Singapore Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Celebrations & Travel Tips

Singapore’s public holidays beautifully reflect the cultural and religious mosaic of this multi-ethnic nation, with celebrations from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western traditions evenly spread throughout the year.
From Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) to Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas, there are many events celebrated nationwide, and part of the appeal is how the city’s atmosphere transforms dramatically with the seasons.

2026 Singapore Public Holidays Calendar

This calendar summarizes how the public holidays fall in 2026. Since some public holidays shift each year, it’s best to check them before planning your schedule for next year—it’ll give you peace of mind.

List of Singapore Public Holidays for 2026

Here’s a curated list of Singapore’s 2026 public holidays, complete with their dates, names, and origins.
Religious holidays and national observances are balanced and neatly organized, so you can quickly check any event that catches your eye.

Singapore Holidays: Closures & Disruptions to Expect

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• Government offices & banks: Closed on all 11 public holidays. ATMs work, but bank branches stay shut—withdraw cash before long weekends if you need it.
• Shops: Big malls (Orchard Road, Marina Square) never close—they even have longer hours and holiday sales. Small local shops (especially in cultural districts) may close for 1-2 days during their community’s main festival (e.g., Chinatown shops on CNY).
• Transport: MRT and buses run on “holiday schedules”—fewer frequencies than weekdays, but still reliable. Roads near celebrations (Marina Bay on National Day, Chinatown on CNY) may close—use public transport instead of driving.

What are Singapore’s public holidays? [History, culture and religion]

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Singapore is a multi-ethnic nation where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultures coexist.
That’s why public holidays are anchored in a variety of religious ceremonies and the nation’s historical anniversaries.

Singapore's public holidays are set by the Public Holidays Act.

Curious about Singapore's vibrant calendar? Their public holidays are officially determined by the government's Public Holidays Act!
Thanks to this law, the types of public holidays, the rules for how they’re observed, and the handling of substitute holidays are clearly defined, and as a general rule, both companies and schools take time off in line with these regulations.

On public holidays

• Events celebrated on fixed dates each year (New Year’s Day, National Day, etc.)
• Holidays whose dates change in line with religious events (Hari Raya, Deepavali, etc.)

There are two types.

In particular, movable holidays are determined by religious calendars, so it’s important to check the calendar every year.

A “balanced calendar” unique to a multiethnic country

Singapore is a multi-ethnic nation where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western communities coexist.
As a result, public holidays are designed to fairly honor the most important occasions for each ethnic group.

For example…

• Chinese New Year (the biggest celebration for Chinese communities)
• Hari Raya Puasa / Hari Raya Haji (Islamic end-of-fasting day and pilgrimage homecoming day)
• Deepavali (Hindu Festival of Lights)
• Christmas (Christian culture)

As you can see, a defining feature of Singapore’s public holidays is how different religions and cultures sit side by side on a single calendar.
Even the streetscapes shift dramatically with each event, making it a year when you can experience the country’s diversity firsthand.

Why Singapore Has So Few Extended Public Holidays

In Singapore, public holidays are often sprinkled across the calendar as one-off days, so long consecutive holidays are rare.
That's because the country prioritizes taking planned vacations over long weekends, and a culture of actively using Annual Leave is deeply ingrained.

Therefore, unlike Japan, there’s no Golden Week or Silver Week / holidays are spread out, making peak travel seasons easier to predict / workplaces and schools operate as usual except on public holidays…these are the key characteristics.

On the other hand, around Chinese New Year and Hari Raya—culturally significant seasons—family gatherings and trips back home are common, and there are periods when the city grows quieter; it’s all part of Singapore’s charm.

January 1 (Thu): New Year's Day

New Year’s Day on January 1 is a public holiday. In Singapore, the biggest celebrations are reserved for Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year), so January 1 is simply a holiday with fewer special events. On New Year’s Eve, December 31, you’ll find countdown events in the Marina Bay area and around Clarke Quay, with fireworks lighting up the night. There isn’t really an extended year-end/new-year vacation here, so many people are back at work from January 2.

