Wow, time sure does fly. It’s already December and the year is swiftly ending. Now, comes the fun part– fireworks! People would show up in droves at Marina Bay and some heartland locations to watch these beautiful displays. Some of these locations provide a clear view of the NYE fireworks for free.

I, myself, have made it a tradition to watch the NYE fireworks with my friends. Memories of late-night Grab orders and hustling about through crowds come to mind. If you are like me or are just starting to get into the hype, check out these 10 spots to watch the NYE fireworks for free.

Town Locations

The main location where everyone watches is Marina Bay. The entire sky over Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore River will light up in bright colours as the clock strikes midnight. 

Given how massive the fireworks display is, it can be seen from many different points along the Singapore River. Here are just some of the possible spots you can park yourselves to get a good view. As these locations are pretty close together, you can hop from one place to another and explore which place is the best experience for you.

1. ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum has one of the best vantage points to watch fireworks from. It is located right in front of Marina Bay Sands itself. The area surrounding the museum is open to the public and has a great, unobstructed view of the Singapore River. 

There are also a lot of seating options available by the pond. There is also an open walkway by the river where people often go on a run. You can chill right by the Singapore River and get a front row seat for when the fireworks begin.

If you want to chope your spot early, you can even make a day of it. There are many 

The ArtScience Museum itself has a small cafe in the lobby, called Miracle Coffee. You don’t have to buy a ticket to access the cafe. Other F&B options are also available at The Shoppes. Chill at the bars or buy takeout dinners from the restaurants. Then, when the time comes, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fireworks.

6 Bayfront Ave, ArtScience Museum, Singapore 018974

2. The Promontory @ Marina Bay

The Promontory @ Marina Bay is a huge open, triangular plot of land. It is a large grassy area where you can sit and appreciate the view. This would be especially great for when there is a large crowd. If you reach there early, you can carve out a little space for yourselves and your loved ones to get the best view possible.

On a regular night, the view from The Promontory is gorgeous. The quiet hum creates an indescribable solitude, contrasting with the bustling surroundings. The place had played host to a variety of events in the past, including iLight and the World Christmas Market.

To get there, get down to the Downtown MRT station (DT17) along the Downtown line and walk through the Marina Link Mall. Follow the signage that points towards The Promontory. When you see an information counter, turn towards it and take the lift up. As you reach ground level, you will be right across the road from The Promontory.

11 Marina Blvd, The Promontory @ Marina Bay, Singapore 018940

3. Merlion Park

Did you know that 2025 would be SG60? What better way to bring in the milestone than by celebrating the new year at a national landmark? 

Merlion Park holds one of the most intrinsically Singaporean icons, the Merlion. Standing at just over 8 metres tall, the Merlion is a symbol of how far we’ve come, from a simple fishing village to a nation of success and prosperity.

Be a tourist for a day while you wait for the fireworks. Take those silly pictures with the merlion and make some last meaningful memories for the year. 

1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

4. Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage is a popular picnic place spot. So, you can set up a mat across the grass and enjoy the feel of it beneath your feet. The vantage point is great, elevated 5 metres off the ground. From where you are, the entire Marina Bay Sands stretches out across the skyline almost endlessly.

Chat and relax the night away as you wait for midnight. Bring your friends and/or family and reflect on the year you’ve had. The lessons learnt, the experience gained, the tears shed. The good and the bad. Then, when the countdown begins and the sky erupts in a kaleidoscope of colours, sit back and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Quick tip: buy everything you need prior to coming to Marina Barrage. The F&B options here are rather sparse and quite a walk away. There is a nearby snack and drink shop but the options are sparse.

8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

5. Esplanade

The Esplanade has 2 possible viewing options: the concourse and the rooftop. If you want a more enriching experience, stay on the ground with everyone. It makes the experience more lively and enjoyable. Along the Concourse, there is a stretch that faces out towards the Marina Bay Sands skyline, a perfect view of the fireworks.

If you want a higher vantage point, head up to the rooftop. It circles half the area and there is a large section that has the perfect view of the fireworks. You can get snacks and drinks from the nearby Cheers and vending machine. If it does get a bit crowded, feel free to sit on the floor while waiting. 

