Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official public holidays in Singapore for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing family events, understanding these nationwide holidays helps you make informed decisions. Singapore observes 11 gazetted public holidays throughout 2026, offering excellent opportunities for long weekends and strategic leave planning. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national holidays as announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), ensuring you have accurate information for the year ahead.
Official Public Holidays in Singapore 2026
The Singapore government has officially announced 11 public holidays for 2026. These holidays reflect the nation’s multicultural heritage, celebrating occasions significant to various ethnic and religious communities. Consequently, the calendar includes Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Christian festivals alongside national observances.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 February | Tuesday | Chinese New Year |
| 18 February | Wednesday | Chinese New Year (Second Day) |
| 21 March* | Saturday | Hari Raya Puasa |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 May | Friday | Labour Day |
| 27 May* | Wednesday | Hari Raya Haji |
| 31 May (observed 1 June)** | Sunday (Monday) | Vesak Day |
| 9 August (observed 10 August)** | Sunday (Monday) | National Day |
| 8 November (observed 9 November)** | Sunday (Monday) | Deepavali |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
*Subject to confirmation based on lunar calendar observations
**When a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday
Understanding Singapore’s Multicultural Holiday Calendar
Singapore’s public holiday calendar beautifully represents the nation’s diverse society. Moreover, these holidays provide insight into the country’s commitment to celebrating its multicultural identity. Each holiday carries significant cultural and religious meaning for different communities within Singapore.
New Year’s Day (1 January 2026)
Starting the year on a Thursday, New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. This universal celebration gives Singaporeans a chance to welcome fresh beginnings. However, since it falls on Thursday, you won’t get an extended weekend unless you plan strategic leave.
Chinese New Year (17-18 February 2026)
Chinese New Year, the most significant festival for Singapore’s Chinese community, spans two consecutive days in 2026. Falling on Tuesday and Wednesday, this celebration marks the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac. During this period, families gather for reunion dinners, exchange red packets, and participate in traditional customs. Meanwhile, businesses often close or operate on reduced hours during this festive period.
Hari Raya Puasa (21 March 2026)
Also known as Eid al-Fitr, Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This joyous celebration falls on a Saturday in 2026, which means it won’t create an additional day off for most workers. Nevertheless, it remains a significant occasion for Singapore’s Malay-Muslim community, featuring prayers, feasting, and visits to family and friends. The date is subject to confirmation based on the sighting of the moon.
Good Friday (3 April 2026)
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and represents an important observance for Singapore’s Christian community. Falling on Friday this year, it naturally creates a three-day weekend, perfect for short getaways or staycations. Churches across Singapore hold special services, while many people use this time for reflection and family gatherings.
Labour Day (1 May 2026)
Labour Day honors the contributions of workers to society and the economy. In 2026, it conveniently falls on Friday, creating another automatic long weekend. This holiday provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate Singapore’s workforce while enjoying some well-deserved rest. On the other hand, many retailers and entertainment venues remain open, making it ideal for leisure activities.
Hari Raya Haji (27 May 2026)
Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. This significant Islamic festival falls midweek on Wednesday, which could be leveraged for extended leave planning. Muslim families typically perform the korban (ritual sacrifice) and distribute meat to the less fortunate. Like Hari Raya Puasa, this date is subject to confirmation.
Vesak Day (31 May 2026, observed 1 June)
Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Since it falls on Sunday, Monday, 1 June, becomes a public holiday in lieu. This creates a convenient long weekend for early June. Buddhist temples across Singapore conduct special ceremonies, and many devotees participate in prayers, meditation, and acts of kindness.
National Day (9 August 2026, observed 10 August)
Singapore’s National Day commemorates the nation’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. Falling on Sunday, the public holiday is observed on Monday, 10 August, giving everyone a long weekend to celebrate. The spectacular National Day Parade features military displays, cultural performances, and fireworks, filling Singaporeans with pride and patriotism. Furthermore, many neighborhoods organize community celebrations and screening parties.
Deepavali (8 November 2026, observed 9 November)
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil in Hindu tradition. This beautiful festival falls on Sunday, with Monday, 9 November, designated as the public holiday. Little India transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights and decorations during this period. Hindu families clean their homes, light oil lamps, exchange gifts, and prepare traditional sweets.
Christmas Day (25 December 2026)
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and has become a widely enjoyed holiday in Singapore. Falling on Friday in 2026, it creates a natural long weekend leading into the New Year period. Orchard Road and shopping districts showcase stunning decorations, while families gather for festive meals and gift exchanges. This holiday transcends religious boundaries, with many non-Christians participating in the celebrations.
Strategic Planning Tips for 2026
Singapore’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers six natural long weekends, making it an excellent year for travel and leisure planning. The holidays falling on Friday include Good Friday, Labour Day, and Christmas Day, automatically creating three-day weekends. Additionally, three holidays fall on Sunday (Vesak Day, National Day, and Deepavali), with Monday compensatory days off, providing three more long weekends.
Maximizing Your Leave Days
Smart planning can significantly extend your time off. For instance, taking leave on Thursday, 2 January, combined with New Year’s Day, creates a four-day weekend. Similarly, booking leave around Chinese New Year (either 16 February or 19-20 February) can give you five to seven consecutive days off. Meanwhile, the May holidays present interesting opportunities—with Hari Raya Haji on Wednesday and Vesak Day observed on Monday the following week, strategic leave planning could yield an extended break.
