Singapore Public Holidays 2026: Complete Guide

Overseas travel continues to rise, with 84.1% of Singapore citizens travelling between June 2024 and 2025, reflecting a strong appetite for short getaways and overseas breaks. At the same time, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released Singapore’s official public holiday dates for 2026. Knowing them early helps you plan vacations, family gatherings, or quick getaways around your work schedule.

There are 11 public holidays in 2026, with several falling on convenient days that can turn into long weekends. By combining strategic leave and smart travel planning, you can stretch your breaks without using too many vacation days.

This guide lists all public holidays, explains what each one means, and shares leave hacks to maximise your time off. It also includes Circles.Life travel plan options to help you stay connected wherever you go.

Did you know? Employees covered under Singapore’s Employment Act are entitled to 11 public holidays every year.

Key Takeaways

• 11 Public Holidays in 2026: Singapore has 11 gazetted public holidays in 2026, including major cultural, religious, and national celebrations.

• Six Long Weekends Naturally Occur: Several public holidays fall on Fridays or Sundays with a Monday in lieu, resulting in six natural long weekend opportunities without leave. 

2026 Public Holidays Singapore Calendar

Here’s the official list of Singapore’s public holidays for 2026 as released by MOM. Save this calendar or bookmark it. It’s your key to planning ahead for long weekends, quick escapes, and family breaks throughout the year.

*Dates marked with an asterisk are subject to official confirmation by religious authorities (MOM).

2026 Existing Long Weekend Public Holidays in Singapore

Below are all official public holidays in 2026 that already form long weekends, either by falling on a Friday or a Sunday with a Monday-in-lieu. 

These built-in long weekends are ideal for short getaways, where you spend more time relaxing and less time in transit. Popular options include quick hops to Johor Bahru for food and shopping, Penang for culture and street food, or a resort-style escape in Bali. City lovers can also consider Bangkok or Taipei, both comfortably reachable for a Friday-to-Monday break.

If you’re looking to venture a little further while still keeping travel time manageable, these long weekends also open up more regional options. Destinations such as Seoul and Osaka work well for slightly longer breaks, especially when paired with an extra day of leave. Closer to home, Ho Chi Minh City offers a lively mix of food, culture, and shopping, while Hong Kong is ideal for a fast-paced city escape.

What Each Public Holiday Means

Every holiday has its own cultural, historical, or religious importance. Beyond the celebrations, these dates also give you opportunities to rest, reconnect, and explore new experiences.

New Year’s Day (1 Jan 2026, Thursday)

Significance: The first day of the year, often marked by countdowns, fireworks, and time with family and friends. It sets the tone for the year ahead.

Leave hack: Apply for leave on Friday, 2 January, to create a four-day weekend.

Ideas: Start 2026 refreshed with a quick trip to Bintan, Batam, or Desaru for a short retreat.

Chinese New Year (17–18 Feb 2026, Tuesday–Wednesday)

Significance: One of the most important holidays in Singapore, celebrating renewal, prosperity, and family ties. Expect red lanterns, lion dances, and festive meals across the island.

Leave hack: Take leave on 16 February (Monday) and 19–20 February to enjoy up to six consecutive days off.

Ideas: Head to Bangkok or Hong Kong for vibrant city festivities, or enjoy a quiet reunion staycation in Singapore.

Hari Raya Puasa (21 Mar 2026, Saturday)*

Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection for Muslims. Celebrations include feasts, open houses, and gatherings with loved ones.

Leave hack: Take Friday (20 March) or Monday (23 March) off to enjoy an extended weekend.

Ideas: Visit Johor Bahru for festive bazaars or treat yourself to a relaxing spa weekend in Batam.

Good Friday (3 Apr 2026, Friday)

Significance: A Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It’s a solemn day that also gives many Singaporeans a restful long weekend.

Leave hack: Add Monday (6 April) for a four-day break.

Ideas: A beach break in Phuket or a cultural escape in Kuala Lumpur fits perfectly into this early-year holiday.

Labour Day (1 May 2026, Friday)

Significance: Recognises workers and celebrates achievements in the labour movement. It is a day to unwind and take pride in the year’s progress.

Leave hack: Enjoy the built-in long weekend. Add 2 May (Saturday) for those with flexible schedules to travel earlier.

Ideas: Plan a Bali getaway or a Taipei food and shopping trip.

Hari Raya Haji (27 May 2026, Wednesday)*

Significance: Commemorates the Islamic festival of sacrifice, marking faith and devotion. Families and communities gather for prayers and shared meals.

Leave hack: Apply for leave on 26 and 28 May to create a five-day stretch.

Ideas: Visit Chiang Mai for mountain scenery or Hanoi for cultural immersion.

Vesak Day and Holiday-in-Lieu (31 May–1 Jun 2026, Sunday–Monday)

Significance: A Buddhist holiday celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. It is a time for reflection and compassion.

Leave hack: The Monday holiday-in-lieu creates a natural three-day weekend.

