Complete Guide to Public Holidays 2026 in Singapore — Plan Better & Travel Smarter
Complete Guide to Public Holidays 2026 in Singapore — Plan Better & Travel Smarter
Singaporeans love a good break — and 2026 brings 11 official public holidays with six long weekends perfect for travel, family time, relaxation, or staycations. Whether you’re a working professional, student, parent, or explorer, this guide will help you plan your year strategically, choose destinations you’ll love, and pick a budget that suits you.
Singapore Public Holidays 2026 — The Official Dates
According to the Ministry of Manpower, there are 11 gazetted public holidays in Singapore next year. When some fall on Sundays, the following Monday will also be a public holiday, giving you six long weekend opportunities.
| Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | Thursday | Start the year with a 4-day weekend by taking Fri 2 Jan off |
| Chinese New Year | 17–18 Feb | Tue–Wed | Two days off, good for a longer break |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 21 Mar | Saturday | Tentative (subject to moon sighting) |
| Good Friday | 3 Apr | Friday | Long weekend |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Friday | Long weekend |
| Hari Raya Haji | 27 May | Wednesday | Tentative |
| Vesak Day | 31 May | Sunday | Observed Mon 1 Jun |
| National Day | 9 Aug | Sunday | Observed Mon 10 Aug |
| Deepavali | 8 Nov | Sunday | Observed Mon 9 Nov |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec | Friday | Long weekend |
| Public holidays falling on Sunday will be observed the next Monday.Office Holidays |
👉 Total: 11 days off (some tentative).
👉 Long weekends: 6 in 2026 — perfect for travel or rest.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Planning your holidays early helps you:
- Maximise long weekends and annual leave — take 1–3 strategic leave days to get 4–9-day breaks.
- Secure cheaper flights and hotels — early booking generally offers the best rates. Travel experts recommend booking 6–12 months ahead for long-haul routes, and at least 2–4 months ahead for short-haul trips.
- Avoid peak congestion — public holidays are busy at airports and travel hubs — booking early reduces stress.
- Budget smarter by spreading costs over time rather than last-minute spikes.
How to Strategically Plan Your 2026 Holidays
Use the public holiday calendar to make the most of your annual leave:
1) Early Year – New Year & CNY
- New Year’s Day (1 Jan, Thu)
Take Fri 2 Jan off → 4-day weekend (Thu–Sun). Great for short regionals like Bintan, Batam, Phuket, or Kuala Lumpur. - Chinese New Year (17–18 Feb)
Take Mon 16, Thu–Fri (19–20 Feb) → up to 9 days off. This is ideal for longer trips to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, or Australia in cooler weather.
2) Spring & Summer Breaks
- Good Friday & Labour Day (Apr–May)
These fall on Fridays — combine with weekends for three 3-day breaks perfect for quick breaks to Vietnam, Bali, or domestic staycations. - Vesak Day & Hari Raya Haji
Vesak Day provides a Mon holiday — a 3-day break. Hari Raya Haji in mid-week can be bridged with leave days.
3) National Day & Deepavali
- National Day Observed (Mon 10 Aug) and Deepavali Observed (Mon 9 Nov)
Both provide long weekends without taking any leave — prime times for longer regional trips like to Europe (shoulder deals) or New Zealand/Australia.
4) Christmas Holiday
- Christmas Day (Fri 25 Dec) is a long weekend. Pair it with nearby school holidays for family travel or year-end rest.
Travel Destination Ideas for 2026
Here are holiday ideas based on holiday length and budget:
Budget Friendly (Under SGD 500 per person)
Ideal for 3-5 day breaks, close to Singapore:
- Bintan & Batam (Indonesia) – Beach resorts within 1–2 hours’ ferry.
- Kuala Lumpur / Penang (Malaysia) – City & food culture.
- Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi (Vietnam) – Budget flights, cheap eats.
Best for: Labour Day, Vesak Day, and Christmas long weekends.
Mid-Range (SGD 500 – 1500)
Perfect for longer weekends or strategic leave days:
- Bali (Indonesia) – Beach clubs, culture, affordable villas.
- Bangkok / Chiang Mai (Thailand) – City + nature combos.
- Hokkaido / Osaka (Japan) – Ideal for Feb/March trips.
Best for: Chinese New Year, National Day, Deepavali.
Premium (SGD 1500+)
Great for longer holidays with more comfort:
- Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road.
- Europe – Paris, Rome, Barcelona (best during shoulder seasons).
- South Korea / Taiwan – Culture and food tours.
Best for: Extended Chinese New Year with combined leave.
Budgeting Tips for Your Holiday Trips
Budget planning involves transport, lodging, food, activities, and contingencies. Here’s a breakdown:
Flights
- Book early — ideally 2–6 months before for regional flights; 6–12 months for long haul.The Sun
- Use fare alerts and price trackers.
- Consider mid-week departures for lower prices.
Accommodation
- For budget trips, stay in hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels.
- Mid-range stays vary by city: SGD 80–200 per night is common in SE Asia.
- Premium trips can include Airbnb, boutique hotels, or luxury stays.
Food & Activities
- Street food and hawker centres in Singapore & SE Asia help keep costs down.
- Tourist city tours, museums, water parks, or theme parks usually require advance reservations.
Money Management
- Always keep a mix of cash and cards where applicable, especially in cashless cities like Singapore.
- Use travel insurance to protect against unforeseen disruptions.
How to Maximise Your Public Holidays
Extend Weekends with Minimal Leave
Learn to use your annual leave strategically:
- Take 1–2 days between holidays & weekends to expand a 3-day break into 5–7 days.
- Use Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri leave around holidays like CNY, National Day, and Deepavali for longer breaks.
Local Experiences & Staycations in Singapore
Not all holidays require international travel. Singapore has many options:
Staycation Ideas
- Marina Bay / Sentosa Resorts — luxury with sea views.
- Pulau Ubin / Lazarus Island — nature escapes.
- Pulau Hantu — snorkeling and island hop.
- Heritage Trails — Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam.
Activities at Home
- Universal Studios Singapore or Adventure Cove Waterpark.
- Hawker Food Tours.
- Museums & Galleries — Singapore Art Museum, National Gallery.
- Gardens by the Bay & Botanic Gardens.
Public Holiday FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How many public holidays are there in Singapore in 2026?
Singapore has 11 public holidays,
2. Which holidays give long weekends?
Six of the public holidays fall on Friday or Sunday, creating long weekends.
3. What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
The following Monday becomes a public holiday (e.g., Vesak Day, National Day, Deepavali).
4. Can I take extra leave to extend holidays?
Yes! Taking annual leave strategically beside public holidays can expand your break significantly.
5. When should I book flights and hotels?
Travel experts suggest booking early — 6–12 months ahead for long haul and 2–4 months for nearby destinations for the best rates
6. What if Hari Raya dates change?
Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are subject to moon sighting confirmation — keep updated with official announcements.
7. Is Singapore crowded during holidays?
Yes. International travel hubs like Changi, and popular attractions, can be busier — plan ahead and arrive early.
Final Tips for a Smooth 2026 Holiday Year
✔ Plan your leave and holiday budget early — slate those big trips and spread out your expenses.
✔ Book flights and hotels early — best savings usually come from early booking.
✔ Mix local and overseas plans — when budgets are tight, enjoy Singapore’s amazing local attractions.
✔ Track holiday dates on your calendar now to avoid booking conflicts.
With this guide, you’re set for a well-planned, budget-smart, unforgettable 2026 — making the most of Singapore’s public holidays and creating memories along the way!
