New York City’s annual Diwali festivities will return to the heart of Manhattan on Saturday, 9 November 2025, transforming Times Square into a vibrant hub of light, culture and community. Following a postponement from the original date of 12 October due to weather, the event is set to begin with a Diwali Bazaar and cultural showcases, before culminating in the iconic Diya Lighting Ceremony atop the One Times Square building. With live music, traditional dance, food stalls and a countdown to the ball-drop tower lighting, the celebration promises an immersive evening for families, friends and visitors.To mark the 10-year milestone, celebrations began with the Diwali Awards & Gala Dinner held at Tribeca Rooftop 360 in New York City. The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of Indian Americans across fields such as philanthropy, entertainment, medicine and innovation, recognising the community’s growing impact in the United States.
Timings and schedule of Diwali at Times Square
The festival begins at 11 a.m. EST with the Diwali Bazaar opening, featuring craft stalls, food vendors, and cultural exhibits. Throughout the afternoon, the Kids Zone and Colors of India Cultural Showcase will present traditional dance, music, and community performances. By 4:30 p.m., programs transition to the main outdoor stage for the Light Up Times Square Concert, headlined by Malkit Singh, Raja Kumari, Rishi Singh, and Anjana Padmanabhan. The evening highlight—the Diya Lighting Ceremony and Countdown at One Times Square—will take place between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by lighting displays illuminating the square .
Performances and cultural highlights
This year’s lineup brings a vibrant mix of performances, including live acts by Malkit Singh, Raja Kumari, Anjana Padmanabhan and Vaibhav Gupta, offering a blend of Punjabi pop, Bollywood vocals and global fusion.Audiences can also enjoy the Colors of India Cultural Showcase, representing India’s diverse dance and musical traditions, and the Light Up Times Square Concert, featuring dynamic sets that energise the crowd throughout the evening.All of this builds up to the dramatic Diya Lighting Ceremony and Countdown at the Ball Drop Tower, symbolising the spirit of Diwali — the triumph of light over darkness and unity across cultures.Diwali Bazaar and interactive featuresFrom 5 p.m. onward, the Diwali Bazaar invites guests to explore a wide range of stalls offering handmade festive décor, Indian sweets, street-food favourites, henna art and family-friendly activities. Interactive photo zones and creative installations across Times Square will provide plenty of opportunities to capture and share the celebration online.
Location, access and logistics
The heart of the celebration is centred around the One Times Square building and dedicated pedestrian areas. Street closures will begin at 4 p.m., so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Security checks will be in place and public transport is strongly recommended.Nearest subway stations include Times Square–42 Street (A, C, E, N, Q, R, S) and Bryant Park–42 Street (B, D, F, M). Access for families and attendees with accessibility needs will be available on the east side of the Square.Celebrating its tenth year at Times Square, the event reflects New York’s multicultural energy and the growing global recognition of Diwali as a celebration that transcends nationality and religion. It serves as a symbol of community pride for the Indian diaspora while also welcoming people of all backgrounds to join in the festivities.
