The Sultan Mosque Light Show
Gemilang Kampong Gelam (GKG) 2025 returns for its fifth edition of iconic Ramadan festivities from 19 February to 25 March 2025. Presented by One Kampong Gelam and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), this highly anticipated festival celebrates the vibrant heritage of Singapore’s oldest urban district during the Islamic holy month.
This year’s celebration spotlights the three pillars of heritage, community and sustainability with an exciting line-up of experiences that will entertain local and regional visitors of all ages. Across the 35 days, look forward to a myriad of tantalising culinary delights, a dazzling and immersive Sultan Mosque Lightshow, hands-on workshops, and captivating traditional and contemporary performances.
This year’s event also introduces several firsts such as the Kampong Charity Run 2025, in collaboration with Drugfree SG, Kampong Tour around the precinct, Mystery Treasure Hunt, and Stamp Rally. Ahead of the end of Ramadan, Kampong Gelam will also host the precinct’s annual communal Iftar, bringing together 1,000 attendees.
KAMPONG CHARITY RUN 2025: PROMOTING AWARENESS AND HEALTHY LIVING
Festivities will kick-off with the Kampong Charity Run 2025, in collaboration with Drugfree SG and the Big Boyz Run Club. Happening on 15 February (Saturday), 6am to 10am, this first-ever initiative aims to promote drug-free awareness and encourage healthy living as Muslims young and old prepare themselves physically and mentally for Ramadan.
The event will feature a dedicated booth by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore, offering resources and information on drug-free awareness. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with volunteers from Drug Free SG, including ex-drug abusers to find out more about their journeys.
This 2.4km run spanning across the Kampong Gelam district is expected to bring together 200 participants. All proceeds will go towards Kampong Gelam Community Centre’s beneficiaries, providing meals and support to individuals and families in need in line with the season’s spirit of giving and community.
A MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND HERITAGE
Look forward to the official opening of Gemilang Kampong Gelam on 21 February (Friday) officiated by Guest-of-Honours Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs and National Development; and Ms Denise Phua, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC.
Across the 35 days, GKG 2025 will transform Kampong Gelam into an exhilarating mix of unique experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Ramadan Bazaar. Here are some highlights to expect:
1. Food and Retail Bazaar
Get ready for a feast of the senses with 80 food and beverage partners coming alive in the precinct. Featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary culinary delights, it is promised to be a real treat for both the young and old.
We welcome back the House of Lemang, Picanhas and Satay Ummi for yet another year of showcase at the Kampong Gelam Ramadan Bazaar. As three of the longest-running brands that have been present since the bazaar’s inauguration in 2021, these are crowd favourites not to be missed. If you’re looking for an interesting fusion of flavours, check out the ever-popular Smashed Burger, tacos at Al Papi or try out the uniquely flavoured croissants from Flamboyant Goon. Also, don’t forget to wrap up your meal on a sweet note with the various dessert options such as Kunafa from ALAA or Turkish ice cream from Turkuaz.
What’s more, those in a mood to shop will be delighted by the array of options available. Featuring a mix of trendy and traditional brands from the likes of Baju Fifty-Eight, Deanqaisara and Pretty Sugar, you will be spoiled for choices from the array of delicious festive cookies, traditional Malay desserts and Muslim festive decorations!
2. Hands-on Workshops
GKG brings together four special workshops that celebrates the precinct’s past and present heritage.
- Arabic Calligraphy by Erwan Bar
- Arts by Hanisa M
- Workshops by Seni Sini
- Coffee Revive
3. Sultan Mosque Light Show
The Sultan Mosque Light Show is back with yet another year of mesmerising visuals. This year, visitors can look forward to an immersive 5.1 Surround Sound auditory experience featuring an original score by acclaimed Singaporean music composer Mr Sha’aban Yahya.
Against the evocative music, the mosque’s façade will be illuminated with stunning visuals that represent Ramadan, including date trees, olives, and ketupat. The light show will happen every Friday to Sunday from 7:40pm to 9pm (in 15 minutes intervals barring evening prayer calls) across the bazaar period.
4. Captivating Performances
Indulge in the cultural richness of Kampong Gelam by enjoying a series of traditional and contemporary performances. Every Saturday, look forward to the uplifting Joget Parade, a traditional Malay dance performance. Featuring a mix of uniquely Malay elements, this rousing number is bound to entertain with its moving entourage of traditional Malay dance, Pencak Silat, and Kompang performers, all against the beautiful backdrop of the Masjid Sultan. What’s more, catch your favourite Malay celebrities on the weekends including Hannah Delisha, Mimifly and Beto Kusyairi.
Not to worry if you are visiting GKG on the weekdays instead – there is an equally exciting line-up of performances for you!
5. Exciting New Additions
GKG is delighted to introduce three new activities that encourages visitors to better appreciate the hidden nooks of Singapore’s vibrant historical quarter. These include:
- Kampong Tour: Guided by Let’s Go Tour, explore the historical and cultural gems of Kampong Gelam through this two-hour tour that brings visitors to the majestic Masjid Sultan and through the bustling streets of Kandahar Street. All tour participants will also enjoy a SGD15 Ramadan Bazaar voucher.
- Kampong Hunt (Mystery Treasure Hunt): Uncover Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 coins hidden across five key areas within Kampong Gelam and stand a chance to win up to S$8,000 in cash!
- Stamp Rally: Bring home a postcard souvenir while exploring the various streets of Kampong Gelam. With coloured stamps located at four key locations, visitors can collect these stamps to complete a postcard souvenir.
MASS IFTAR: KAMPONG GELAM’S ANNUAL COMMUNAL BREAK FAST
On 22 March (Saturday), 6:30pm, the streets of Kampong Gelam will come alive with the spirit of unity and generosity as GKG 2025 hosts the precinct’s annual communal Iftar. The Mass Iftar will bring together 1,000 participants including One Kampong Gelam partners and beneficiaries from Jalan Besar GRC to break fast along Arab Street. Expect a night of togetherness and meaningful connections as the community comes together in gratitude to celebrate the end of a day of fasting.
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOREFRONT
Elevating its sustainability commitment this year, GKG 2025 will also pilot several new green initiatives. This year, the event partners with Gorental.SG to deploy clean battery generators that are 100% solar-powered. In addition, visitors who bring their own water bottles will enjoy drinks at a discounted price from across all drink partners at the bazaar. Close to half of all F&B booths will also adopt recycled packaging materials.
Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 is supported by Coca-Cola and PARKROYAL on Beach Road as its Official Beverage Partner and Official Hotel Partner respectively.
The event will open daily from 19 February to 25 March from 2pm to 11pm from Monday to Thursday, and till 11:30pm from Friday to Sunday.
For more information and the latest updates, head to Visit Kampong Gelam’s Facebook and Instagram.