February 17 (Tue)–18 (Wed): Spring Festival (Lunar New Year)

Because Lunar New Year follows the traditional lunar calendar, its date changes every year. In Singapore, where about 70% of the population is of Chinese heritage, the city gradually slips into a year-end festive mood as January begins. Supermarkets start stocking auspicious sweets, and red—considered a lucky color—appears everywhere in joyful decorations.

Chinatown comes alive with countless lanterns, creating a beautiful scene to enjoy. During the Lunar New Year period, many shops are closed, so plan your visit with care. Note: Monday, February 12 is an observed holiday.

Friday, March 27: Good Friday

In Singapore, a multi-religious country, many people observe Good Friday with great reverence. It falls on the Friday just before Easter, and Easter is a very important day for Christians.

Monday, March 30: Hari Raya Puasa

It’s a day that celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan (fasting), and one of the most important holidays for Muslims. A beloved seasonal highlight is the Geylang Serai Bazaar, a sprawling outdoor market. Rows of stalls sell everything from food and clothing to games and carpets, and while many fast during the day, come nightfall they head to the bazaar to enjoy eating their way through the festivities. The nighttime light-up is artfully designed, and you’ll be dazzled by its charm.

May 1 (Fri): Labor Thanksgiving Day (May Day)

Every year on May 1, May Day is an official public holiday. Celebrated worldwide as Workers’ Day, it’s known as “Labour Day” in Singapore.

May 11 (Mon): Vesak Day

It’s the day the Buddha was born. The date changes every year, but in 2023 it’s May 22 (Wed). In Japan, it’s also known as “Hana Matsuri” or “Kanbutsue,” while devout Buddhists in Singapore gather at temples for candlelight processions and the ritual bathing of Buddha statues.

June 17 (Wed): Hari Raya Haji

It’s a Muslim holiday also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.” On this day, devout believers gather at mosques for a solemn ritual, offering sheep or goats and praying. In Islam, there is a tradition of visiting one another’s homes.

August 9 (Sunday): Independence Day (National Day)

It’s a public holiday across Singapore. Marking the day the country officially gained independence from the Federation of Malaysia in 1965, spectacular celebrations unfold all across the island. The National Day Parade (NDP), an independence commemoration parade, is the showpiece highlight of National Day.

Events held in the Marina Bay area are celebrated in grand style with live bands, dance performances, and fireworks. The large-scale parade featuring military marching bands is broadcast live on television, making it an indispensable public holiday for Singaporeans.

November 16 (Mon): Deepavali

Deepavali is a Hindu holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights. In multicultural Singapore, Little India lights up a month before the celebration, and the sight of countless arches of light is simply breathtaking. Special tents spring up throughout the neighborhood, with a bustling array of stalls selling delicious food and a wide range of Indian goods and handicrafts.

Friday, December 25: Christmas

December 25 is a Christian holiday celebrated every year. Singapore is home to many Christian churches, and plenty of events are held. Along Orchard Road, lined with shopping malls, Christmas decorations start going up around mid-November. Shopping malls across the city host all kinds of light displays, and it’s a time when the whole city feels wonderfully festive.

Smart Travel Tips for Singapore Holidays

• Advance reservation: During the National Day holiday (August 9th), the fireworks viewing restaurants and hotels near Marina Bay will be sold out 2-3 months in advance. If you come during the Spring Festival or Deepavali, the accommodation price may increase slightly if you book it in advance.
• Using public transportation: The MRT is the best way to travel during holidays - there will be no traffic jams. Purchase an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card for convenient travel (available at convenience stores).
• Participate in open days: During the Eid al-Fitr or Lantern Festival, ask your hotel staff about local Open Day recommendations. This is a free way to taste authentic cuisine and get to know Singaporeans - if you like, you can bring some small gifts (such as fruits) (not mandatory).
• Avoid crowds: If you don't like crowded people, don't go to Chinatown during the Spring Festival and don't go to Little India during Deepavali. On the contrary, go to a garden (such as Gardens by the Bay) or a beach (Sentosa) to enjoy a quieter time.
• Dress appropriately: When visiting temples (for example during Vesak Day or Deepavali), cover your shoulders and knees. If you need a scarf, most temples have one available for borrowing.

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