If you’ve been following the news, you are probably aware that applications to ballot for this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) tickets at the Padang opened today (28 May 2025, at 12pm). Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can apply for tickets to either the 1) NDP Preview 1 on 26 July; NDP Preview 2 on 2 August; or the National Day Parade on 9 August.
This year’s NDP is particularly special, as Singapore commemorates its 60th anniversary – with a familiar theme of Majulah Singapura. This year’s parade held at the Padang for the third consecutive year. The last time the parade was held elsewhere was in 2022, at the Float @ Marina Bay, which started redevelopment in 2023 and is slated to re-open as NS Square in 2027.
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Applications To Ballot For NDP 2025 Tickets Are Still Open
Allocation of NDP tickets are not on a first-come-first-serve basis. So, while you do not have to rush, make sure you do so before ticket applications close on 9 June, at 12pm.
To ballot, simply visit the NDP website and use your Singpass to apply. Each person is limited to one application, of 2,4 or 6 tickets. Successful applicants will be notified via SMS from gov.sg and e-mail from [email protected] between 20 and 25 June.
Since the parade will be held at Padang, only about 27,000 spectators will successfully ballot for each of the preview shows and actual NDP parade itself. If you have been unsuccessful in balloting the past few years, read on to give yourself the best chance of securing tickets this year. Good luck and all the best!
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#1 Ask Relatives Who Have Never Been To NDP Recently To Ballot On Your Behalf
While NDP tickets are strictly not for sale, it is not unlawful to give or exchange NDP tickets between friends and family members.
If you want to attend NDP 2025, you can increase your chances of securing tickets by asking family members or friends who have always preferred watching the NDP parade from the comfort of their homes.
While priority have been given to those who have no attended NDP parades in the past, there has been no mention of such allocations for NDP 2025.
#2 Watch Out For Ticket Giveaways Online
Even if you have already balloted for tickets and are patiently waiting for the SMS and email confirmation that you have succeeded, you should continue monitoring your social media for companies and organisations that might hold NDP ticket giveaways.
In previous years, Gov.sg, Mediacorp, and NDP Sponsors were among various organisations that had free NDP tickets to give out. Participating in these giveaways will not guarantee that you’ll get tickets but taking part gives you additional chances of receiving tickets.
To make sure you do not miss any giveaways, be sure to follow local news organisations, government agencies, and the official NDP Facebook page.
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#3 Apply For The NDP Preview Sessions Instead Of The Actual NDP Session
It is safe to assume that the actual NDP parade on 9 August will be the most popular show.
When you apply for tickets, you’ll be led to a page where you can choose if you want to attend the Preview 1, Preview 2, or the actual NDP parade.
If you are not picky about attending on the actual day, consider choosing Preview 1 or 2 instead, where there might be fewer people balloting – and potentially a better chance of getting your hands on the tickets.
The preview shows have the same event line-up and performances as the actual day, and all attendees will receive a fun pack regardless of the show. The only difference would probably be that the atmosphere on the actual day and getting to see Singapore’s leaders.
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#4 Bid For Fewer Tickets
According to ask.gov.sg, those who apply for fewer tickets, for instance, 2 instead of 6, will have a higher chance of obtaining them.
So, instead of asking one family member to bid for 6 tickets, ask 3 people to bid for 2 tickets each. Of course, in this situation, there’s always a chance that you don’t end up with the 6 tickets even if you’re successful.
But, since the chances of getting 6 tickets would be lower compared to 2 tickets. Aiming for fewer tickets will give you the best chance of at least securing some tickets.
#5 Ask On Carousell Or Look Out For Blessings
If all else fails, consider creating a post on Carousell or Facebook groups asking if anyone has extra tickets to spare, and look out for blessing posts where people are willing to give up their tickets for free. There are always people who received tickets but are not able to attend, due to unforeseen circumstances at the last minute and wish to gift the tickets away.
No matter how desperate you are, do not purchase tickets from anyone as it is strictly not for sale and tickets obtained from such sources will be rendered void.
Furthermore, purchasing tickets from someone else promotes ticket scalping. For such an important day as celebrating Singapore’s birthday and our people’s success, let’s all play our part in discouraging ticket scalping by not buying from scalpers.
Read Also: Is Ticket Scalping Illegal, And What Are The Consequences Of Buying And Selling These Tickets?
