
Plan your 2026 Philippines trip with our guide to all public holidays, including dates, traditions, and practical travel tips for celebrating.
2026 Philippines Public Holiday Calendar
The 2026 Philippine holiday calendar features 14 regular holidays and 8 special non-working days, with most falling on strategic dates to create long weekends. The year begins with New Year's Day and ends with Rizal Day, with major breaks during Holy Week (April) and Christmas season (December). Note that Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) will be announced separately based on lunar sightings.

Philippines Holiday Types

Philippine holidays fall into two official categories:
1. Regular Holidays (14 days in 2026):
- Highest-level holidays where workers are entitled to double pay if they work
- Include New Year's Day, Holy Week days, Labor Day, Independence Day, and Christmas
- Key: Government offices, banks, and most businesses closed
2. Special (Non-Working) Days (8 days in 2026):
- Lower-tier holidays with different pay rules (varies by company)
- Include Chinese New Year, Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints' Day, and Christmas Eve
- Key: Government offices closed; businesses may choose to open or close
Important: When a holiday falls on a weekend, it's not typically rescheduled (except for Holy Week observances).
List of Philippine Holidays in 2026

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We've put together a comprehensive list of the Philippines' major holidays, complete with their dates, names, and origins. You can explore the difference between Regular Holiday and Special Holiday and check the details of each individual holiday.
Date (2026) | Weekday | Public Holiday | Key Details (Celebrations, Crowds, Openings) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 1 | Thu | New Year's Day | Celebrations: Fireworks, midnight masses, family gatherings. Crowds: Heavy in city centers and beaches. Openings: Banks/government offices closed; malls open (12pm-9pm); restaurants bustling. |
Feb 17 | Tue | Chinese New Year (Special) | Celebrations: Parades, dragon dances, red decorations, fireworks. Crowds: Heavy in Binondo (Manila's Chinatown). Openings: Chinese businesses closed; malls open with special sales. |
Apr 2 | Thu | Maundy Thursday | Celebrations: Church services, foot washing ceremonies. Crowds: Moderate at churches. Openings: Most malls closed; restaurants limited hours. |
Apr 3 | Fri | Good Friday | Celebrations: Processions, fasting, church services. Crowds: Heavy at churches and pilgrimage sites. Openings: ALL malls, shops, and most restaurants closed; limited food delivery available. |
Apr 4 | Sat | Black Saturday (Special) | Celebrations: Quiet reflection, preparation for Easter. Crowds: Light. Openings: Malls open (12pm-9pm); some restaurants open. |
Apr 9 | Thu | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) | Celebrations: Military parades, wreath-laying at war memorials. Crowds: Moderate at historical sites. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
May 1 | Fri | Labor Day | Celebrations: Worker rallies, parades. Crowds: Heavy in urban areas. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open with sales. |
Jun 12 | Fri | Independence Day | Celebrations: Flag-raising, parades, cultural performances. Crowds: Heavy at Rizal Park and government buildings. Openings: Banks/government offices closed; malls open. |
Aug 21 | Fri | Ninoy Aquino Day (Special) | Celebrations: Memorial services, political gatherings. Crowds: Light to moderate. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Aug 31 | Mon | National Heroes Day | Celebrations: Parades, ceremonies at heroes' monuments. Crowds: Moderate at historical sites. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Nov 1 | Sun | All Saints' Day (Special) | Celebrations: Cemetery visits, prayers for ancestors. Crowds: Extreme at cemeteries (traffic jams for hours). Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Nov 2 | Mon | All Souls' Day (Special) | Celebrations: Continued cemetery visits. Crowds: Still heavy at cemeteries. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Nov 30 | Mon | Bonifacio Day | Celebrations: Parades, cultural events. Crowds: Moderate at historical sites. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Dec 8 | Tue | Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Special) | Celebrations: Church services, processions. Crowds: Heavy at Catholic churches. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Dec 24 | Thu | Christmas Eve (Special) | Celebrations: Family reunions, Noche Buena feasts. Crowds: Heavy in shopping districts until noon. Openings: Malls open (10am-6pm); restaurants open for holiday meals. |
Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas Day | Celebrations: Church services, gift exchanges, family meals. Crowds: Light in public areas; families at home. Openings: All government offices and most shops closed; restaurants limited hours. |
Dec 30 | Wed | Rizal Day | Celebrations: Parades, ceremonies at Rizal Monument. Crowds: Moderate at historical sites. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open. |
Dec 31 | Thu | Last Day of the Year (Special) | Celebrations: Fireworks, countdown parties. Crowds: Heavy in city centers. Openings: Government offices closed; malls open until midnight. |
What to Expect at Major Philippines Holidays 2026

