Singapore Public Holidays & Long Weekend Guide 2025

In 2025, holidays in Singapore include 11 public holidays, with four naturally forming long weekends. To maximise your time off, consider the following strategies:

1. Leverage Existing Long Weekends:

Hari Raya Puasa: Monday, 31 March 2025*
Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
Vesak Day: Monday, 12 May 2025
Deepavali: Monday, 20 October 2025

These holidays already provide three-day weekends, ideal for short getaways or extended rest.

*Subject to confirmation

2. Extend Weekends with Strategic Leave:

Chinese New Year: Falls on Wednesday, 29 January, and Thursday, 30 January 2025.
- Suggestion: Take leave on Friday, 31 January, to enjoy a five-day break from 29 January to 2 February.
Labour Day: Thursday, 1 May 2025.
- Suggestion: Take leave on Friday, 2 May, to create a four-day weekend from 1 to 4 May.
Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025.
- Suggestion: Take leave on Friday, 26 December, for a four-day weekend from 25 to 28 December.

3. Plan Around Holidays Falling on Weekends:

Hari Raya Haji: Saturday, 7 June 2025.
- Note: If your rest day is on Saturday, your employer should pay you an extra day’s salary or grant you time off in lieu.
National Day: Saturday, 9 August 2025.
- Note: Similarly, if Saturday is your rest day, your employer should pay you an extra day’s salary or grant you time off in lieu.

By aligning your leave with these dates, you can maximise your time off in 2025.

A Closer Look at Singapore’s Public Holidays

Fixed-Date Holidays (Same Day Every Year):

New Year’s Day (1 January)
Labour Day (1 May)
National Day (9 August)
Christmas Day (25 December)

Variable-Date Holidays (Change Each Year):

Chinese New Year (Two days based on the lunar calendar, typically in January or February)
Good Friday (Friday before Easter, based on the Christian calendar)
Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan, based on the Islamic calendar)
Hari Raya Haji (Festival of Sacrifice, based on the Islamic calendar)
Vesak Day (Commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, based on the Buddhist calendar)
Deepavali (Hindu Festival of Lights, based on the Hindu lunar calendar)

These 10 celebratory events (giving us 11 public holidays) are observed across Singapore, but some communities also celebrate other cultural or religious festivals privately such as Thaipusam or Pongal for Hindus and Mid-Autumn Festival for Chinese families.

New Year’s Day (1 January)

The first day of the new year, New Year's Day, is all about fresh starts and big dreams. Whether you’re recovering from last night’s countdown or diving into your resolutions, it’s the perfect time to hit pause and recharge.

Some love to head outdoors and soak in nature, while others prefer to chill with family, reflecting on the year that’s gone by. However you spend it, make sure to kick off the year feeling good and ready for whatever’s ahead!

Event: Marina Bay Countdown
Where: Marina Bay Sands and surrounding areas

A spectacular fireworks display, live performances, and light shows mark the New Year in style at Marina Bay.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is the ultimate family holiday! Think red packets, endless feasting, and catching up with relatives (yes, even the ones who ask too many questions).

From lion dances to festive snacks like pineapple tarts, the vibe is all about good fortune and togetherness. Traditional practices and rituals during Chinese New Year are aimed at driving away bad luck and welcoming good fortune for the upcoming year. It’s also a great time to explore the colourful street markets or just soak in the festive buzz. Pro tip: Get your outfits and mandarin oranges ready early—it’s always a mad rush closer to the dates!

Event: Chinatown Light-Up and Street Market
Where: Chinatown

The streets come alive with festive lights, lion dances, and a vibrant market offering snacks, decorations, and cultural performances.

Good Friday

Good Friday might be a solemn occasion for Christians, but it’s also a peaceful public holiday for everyone to slow down and recharge. Whether it’s attending a church service, catching up on much-needed rest, or planning a simple family meal, the day is all about reflection and appreciation.

And let’s not forget—it’s the start of a long weekend! Perfect for taking things easy or sneaking in a quick getaway. Who doesn’t love that?

Event: Stations of the Cross Procession
Where: Churches across Singapore

Christian communities hold solemn services and re-enactments of the Stations of the Cross, particularly at larger churches.

Labour Day (1 May)

It’s time to celebrate you! Labour Day is all about giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for all the hard work you put in. Take the day to relax, catch up on sleep, or hang out with friends and family.

Some people use it to tackle their hobbies or do absolutely nothing (which, let’s be real, is also a skill).

Event: Labour Day Picnics and Gatherings
Where: East Coast Park or Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

While there’s no specific event, many families and friends gather at parks for picnics or enjoy outdoor activities to celebrate the day off.

Hari Raya Puasa

The end of Ramadan means one thing for our Muslim friends—Hari Raya Puasa! It’s a day packed with joy, forgiveness, and all the delicious food you can imagine. Rendang, ketupat, and kuih galore!

