combine rehearsal on 14 Jun as well as referenced from online sources, below are some key fireworks timings that we have. Do use these are a reference as fireworks timings may change. We will update the above information on the other happenings as soon as we have them. 

• 5.46 pm - Rainbow Fireworks
• 7.35 pm - Fireworks
• 7.45 pm - Fireworks
• 8 pm - Fireworks and Light Projection (city skyline)
• 8.14 pm - Fireworks

*we will update timings as and when we get more updated details for 2025.

Catch the RSAF Island Flypast

Photo Credits: Stanley Chee

For those looking to catch the NDP2025 highlights around the vicinity, here are some notable timings that you should take note of. Do note that these timings are from the NDP 2025 1st combine rehearsal and reference from online sources, the timings are approx. and subject to changes. 

• 5.50 pm - Naval Diving Unit Paratroopers (lands at Marina Bay)
• 5.55 pm - Red Lions
• 6.32 pm - State Flag Flypast
• 6.37 pm - Salute to the Nation - Fighter Jets
• 6.38 pm - Artillery Presidential Salute
• 6.49 pm - Salute to the RSAF - Fighter Jets
• 7.04 pm - Aerial Flypast
• 7.06 pm - Aerial Flypast - Helicopter and Chinooks
• 7.07 pm - Maritime Display (at Marina Bay)
• 7.08 pm - Aerial Flypast - Fighter Jets
• 7.10 pm - Aerial Flypast - Transport Planes
• 7.42 pm - Water Float at Marina Bay
• 7.50 pm - Water Float at Marina Bay

*we will update timings as and when we get updates.

Tips for Catching NDP Rehearsal

Similar as 2023, this year's NDP is happening at the Padang, so families who like to catch the parade for free, you can actually make your way to the area outside The Arts House and the Parliament House. This is the junction where the marching contingent as well as mobile column will go past. 

The mobile column will also park outside Funan Mall, along North Bridge Road after it's segment at the parade. 

*Note that this is based on our observations from NDP2023 and may change. 

Tips For Catching the Fireworks

The fireworks display is a popular event and places to catch the fireworks normally get crowded very early. Below are some tips that we like to share for families who are thinking of heading out to catch the fireworks

• Try catching the fireworks on the rehearsals or preview - these are usually less crowded and easier to manage if you are bringing kids.
• Get in early and book your spot - the venues get crowded easily, so we suggest heading into the area early and take your spot. It might not always be the best spot, but at least you have a spot. 
• Less is more - bring as little things as possible. Think baby carrying instead of pram, one bag instead of multiple smaller ones, etc. But definitely don't forget the water, snacks and other essentials for the children.
• Think about getting out - don't just consider getting into the venue. The bigger concern is leaving the venue when everyone else is leaving too - public transport will be full and private hire/taxis will be hard to come by. We suggest making your way out just before the main fireworks. This way you can still watch the fireworks and have a head start out! 
• Take note of road closures - if you are planning to drive, do take note of the road closures. This year's parade should be more lenient since the actual parade is happening at the Padang while the main fireworks are at Marina Bay. 
• Catch it at home - otherwise, catching the fireworks at home on TV is also a great experience, without the above considerations. 

Places To Watch The Fireworks

Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay

Below is a list of places that you may catch the fireworks. Note that these places do get crowded quickly - especially with photographers and others wanting to catch a glimpse of the parade. 

• Marina Bay Waterfront
• The Promontory
• Gardens by the Bay East
• Merlion Park
• Along Esplanade Drive
• Esplanade
• Marina Barrage (partial view)
• Helix Bridge / Sheares Bridge

Apart from the fireworks, there are much more happening for NDP2025 (to be updated nearer to NDP).