Ever try to explain Diwali to American friends and feel like, “Guys, just imagine Times Square—but with more sparkles, sweets, and a billion fairy lights”? If yes, trust us: celebrating Diwali in the USA can feel crazy beautiful and totally worth it—we just gotta know where to go, what to expect, and how to make it feel like home.
Here’s our no-fake, no-robot guide to the biggest, brightest Diwali parties happening in 2025—from the streets of NYC to chill Austin fests (and yes, outfit tips and “how much is this ladoo?!” included).
1. Times Square, New York City
Times Square is all lit up, Bollywood tunes pumping, uncles and aunties dancing in kurtas, and kids trying their very first jalebi in America.
It’s the most “feels like home, but in NYC” kinda vibe we’ll ever get. Seriously, the whole city turns into this wild desi block party—and everyone’s invited.
What couples do here:
- Snap tons of Insta stories with all the lights (because this “festival of lights” is no joke, it’s everywhere!)
- Line up for spicy chaat and sweets from stalls straight outta Mumbai (but also, try the fusion food trucks)
- Jump into massive dance circles while DJs blast old school Bollywood and remixes (zero shame, just join in)
- Meet other Indian families and exchange fun childhood Diwali stories (cue the “remember when we did fireworks on our terrace?”)
- Pose near a decorated taxi or the main stage for “we’re really living the American Diwali dream” pics
Budget Tip: Most Times Square Diwali events are totally free! We just need Metro fare and extra for all the food and souvenirs—usually $5–20 per item (honestly, the mithai is a little pricey but soooo good).
2. South Street Seaport, NYC
You know that feeling when we just wanna escape the crowd, but still want a Diwali story to tell? This spot nails it. South Street Seaport gives us Rangoli workshops on the docks, music floating by the water, and sunset selfies with a side of chai.
It’s the “let’s have a cozy, family Diwali, but also do something totally different” destination.
What couples do here:
- Try making marigold garlands and weirdly nautical Diwali decor at art workshops
- Light diyas (oil lamps) on an actual vintage ship—yeah, that happens!
- Join in dance or drum circles even if we don’t know the steps (it’s fun, not a competition)
- Take cute polaroid pics with the Brooklyn Bridge lit up in the background (goals)
- Listen to Bollywood and classical bands performing—right next to the water, with city lights twinkling
Budget Tip: General admission is free, but stuff like food and workshops can cost $10–25 depending on what we do. Pro tip: sign up for workshops early ‘cause they fill up fast.
3. Diwali on the Hudson, NYC
If we’re ready for a Diwali with a little jazz—dress up, step onto a boat or a scenic venue, and soak up skyline views—we need Diwali on the Hudson. Super glam, super Insta-worthy, and honestly, the food spread is next level.
This is where classic Diwali energy meets NYC nightlife and everyone’s out to make this one night unforgettable.
What couples do here:
- Dress sharp (saris, kurtas, or just our glitteriest fits) and stroll into a Bollywood-glam party
- Watch fireworks as the city lights up—seriously, it’ll wow even those who’ve “seen it all”
- Sip chai or cocktails while listening to local Indian-American bands and DJs
- Taste-test all the Diwali snacks, from laddoos to fancy fusion bites (you’ll want seconds)
- Chill in the “kids zone” if we brought little cousins or just want a break from the grownup crowd
Budget Tip: Tickets can be $40–100 per person (whoa, we know!), but everything inside is usually covered. Grab them early, or they sell out and we’re stuck watching Insta stories at home.
4. Jackson Heights, Queens
Jackson Heights is where every Indian living in NYC ends up before Diwali. The minute we walk down 74th Street, it’s like stepping into old Delhi (minus the cows). If we’re missing home, trust us, this place fills the gap faster than a plate of hot samosas.
