Singapore Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Long Weekends & Business Guide

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has once again announced all the latest Singapore public holidays for 2026. The updated schedules for this year gives residents and businesses alike plenty of opportunities to plan ahead for both business and pleasure.

Singapore Public Holidays 2026 - The Complete Guide from Piloto Asia

List of Singapore Public Holidays for 2026:

  • New Year's Day: 1 January 2026 (Thursday)

  • Chinese New Year: 17 February 2026 (Tuesday) and 18 January 2026 (Wednesday)

  • Hari Raya Puasa: 21 March 2026 (Saturday)

  • Good Friday: 3 April 2026 (Friday)

  • Labour Day: 1 May 2026 (Friday)

  • Hari Raya Haji: 27 May 2026 (Wednesday)

  • Vesak Day: 31 May 2025 (Sunday)

  • National Day: 9 August 2025 (Sunday)

  • Deepavali: 8 November 2025 (Sunday)

  • Christmas Day: 25 December 2025 (Friday)

Maximizing Long Weekends in 2026

2026 is a stellar year for leave planning in Singapore, featuring 6 official long weekends. By strategically applying for just a few days of leave, you can significantly extend your rest periods:

  • Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse): The holidays fall on Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb 17–18). Taking leave on Monday, Feb 16, creates a five-day break starting from the preceding weekend.

  • Hari Raya Puasa: Falling on Friday, March 20, this creates a natural three-day long weekend.

  • Good Friday: Observed on Friday, April 3, offering another three-day weekend.

  • Vesak Day (Sunday Holiday): Since Vesak Day falls on Sunday, May 31, the following Monday (June 1) is a public holiday, giving you a three-day weekend without using any leave.

  • National Day (Sunday Holiday): With August 9 falling on a Sunday, Monday (Aug 10) is a public holiday—perfect for a mid-year three-day break.

  • Deepavali (Sunday Holiday): Deepavali falls on Sunday, November 8, making Monday, Nov 9, a public holiday and the final three-day long weekend of the year.

  • Christmas Day: Falling on Friday, December 25, the year concludes with a festive three-day long weekend.

Employee Entitlements on Public Holidays

Under Singapore’s Employment Act, all employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays each year. As a business owner or HR manager, it is essential to note the specific regulations for 2026, particularly regarding holidays that fall on rest days:

  • Holidays Falling on a Rest Day: In 2026, because Vesak Day, National Day, and Deepavali fall on Sundays, the following Monday is legally a paid public holiday. If an employee is required to work on that Monday, they are entitled to public holiday pay or a substituted day off.

    Work on Public Holidays: Employees required to work on a public holiday must be paid an extra day’s basic rate of pay or be granted a substituted day off by mutual agreement.

    Time Off in Lieu (TOIL): For managers and executives, employers may grant time off in lieu for hours worked on a public holiday rather than a full day off, subject to mutual agreement.

    Part-time Employees: Entitlements for part-time workers are prorated based on the number of hours they work relative to a full-time employee.

For comprehensive compliance advice or assistance with payroll processing and HR administration, please refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s guidelines or contact the Piloto Asia team.

By identifying these key 2026 dates early, businesses can manage manpower requirements effectively, ensuring both operational continuity and employee well-being throughout the year.

For more: Information on public holidays and its provisions can be found under the Employment Act.

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