For everyone else, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn about this beautiful celebration. Visit Geylang Serai during the festive period for lights, bazaars, and an infectious festive vibe that’ll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Event: Geylang Serai Bazaar and Hari Raya Light-Up
Where: Geylang Serai

The lead-up to Hari Raya is celebrated with a vibrant bazaar and stunning light displays, making Geylang Serai the hub of festivities.

Vesak Day

Vesak Day is a special one for Buddhists, marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. It’s a day for peace, reflection, and spreading kindness.

If you’re not Buddhist, it’s a great time to visit a temple and soak in the serene vibes—or join one of the many meaningful activities like blood donations or community events. It’s a holiday that reminds us to slow down and be a little kinder to ourselves and others.

Event: Candlelight Procession and Prayers
Where: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Chinatown)

Devotees gather to light candles, chant prayers, and perform acts of charity in this iconic temple.

Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji is all about faith, sacrifice, and giving back. It’s celebrated with special prayers, heartfelt meals, and the spirit of community. The qurban ritual—where meat is shared with those in need—highlights the importance of generosity.

For everyone else, it’s a reminder of the power of giving. Plus, the festive vibe spills over to the whole community, so don’t hesitate to wish your Muslim friends, “Selamat Hari Raya Haji!”

Event: Qurban Ceremonies
Where: Local mosques like Sultan Mosque or Masjid Al-Falah

Muslim communities gather at mosques to perform prayers and participate in the qurban (sacrifice) ceremony, distributing meat to the needy.

National Day (9 August)

It’s Singapore’s big day!  National Day is when we come together to celebrate everything that makes this little red dot amazing. From the iconic parade to jaw-dropping fireworks, the day is all about pride and patriotism.

If you’re not heading to the parade, grab some snacks, gather your family, and tune in from home. And don’t forget to check out the National Day specials popping up all over the island—because who doesn’t love a good deal?

Event: National Day Parade (NDP)
Where: The Padang, Marina Bay, or the Floating Platform

A grand celebration featuring military displays, performances, and fireworks, showcasing Singapore’s unity and pride.

Deepavali

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is as magical as it sounds.  Homes are decked out with colourful oil lamps, and Little India transforms into a sparkling wonderland. It’s all about light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and, let’s be honest, some pretty amazing food!

Even if you’re not celebrating, take a walk-through Little India, soak in the decorations, and treat yourself to some Indian sweets. It’s a celebration of togetherness, and everyone’s invited to the party.

Event: Little India Light-Up and Festive Bazaar
Where: Little India

This cultural hotspot transforms into a dazzling showcase of lights, with a bazaar offering traditional sweets, decorations, and outfits.

Christmas Day (25 December)

Christmas in Singapore is all about the festive spirit. Whether you’re a fan of the Orchard Road light-up, Secret Santa gift swaps, or just spending time with loved ones, the day feels magical.

Even if it’s not snowy here, the warmth of Christmas cheer is undeniable. So, deck the halls, sing those carols (badly, it’s fine), and don’t forget to share the love—whether it’s through gifts or just being there for someone.

Event: Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up
Where: Orchard Road

Singapore’s main shopping belt turns into a festive wonderland with elaborate decorations, light displays, and carol performances.

Planning your next getaway? Maximise your public holiday leave and escape to stunning destinations just a short trip from Singapore!

From relaxing beaches to vibrant cities, our travel blogs have top tips on where to go for a well-deserved break. Whether you’re craving adventure, culture, or pure relaxation, we’ve got you covered. Find out more.

Q&A: Public Holidays and Related Topics

How many days of public holidays do you get in Singapore?

Employees in Singapore are entitled to 11 paid public holidays each year. If a holiday falls on a rest day (e.g., Sunday), the next working day is designated as a public holiday.

Which country has the most public holidays?

Nepal holds the record with 39 public holidays annually, celebrating a wide range of cultural and religious events. This is significantly higher than many other countries.

Which country has the fewest public holidays?

Countries like Mexico and the United States offer fewer public holidays. In the U.S., there are no statutory paid public holidays at the federal level, leaving it up to employers to provide time off.

How does Singapore compare to other countries in terms of public holidays?

With 11 public holidays, Singapore is roughly average compared to other nations. For instance:

Malaysia offers 14-16 public holidays depending on the state.
India has 17 public holidays nationally, plus additional state-level holidays.
Japan has 16 national holidays, one of the highest among developed nations.

Are public holidays the same every year in Singapore?

Not always. While some holidays like New Year’s Day and National Day fall on fixed dates, others like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa follow lunar or Islamic calendars, so their dates vary each year.

Additionally, public holidays may be designated when General or Presidential Elections occur, such as the last presidential election held in 2023.

Singapore Public Holidays and Long Weekend Guide 2025