It’s almost that time of year when you need to start making bookings at restaurants to catch the NDP fireworks and recall the lyrics to your favourite National Day songs. But if your goal this year is to catch the National Day Parade (NDP) live at the Padang instead of on TV, then you’ll first need to get your hands on a couple of NDP tickets 2025.
As we all know, this year is a special one too, with our country celebrating SG60 in full fervour.
If you’re a Singaporean or PR, listen up. Balloting for the main parade on 9th August 2025, as well as the NDP previews, will start on 28th May at 12pm and end on 9th June at noon. So, you’ve got less than 2 weeks to send in your application.
There’ll be 2 preview shows on 26th July and 2nd August, which are basically the same as the main parade, except you’re unlikely to see members from the parliament at these. The President and PM usually only show up for the actual event. However, a spectacular show of fireworks is guaranteed for every parade.
As mentioned earlier, only Singaporeans and PRs are eligible to apply, and you’ll have to do this via your SingPass. Although each person is only given 1 chance to ballot, you can opt for 2, 4, or 6 NDP tickets. This means it’s time to start polling in group chats as to which friends or family members want to come along and create memorable National Day Parade moments together.
Before you get into chiong-ing mode, let us tell you that tickets are not given on a first-come-first-served basis, so there’s no need to hurry. Just send in your applications before 9th June to qualify. Plus, the Padang can seat up to 27,000 peeps, so your odds are not too bad. You’ll then get a confirmation of your application from info@plumber.gov.sg via email or SMS from gov.sg.
If successful, each ticket entitles 1 spectator to enjoy the show. This includes infants carried in arms, so even little ones will require a valid ticket. So, when do the balloting results come out? Between 20th and 25th June 2024. This time, keep a lookout for an email notification from info@mail.postman.gov.sg or an SMS from gov.sg.
Only successful applicants will be notified, but make sure to check your junk folder in case it ends up there. Having said that, be wary of scams or phishing emails by checking that the email is from the official one mentioned above.
And if you haven’t been chosen, don’t be disheartened. In the weeks leading up to NDP 2025, there are usually numerous legit giveaways run by local radio channels and media publications for you to try and snag tickets for yourself.
Also, make sure not to purchase from ticket scalpers, as reselling of NDP tickets is strictly not allowed and may land you in trouble too.
In commemoration of 60 years of independence, NDP 2025’s theme is “Majulah Singapura” – yes, just like the lyrics our National Anthem. What’s special this year is the extension of the parade from the Padang to the Marina Bay area, as well as an aerial tribute by the RSAF.
Keep your cameras ready for light projections, water floats, and performances on a new floating stage at Marina Bay – all free for non-ticket holders to enjoy. The best spots to catch these activations would be from The Promontory, Marina Square, Esplanade, the Helix Bridge, or in front of MBS.
That’s not all – Gardens by the Bay’s Meadow, the Bayfront Event Space, Marina Barrage, and Singapore Sports Hub are where you can catch live screenings, plus interactive booths and activities.
Something many of us look forward to every year is the NDP theme song; this year’s is Here We Are. It features some of our favourite homegrown talent, Charlie Lim, Kit Chan, and The Island Voices. Whether you make it to the parade or not, we suggest you start learning the lyrics early so you can join the rest of the nation when the time comes to sing together for Singapore’s 60th birthday.
Like every year, spectators to the NDP will get a fun pack filled with snacks, drinks, vouchers, and fun stuff like LED wristbands to add to the experience.
Although we don’t know exactly where yet, the celebrations this year will also be in 5 other neighbourhoods on 10th August. These heartland festivities will see residents participating in carnival activities, watching live performances, playing games, and viewing military vehicle displays.
Not to be shortchanged, these celebrations also include fireworks and drone shows.
State flag flypast, Red Lions parachuting down, and fighter jets’ colour bomb-burst – for a chance to see all these show highlights up close, cast your ballots starting 28th May.
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First published on 24th May 2024. Last updated on 26th May 2025.
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