Singapore Public Holidays in January 2026

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has confirmed that Singapore’s official public holiday in January 2026 is New Year’s Day, which falls on Thursday, 1 January 2026. While it’s the only public holiday that month, it offers a great opportunity to plan your first break of the year.

With a little creativity and one day of annual leave, you can turn it into a four-day long weekend. This guide shares smart ways to maximise the holiday, recommended destinations nearby, and travel ideas for families, couples, or friends.

Did You Know?

• January is one of the busiest months for regional travel from Singapore, with travellers visiting nearby destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand for short post-holiday breaks.

• In 2024, Changi Airport recorded over 5.8 million passengers in January, showing that Singaporeans love kicking off the year with travel.

• Average temperatures in Southeast Asia range between 28°C and 32°C, making January one of the most pleasant months for beach getaways.

• With CirclesAI and Circles.Life travel eSIM plans, you can plan your itineraries, stay connected across borders, and use plans starting from 400GB local data + roaming for just $12/month — perfect for seamless travel planning and navigation.

January 2026 Public Holiday – New Year’s Day (1 January, Thursday)

Significance: New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year. It’s a global celebration filled with fireworks, countdown parties, and family gatherings. In Singapore, people welcome the new year with light shows at Marina Bay, brunches, or quiet moments with loved ones.

Leave hack: Take Friday, 2 January off to create a four-day break from Thursday to Sunday. This gives you enough time for a weekend trip or an extended staycation before the work year begins.

Things to note:

• The first week of January tends to be busy for airports and hotels.

• Expect slightly higher prices for flights and accommodations right after New Year’s Eve.

• Local attractions and restaurants might be crowded, so make bookings in advance.

How to Make the Most of New Year’s Holiday

Even a single public holiday can turn into a rejuvenating long weekend if planned right. Here’s how to stretch your break efficiently:

• Use 1 annual leave day on 2 January to enjoy four consecutive days off.

• Plan short getaways within 2–3 hours of travel time, either by car or flight.

• Book early for popular destinations like Johor Bahru or Bali, as post-New Year demand can drive up prices.

• Keep flexibility in mind. Destinations close to Singapore often see crowd surges, so choose lesser-known spots or smaller boutique hotels.

Pros and cons:

• Pro: Perfect reset after a busy holiday season.

• Con: Short break duration and higher travel demand.

Early planning is key to getting good deals and avoiding the last-minute rush.

Suggested Destinations for January Holiday

If you’re planning a short escape around New Year’s Day, consider nearby spots that don’t require long flights. These destinations are easy to reach and perfect for a quick recharge.

Here are some great ideas:

Tip: Travelling within the region saves time and reduces costs. Ferry or short-haul flights make these destinations ideal for a single-leave getaway.

Budget and Booking Tips for January 2026 Travel

Start the year smart by budgeting and booking strategically. Prices often spike during the New Year period, so getting ahead helps.

Practical tips to save money and travel smarter:

• Book early: Secure flight or ferry tickets at least six weeks before departure to lock in better prices.

• Compare options: Check both low-cost carriers and regional airlines, as fares can vary widely depending on the day of travel.

• Travel midweek: Departing on Thursday and returning on Sunday often costs less than weekend-only trips.

• Bundle and save: Use travel platforms or Circles.Life partner offers to combine flights, hotels, and activities in one booking.

• Use cashback and rewards: Redeem accumulated miles or rewards points from your credit card or Circles.Life lifestyle rewards for travel discounts.

• Be flexible with destinations: If Bali or Phuket prices surge, consider secondary options like Krabi or Penang, which offer similar experiences for less.

• Track your budget: Use AI planning tools such as CirclesAI to manage costs and monitor exchange rates during your trip.

Being proactive about bookings and flexible with travel choices helps you start the year with a well-planned, affordable holiday.

Family, Couple, or Friends – How to Spend the Long Weekend

No matter who you are travelling with, the New Year break can be the perfect time to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate.