1 Esplanade Dr, Esplanade — Theatres by the Bay, Singapore 038981

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6. Marina Square

Marina Square is notorious for its glorious views. The rooftop is famously a go-to spot for free viewing of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. Lucky for us, it is also a perfect viewing point for the New Year’s Eve fireworks. 

The outdoor rooftop is on the 3rd floor. When you step out into it, you will see a garden terrace with a lot of seating. Arrive early to secure your front row seat to the fireworks and, in the meantime, enjoy the lush gardenscape. If you need refreshments, Marina Square has a wide selection of F&B options and convenient stores, including a nearby 7-Eleven.

6 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, Singapore 039594

Heartland Locations

If you don’t intend to spend New Year’s Eve out in town, there are many heartland locations that will be organising fireworks displays at midnight. These efforts are organised by the respective neighbourhood GRCs, allowing these communities to bring in the new year from the comfort of their own homes.

Some of the official countdown events are ticketed but feel free to watch the fireworks from nearby. Do be mindful if you plan to watch from HDB flats. Keep your volume down so you don’t disturb the other residents. Be safe, respectful and have a fun night.

Visit the People’s Association website to find out more information on NYE countdown events and firework displays that are happening in the neighbourhoods.

7. Tampines

Easties, this one’s for y’all! Our Tampines Hub is bringing back their big NYE countdown bash. From 10pm, Tampines Boogie Countdown to 2025 is hosting a special Korean K Pop Random Play Dance with a broad range of Rock performances to get you hyped. The countdown will officially be held at the Tampines Sports Hall but it will be live streamed at the Festive Plaza.

This is my personal go-to location for fireworks. Be warned that it will be very crowded but it is also what contributes to the electric atmosphere. From a good vantage point, head on over to Tampines Central Park to view the fireworks. If you want a closer look, you can watch from the staircase of a nearby HDB. Do be mindful if you choose to do so as to not disturb the residents.

The fireworks should be viewable from across Tampines. If your home has an unobstructed view, great! Stay at home, look out the window and enjoy the fireworks. 

Find out more here.

1 Tampines Walk, Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 528523

8. Marsiling

For residents up in the North, there will be a fireworks display in Marsiling. The fireworks display will be taking place at Woodlands Stadium. The event in the stadium itself is ticketed. But, not to worry, you can watch the fireworks display from the surrounding HDB flats, Marsiling Mall and Marsiling Hawker Centre.

In the vicinity, you can also catch performances from the All Across Singapore One Countdown 2025 happening in the stadium itself. From 8pm, there will be live performances from hit local acts like Joanna Dong and ShiGGA Shay.

Find out more here.

1 Woodlands Street 13, Woodlands Stadium, Singapore 738597

9. Bishan-Toa Payoh

For Bishan-Toa Payoh, the new years’ eve festivities will be taking place at Bishan Active Park. To view the fireworks for free, head on over to one of the nearby HDB blocks. Another possible viewing location would be the nearby multi-storey carpark.

The NYE celebration is hosted by the Bishan-Toa Payoh and Marymount CCs. For residents of Bishan, Toa Payoh and Marymount, good news! Residents of these GRCs are entitled to free tickets to the countdown party. Limited tickets are available.

Find out where to claim your tickets here. Each resident is entitled to 2 tickets.

Bishan St 23, Bishan Active Park, Singapore 570231

10. MacPherson

For MacPherson residents, the fireworks display will be coming from the hard court opposite MacPherson Community Club. So, if you stay in the MacPherson area, come on down to the hard court to bring in the new year with a bang. View the fireworks from the surrounding area including HDB blocks and MacPherson Market & Food Centre.

This fireworks display will be the grand finale of the MacPherson Countdown Party 2025. It is a ticketed event with many activities to enjoy throughout the night. Participate in carnival rides, enjoy some local snacks and dance the night away to performances by Singaporean artistes. 

400 Paya Lebar Way, MacPherson Community Club, Singapore 379131

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