Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm in New York, where diverse South Asian communities and multicultural groups come together to honor this cherished tradition.
From lively street festivals and grand stage performances to spiritual temple ceremonies and family-friendly activities, Diwali events in New York capture the true spirit of light, devotion, and unity.
Whether you are searching for Diwali events in New York to enjoy with family or friends, this guide to Diwali 2025 celebrations will help you find the perfect gathering.
1. Diwali at Times Square – 10th Anniversary
Venue: 46th-48th Street & Broadway, Times Square, New York City, NY
Date & Time: October 12, 2025, 5:00 pm onwards
Tickets: Free admission
Description: Celebrate 10 years of Diwali in Times Square with dance, music, bazaar, and diya lighting under the bright Broadway lights. Family-friendly fun awaits.
Organizer: ASB Communications and EventGuru Inc.
Contact: sponsorship@diwalitimessquare.com | 212-216-9305, 212-216-9306
Event Info: diwalitimessquare.com
2. Diwali on the Hudson
Venue: HK Hall, 605 W 48th Street, Manhattan
Date & Time: October 16, 2025, 7:00 pm
Tickets: $215.00
Description: An elegant waterfront gala with classical music, Bollywood dance, and diya lighting along the Hudson River.
Organizer: Desai Foundation
Event Info: Link
3. 2025 Diwali Motorcade Celebration
Venue: Smokey Park, Atlantic Avenue & 125th St, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419
Date & Time: October 18, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: Free
Description: Join the Divya Jyoti Association for a dazzling Diwali Motorcade featuring decorated floats, music, dance, and celebrations that light up Liberty Avenue.
Organizer: Divya Jyoti Association of New York
Contact: info@diwalimotorcade.com
Event Info: diwalimotorcade.com
4. Flushing Town Hall Diwali Festival
Venue: Flushing Town Hall, Queens
Date & Time: October 18, 2025, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tickets: $20 adults/$15 member adults/all children FREE
Description: Celebrate Diwali with live music, classical dance, and cultural workshops including block printing, rangoli, henna, and Indian cooking. Enjoy performances by Pt. Kinnar Seen, Dr. Naren Budhkar, and Abha B. Roy with Srijan Dance Company.
Organizer: Flushing Town Hall
Contact: (718) 463-7700 x 222
Event Info: Link
5. Deepavali Celebrations 2025
Venue: Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355
Date & Time: October 18–20, 2025 | Various Timings
Tickets: Free (Sponsorships available)
Description: Celebrate Deepãvali with three days of traditional rituals, Lakshmi Pooja, homam, chanting, and special programs at the NY Ganesh Temple. Devotees can also enjoy Deepavali sweets from the Temple Canteen and join the festivities via live stream from home.
Organizer: The Hindu Temple Society of North America
Contact: (718) 460-8493
Event Info: nyganeshtemple.org/deepavali
6. Diwali Celebration at the South Street Seaport
Venue: South Street Seaport Museum, 213 Water Street, New York, NY 10038
Date & Time: October 20, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Tickets: Free
Description: Celebrate Diwali with The Culture Tree and the Seaport Museum through diya decorating, henna, puppet storytime, interactive dance, and free access to the Maritime City exhibition and Bowne & Co. printshop.
Organizer: South Street Seaport Museum & The Culture Tree
Contact: (212) 748-8600
Event Info: seaportmuseum.org
7. Diwali Celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir (Long Island)
Venue: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 2 Deshon Drive, Melville, Long Island, NY 11747
Date & Time: October 20, 2025 (Diwali & Chopda Puja) 6:30 pm | Kids’ Diwali Events: October 12 (12:30 pm)
Tickets: Free / Open to the Public
Description: Celebrate Diwali with traditional rituals, Chopda Puja, children’s cultural programs, and Annakut festivities.
Organizer: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Long Island
Contact: (631) 996-9237
Event Info: Link
8. Diwali Lights Up Asia Society 2025
Venue: Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Date & Time: October 18, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tickets: $20 Adults | $15 Members | $10 Children (2+ years)
Description: Celebrate Diwali with family-friendly activities including dance and music performances, puppet shows, storytelling, arts and crafts, henna, and diya decorating. Enjoy a vibrant afternoon highlighting the traditions and spirit of the Festival of Lights.
Organizer: Asia Society & The Culture Tree
Event Info: Link
10. Diwali Festival of Lights
Venue: Empire State Plaza Convention Center & Plaza, Albany, NY
Date & Time: October 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: Free
Description: Enjoy Diwali celebrations with cultural performances, henna, rangoli, and fireworks. Celebrate the festival of lights with music, dance, and family-friendly activities.
Organizer: New York State Empire State Plaza & New York State Office of General Services
Contact: 518-474-3899
Event Info: Link
11. Diwali Cruise Party and Desi Dinner Buffet
Venue: Pier 36 NYC, 299 South St, New York, NY 10002
Date & Time: October 18, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets: $39 – General Admission with Complimentary Dinner Buffet
Description: Celebrate Diwali aboard a multi-level Bollywood cruise with dance, music, and a Desi dinner buffet. Enjoy stunning views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Organizer: Desi Party in Manhattan
Contact: +1-512-788-5300 | us.sulekha@sulekha.com
Event Info: Link
12. New York Tamil Sangam Mega Diwali Celebration with Mano
Venue: Finezt Events, 771 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003
Date & Time: October 11, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Tickets: $250.00
Description: Celebrate Diwali with the New York Tamil Sangam featuring a live concert by acclaimed singer Mano. Enjoy Telugu and Tamil cultural performances, music, and festive activities for an unforgettable Diwali experience.
Organizer: New York Tamil Sangam
Event Info: Link
13. Diwali Utsav 2025
Venue: Liberty Palace, 130-11 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, New York, USA, 11419
Date & Time: October 17, 2025 | 8:00 PM (EST)
Tickets: Free
Description: Celebrate Diwali with vibrant singing, cultural dances, and entertainment for all ages. Witness the Miss Diwali Queen 2025 Pageant (18–25) and Junior Diwali Queen (10–16), with DJ AK & DJ Ryan Ryan Persad. Enjoy a night of grace, beauty, and tradition.
Organizer: DJ QuickSilva
Contact: 347-848-6312
Event Info: Link
Final Thoughts
New York City offers a range of Diwali events in 2025, blending tradition with community spirit across boroughs.
From Times Square’s iconic festival to vibrant motorcades and spiritual temple programs, there is a celebration for everyone.
Plan ahead to enjoy the lights, music, culture, and joy of the Festival of Lights in NYC this year.