For Families

Make it a meaningful start to the year with quality time together.

• Book a staycation at Resorts World Sentosa or Marina Bay Sands for a convenient family retreat.

• Visit Legoland Malaysia or Desaru Coast for fun outdoor activities just across the border.

• Spend a relaxing day at East Coast Park or Gardens by the Bay, followed by a New Year picnic or movie night.

• For something quieter, plan a short cruise departing from Singapore for a hassle-free family experience.

For Couples

Turn the long weekend into a romantic escape.

• Head to Bintan or Batam for beachfront villas and couple spa sessions.

• Enjoy sunset dinners in Bali or scenic strolls through Penang’s heritage lanes.

• Explore boutique hotels or rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur for a quick city break.

• Prefer to stay home? Book a luxury staycation and dine at one of Singapore’s fine-dining restaurants to start the year in style.

For Friends

Celebrate together with an adventure or food-filled getaway.

• Take a road trip to Johor Bahru for café hopping and shopping sprees.

• Try a beach weekend in Phuket for nightlife and water sports.

• Stay local with a barbecue party at Sentosa’s beach clubs or a hike at MacRitchie Reservoir followed by a group brunch.

• Split travel costs by booking shared accommodations through Airbnb for more budget-friendly fun.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, excitement, or connection, the January holiday gives you space to create lasting memories.

Travel Tips for January 2026 Holiday – Long Weekend

With just four days to spare, good planning ensures a smooth and stress-free holiday.

Before You Go

• Check passport validity. Ensure at least six months’ validity for regional travel.

• Download travel apps for ferry schedules, hotel check-ins, and local transport maps.

• Monitor exchange rates and convert some cash early to avoid peak surcharges.

Packing Essentials

• Bring lightweight clothing suitable for tropical weather.

• Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent for outdoor activities.

• Include small gifts or travel accessories if you plan to visit family or friends.

Crossing Borders

• Johor Bahru travellers: Expect heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the New Year weekend. Cross early in the morning or after 8 p.m.

• Ferry travellers: Arrive at Tanah Merah or HarbourFront ferry terminals at least one hour before departure.

Staying Connected

• Activate your roaming plan or eSIM before departure.

• Keep emergency contacts saved on your phone.

• Use Circles.Life’s travel data plans to stay online for navigation, bookings, and social sharing.

Safety and Health

• Stay hydrated during outdoor activities.

• Carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and delays.

• Check for local weather updates before engaging in water sports or hiking.

A bit of planning goes a long way. When you travel smart, you can enjoy more time relaxing and less time worrying about logistics.

Circles.Life Best Mobile Plans for Holiday Trips

Before heading out, make sure you have a plan that keeps you online while travelling. Circles.Life offers convenient, affordable options for different trip types.

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right one:

Why Circles.Life makes sense for travellers:

• Stay connected across multiple destinations without SIM swaps.

• Enjoy generous data allowances for maps, streaming, and messaging.

• Plans are flexible, contract-free, and easy to activate anytime.

Using AI To Plan A Cheaper And More Convenient Travel Itinerary 

With CirclesAI, you can effortlessly generate a weekend travel cheat sheet — from budget-friendly flight options and compact itineraries to packing checklists and translation tools. By choosing the right prompts, you transform chaotic planning into a smooth, stress-free adventure. 

For inspiration on how to use AI to travel smarter and cheaper, check out this guide!

CirclesAI is included for free across Circles.Life eSIM plans. Explore plans here.

Start the Year Right with a Well-Planned January Break

Even with only one public holiday in January 2026, smart leave planning can turn it into a relaxing four-day break. Whether you spend it exploring nearby destinations or enjoying a local retreat, the key is to book early and plan efficiently.

Use tools like CirclesAI to plan itineraries, manage expenses, and find the best travel times. Combine that with Circles.Life’s eSIM plans for uninterrupted connectivity during your trip.

Start the year refreshed and ready for what’s ahead.