What couples do here:
- Go deep-dive shopping for the sparkliest kurtas, saris, and Diwali decorations (bargaining is an Olympic sport here)
- Taste-test mithai (from jalebi to kaju katli) at every single sweet shop—seriously, it’s a tradition
- Score Diwali supplies—diyas, lights, gifts—for all our last-minute needs, all in one walkable block
- Have chai and deep talks outside a crowded café, just people-watching the endless color
- Pick up fireworks and sparklers (many stores sneak these in for Diwali, just ask)
Budget Tip: No tickets needed! Most mithai plates or street snacks are $2–8, new Indian outfits go from $15 for basic kurtas to $100+ for designer stuff. Pro move: bring cash for the smaller shops, cards for the big ones.
5. Swaminarayan and Major Temples
When we say “Diwali vibes,” sometimes we mean peaceful chanting, temple food, and watching a hundred diyas flicker together. Hit up big temples—like the Swaminarayan Mandir in Jersey or Chino Hills, or even your city’s main Hindu temple—for the most heartwarming, old-school Diwali ever.
What couples do here:
- Join in aarti and prayer—everyone’s welcome, nobody cares if we’re rusty at the mantras
- Eat classic halwa, puri, and other free prasad (temple food seriously hits different)
- Light a diya for good luck, health, or just a cool family tradition
- Check out the temple decked with lights and rangoli (brightest spots for family selfies)
- Watch cultural programs: from Bollywood dance kids to uncle-ji singing bhajans (it’s all good fun)
Budget Tip: Most temple Diwalis are free, but do drop a donation ($5–20 suggested) if we can—it goes straight to food and community events. Dress code is always Indian traditional, and we leave our shoes at the door.
6. Austin, Texas
Here’s the thing: Diwali in Texas feels big but also super friendly. In Austin, Dallas, Houston—we get a mix of city parties and temple fairs. Think fireworks, kids in lehengas, everyone in the mood to eat too much, and new friends by the end of the night.
What couples do here:
- Hit up the downtown Diwali parade or fair—fireworks, food trucks, dance-offs, you name it
- Try out South Indian food stalls (dosa, idli, spicy chutneys) along with North Indian sweets (all under one roof!)
- Join kids’ diya-painting tables and wish walls (it’s not just for kids, trust us)
- Watch community dance shows and Bollywood flash mobs—bring your cheering voice!
- Get tips from local aunties on where to find the best Indian groceries and saris
Budget Tip: Most Texas city events are public and free, but temple galas or big concerts might need a $10–30 ticket. Bring some cash for parking or extra snacks (Deep fried stuff is not optional—seriously).
What to Wear & Smart Shopping (Anywhere You Go)
Listen, Diwali Q #1: “Should we wear full-on Indian, or just chill?”
Our answer: Go festive, but build for comfort. Weather swings from cool (NYC) to warm (Austin), so think layers.
- NYC/Jersey: Full salwar or kurta on top, leggings/jeans under (no shame in sneakers—blisters will kill the vibe)
- Texas/California: Lightweight kurta or even stylish Indo-western looks, with a shawl for evening chills
- Shopping legend: Jackson Heights, Devon Avenue (Chicago), and any Little India have the best picks
- Must-have: Sturdy shoes for walking, a scarf or dupatta for sudden weather drama
- Skip: High heels (unless we love suffering) and anything we mind getting a little mithai on!
Free Sharing: Tickets, Payments & Beat the Stress
- Event tickets? Most public fests (Times Square, Austin) are free; Hudson River galas & concerts may need advance booking (Eventbrite or official sites)
- Most places now take cards/Apple Pay, but carry cash for the best chaat and quick buys at pop-up markets
- Metro/trains, rideshares, or carpool with friends for city events—parking = not fun
- If bringing kids, check event websites for family zones, restrooms, food options
Conclusion
In the end, Diwali in the U.S. hits differently—and honestly, that’s okay. We swap rooftop firecrackers for city lights, but the buzz, food, color, and crowd still feel like “home.” Grab our friends, dress our best, and eat more than enough sweets—because this is our festival, our way.
Got a Diwali tradition or a hidden city spot? Drop it in the comments—trust us, the more tips, the brighter our next festival will be.