Ideas: Explore Penang or Malacca for temples, street food, and heritage charm.

National Day and Observed Holiday (9–10 Aug 2026, Sunday–Monday)

Significance: Commemorates Singapore’s independence with parades, fireworks, and a strong sense of national pride.

Leave hack: The Monday observance guarantees a three-day break. Add 7 August (Friday) for a four-day weekend.

Ideas: Stay for the parade or take a trip to Vietnam or Cambodia for short cultural adventures.

Deepavali and Observed Holiday (8–9 Nov 2026, Sunday–Monday)

Significance: The Hindu Festival of Lights celebrates victory over darkness and is marked by bright decorations and family gatherings.

Leave hack: A natural three-day weekend. Extend it by taking Friday, 6 November, off.

Ideas: Immerse yourself in India’s Golden Triangle or explore Sri Lanka’s coastal towns.

Christmas Day (25 Dec 2026, Friday)

Significance: A Christian celebration that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a time of joy, giving, and reflection for people of all backgrounds.

Leave hack: A natural long weekend that closes out the year perfectly.

Ideas: Celebrate with a winter trip to Tokyo or enjoy festive lights and Christmas markets at Gardens by the Bay.

Turn 2026 Public Holidays in Singapore into Longer Breaks with Strategic Leave

You can get more rest days next year with some clever planning. The table below highlights how a few well-placed leave days can turn 2026 into a year of five long weekends.

Tips for Maximising Your Leave in 2026

Public holidays are your best chance to recharge, travel, and spend time with loved ones. With 11 holidays in 2026, a little strategy can make your year feel longer and more rewarding. Smart planning helps you stretch short breaks into week-long getaways or turn single holidays into long weekends without exhausting your leave balance.

1. Plan and Book Early: Popular routes and accommodations fill up fast, especially around Chinese New Year and Christmas.

• Lock in flight deals three to six months ahead for the best prices.

• Use travel alerts or AI planning tools like CirclesAI to monitor fare drops and hotel availability.

• Plan annual leave requests early to secure the best dates before your colleagues do.

2. Combine Public Holidays and Weekends: Make the most of back-to-back holidays to extend your trips.

• Add one or two days of leave before or after public holidays like Chinese New Year or Good Friday.

• Use Fridays or Mondays for quick extensions that turn three-day weekends into four- or five-day breaks.

• For shorter midweek holidays like Hari Raya Haji, sandwich your leave around it to enjoy up to five consecutive rest days.

3. Align Leave with School Breaks and Seasonal Windows: If you have kids or travel with family, plan around school holidays to avoid last-minute stress.

• Book family-friendly destinations such as Bali, Tokyo, or Sydney during mid-year and December holidays.

• Schedule quieter adult getaways during off-peak months for better rates and smaller crowds.

4. Balance Overseas Trips and Local Escapes: Not every holiday has to mean flying out. Alternating between big trips and nearby breaks keeps your year balanced.

• Use shorter weekends for staycations or nearby escapes like Batam, Johor Bahru, or Sentosa.

• Save longer holidays such as Chinese New Year or Christmas for bigger destinations like Japan, Europe, or Australia.

• Local breaks help you recharge without the hassle of long travel times or jet lag.

5. Use AI Tools and Smart Apps to Optimise Your Plans: Technology makes travel planning easier than ever.

• Use CirclesAI to create itineraries, track expenses, and compare hotel and flight options in real time.

• Explore Circles.Life’s roaming data plans to stay connected while overseas, so you can update plans instantly if schedules change.

With these strategies, you can turn 2026 into a year filled with more rest, exploration, and meaningful memories, all while using your leave wisely.

Circles.Life Best Plans for Holiday Travel

Traveling is easier when you stay connected. Whether you’re booking rides, streaming music on the go, or navigating new cities, Circles.Life’s plans give you reliable data without the hassle of SIM swaps or hidden costs.

Last updated on 22 December 2025

Why Circles.Life Works for Travellers

• Generous data and roaming options at great value.

• No long-term contracts or hidden fees.

• Simple, flexible plans that suit any trip length.

• Free access to paid AI models via CirclesAI - on-the-go AI assistance

  • Language & translation help: Ask CirclesAI to translate messages or signage instantly.

  • Local insights: Get suggestions for restaurants, attractions, or coworking spaces near your location.

  • Navigation & logistics: Integrate with maps to suggest the fastest routes, nearby transport, or travel-time estimates.

Make 2026 a Year of Smart Travel and Rest

Knowing your public holidays early lets you make the most of the year. It gives you time to plan family trips, explore nearby countries, or simply take breaks that recharge you.

With a few well-timed leave days, you can turn 11 public holidays into multiple long weekends. Use CirclesAI to help plan your itineraries efficiently and choose Circles.Life travel plans to stay connected wherever you go.

Start scheduling your 2026 adventures now so you can enjoy more and stress less throughout the year.