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April 2-3: Holy Week (Maundy Thursday & Good Friday)
The most solemn period in the Philippines, Holy Week is a deeply Catholic tradition with nationwide observance.
What to Do:
- Witness the dramatic processions in towns like Antipolo or Vigan, where devotees carry life-sized crosses
- Visit churches for the traditional "Seven Last Words" services
- In some provinces, watch the reenactment of the Passion of Christ (though photography is often discouraged)
Travel Tips:
- Book accommodations early - popular pilgrimage sites fill up fast
- Stock up on food - most restaurants and shops close completely on Good Friday
- Plan transportation carefully - public transport runs on reduced schedules
- Respect local customs - this is a time of deep religious reflection, so dress modestly and avoid loud behavior
June 12: Independence Day
Commemorating freedom from Spanish rule in 1898, Independence Day is a vibrant display of Filipino patriotism.
What to Do:
- Attend the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park in Manila, followed by the presidential speech
- Watch the colorful parades featuring marching bands and cultural performances from different regions
- Visit museums like the National Museum or Rizal Shrine for historical exhibits
Travel Tips:
- Arrive early for the Rizal Park ceremony (it starts at 7:00 AM)
- Roads around government buildings close early, so use public transport
- Many malls host Independence Day sales - a great time for shopping
December 24-25: Christmas Season
The Philippines celebrates one of the world's longest Christmas seasons (starting as early as September!), with Christmas Eve and Day being the pinnacle.
What to Do:
- Experience "Simbang Gabi" (Misa de Gallo) - nine consecutive dawn masses starting December 16
- Join the Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve (traditional dishes include lechon, ham, and bibingka)
- Visit Christmas light displays in neighborhoods like Ayala Triangle Gardens or San Fernando (Pampanga)
Travel Tips:
- Book flights/hotels 3-6 months in advance - prices surge during December
- Public transportation becomes chaotic - consider hiring a private car or using ride-hailing apps
- Most businesses close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, so plan meals accordingly
Philippines Holiday - Openings & Crowd

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Philippines Holiday - General Opening Rules
Category | Regular Holidays | Special Days | Good Friday |
|---|---|---|---|
Government Offices | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Banks | Closed | Closed (most) | Closed |
Malls | Open (varies) | Open (varies) | Closed |
Restaurants | Open (most) | Open (most) | Closed (most) |
Grocery Stores | Open (some) | Open | Limited hours |
Tourist Attractions | Open | Open | Open (most) |
Public Transport | Reduced service | Normal/Reduced | Limited service |
Philippines Holiday - Crowd Intensity
- Extreme Crowds: Good Friday (at churches), All Saints' Day (cemeteries), Christmas Eve (shopping areas)
- Heavy Crowds: New Year's Eve, Independence Day (Rizal Park), Holy Week processions
- Moderate Crowds: Labor Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day
- Light Crowds: Chinese New Year (outside Chinatown), Ninoy Aquino Day, Rizal Day
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FAQs about Philippines Holiday
What holiday is it in the Philippines today?
To check current holidays in the Philippines, refer to the official government calendar or use a reliable app like "Philippines Holidays." Since the Philippines has both regular holidays and special non-working days that vary by year, it's best to verify with an official source. Note that Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are announced separately based on moon sightings.How many public holidays are there in the Philippines in 2026?
There are 14 regular holidays and 8 special non-working days in the Philippines for 2026, totaling 22 days. Regular holidays include New Year's Day, Holy Week observances, Labor Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. Special non-working days include Chinese New Year, Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints' Day, and Christmas Eve. Note that this count may increase if Islamic holidays are declared.Is August 27 a holiday in the Philippines?
August 27, 2026, is not a public holiday in the Philippines. The closest holidays are Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21, special non-working day) and National Heroes Day (August 31, regular holiday). However, some local government units may declare special holidays for local events, so it's best to check with the specific municipality if you're planning travel to a particular area.How many public holidays are there in the Philippines?
The Philippines has 14 regular holidays every year, plus variable special non-working days (typically 6-8). The 14 regular holidays include:
New Year's Day
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
Labor Day
Independence Day
National Heroes Day
Bonifacio Day
Christmas Day
Rizal Day
Four Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and two others) that vary by year based on the lunar calendar



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