Travel Considerations
When planning international travel, remember that peak periods typically see higher airfares and accommodation costs. The long weekends around Good Friday, Labour Day, and year-end holidays particularly experience increased demand. Therefore, booking early often secures better rates. On the flip side, midweek holidays like Hari Raya Haji might offer more competitive travel prices if you can take additional leave.
Business Planning
Companies should plan operations around these public holidays well in advance. Chinese New Year, in particular, often sees reduced business activity as many companies close for several days. Consequently, important deadlines should be scheduled before or after this period. Furthermore, ensure adequate staffing for businesses that remain open during holidays, as employment regulations require proper compensation for work performed on public holidays.
Employment Rights and Public Holiday Pay
Understanding your employment rights regarding public holidays ensures fair treatment at work. All employees covered under Singapore’s Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays annually. If you’re required to work on a public holiday, you’re entitled to an extra day’s salary at the basic rate of pay, in addition to your gross rate for that day.
Alternatively, employers may grant time-off-in-lieu for certain employee categories, including workmen earning more than $4,500 monthly, non-workmen earning more than $2,600 monthly, and all managers and executives. However, the number of hours for time-off-in-lieu must be mutually agreed upon between employer and employee. For comprehensive information on current local times around the world, useful when scheduling international meetings around Singapore’s holidays, refer to reliable time zone resources.
Cultural Sensitivity and Workplace Considerations
Singapore’s multicultural society means that while certain holidays are national observances, they hold special significance for specific communities. Employers and colleagues should be mindful and respectful of these cultural differences. For example, during Ramadan leading up to Hari Raya Puasa, Muslim colleagues observe fasting, which may affect lunch meeting schedules. Similarly, understanding the importance of family gatherings during Chinese New Year helps explain why some employees might request extended leave during this period.
Planning workplace events requires cultural awareness too. Scheduling important meetings or deadlines during major holidays often proves challenging due to reduced availability. Instead, use timer tools to manage your productivity around these holidays, ensuring you meet deadlines without encroaching on festive periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Singapore?
All 11 public holidays listed in this guide are recognized nationwide and apply to all employees covered under the Employment Act. These include New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year (two days), Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, Labour Day, Hari Raya Haji, Vesak Day, National Day, Deepavali, and Christmas Day. There are no regional variations—all holidays apply uniformly across Singapore.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Singapore enjoys six long weekends in 2026. Good Friday (3 April), Labour Day (1 May), and Christmas Day (25 December) all fall on Friday, naturally creating three-day weekends. Furthermore, Vesak Day (observed 1 June), National Day (observed 10 August), and Deepavali (observed 9 November) fall on Sunday with Monday holidays in lieu, creating three additional long weekends.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, two holidays are subject to confirmation. Hari Raya Puasa (21 March) and Hari Raya Haji (27 May) depend on the lunar calendar and moon sighting. The Ministry of Manpower will confirm these dates closer to the time. All other holidays have fixed dates based on the Gregorian calendar. Staying updated with official government announcements ensures you have the most accurate information.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
When a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday automatically becomes a public holiday in lieu. This happens three times in 2026 with Vesak Day (31 May), National Day (9 August), and Deepavali (8 November). Employees get the Monday off, effectively creating long weekends.
Can employers substitute public holidays?
Yes, employers and employees can mutually agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day. This flexibility helps businesses that need to operate on certain holidays or employees who prefer to observe different days. However, this substitution must be mutually agreed upon and properly documented.
Do part-time employees get public holidays?
Part-time employees covered under the Employment Act are entitled to public holidays on a pro-rated basis. The calculation depends on their regular working hours and days. If a public holiday falls on their regular working day, they should receive holiday pay or a replacement day off as per the Employment Act provisions.
Making the Most of Singapore’s 2026 Holiday Calendar
With strategic planning, Singapore’s 2026 public holidays offer numerous opportunities for rest, travel, and celebration. The six long weekends provide perfect chances for short getaways to neighboring countries or exploring Singapore’s many attractions. Meanwhile, the midweek holidays can be leveraged with minimal leave to create extended breaks.
For those interested in detailed planning, consider exploring comprehensive time management guides to optimize your schedule around these holidays. Whether you’re coordinating international projects, planning family vacations, or simply organizing your personal time, knowing these dates well in advance gives you a significant advantage.
Remember to book accommodations and flights early for popular travel periods, particularly around Chinese New Year, Good Friday, and the year-end holidays. Local attractions and restaurants also experience higher demand during long weekends, so reservations are advisable. On balance, proper planning ensures you maximize both your holiday enjoyment and work productivity throughout 2026.
Conclusion
Singapore’s 11 public holidays in 2026 reflect the nation’s rich cultural diversity while providing ample opportunities for rest and celebration. From the vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year to the spiritual significance of Vesak Day, each holiday contributes to Singapore’s unique multicultural identity. The strategic placement of holidays, particularly those creating long weekends, makes 2026 an excellent year for both personal planning and professional scheduling.
Whether you’re a resident planning your annual leave, an employer scheduling operations, or a visitor timing your trip to Singapore, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need. Stay informed about any updates to the dates subject to confirmation, and plan ahead to make the most of these public holidays. Visit our main public holidays page for more international holiday calendars and timing resources to help coordinate across different countries and time zones.
Mark these dates in your calendar now and start planning how you’ll make 2026 a year to remember!