Public Holidays in 2026: Maximise Your Long Weekends
Key Takeaways:
- By strategically planning around Singapore’s public holidays in 2026, it is possible to enjoy up to 46 days off with only 16 days of leave.
- Long weekends and extended breaks throughout the year offer opportunities for both quick regional escapes and longer overseas trips.
- Even as international travel becomes more common again, travellers should stay alert to changes in regulations, entry requirements, and potential disruptions.
- Being properly prepared for travel includes taking steps to protect against unexpected costs, delays, or emergencies that may impact the trip.
Maximise Your 2026 Leave with Smart Holiday Planning
If you’re starting your holiday planning for 2026, now’s the perfect time to lock in those leave dates. With just 16 days off, you could enjoy up to 46 days away from work—simply by making the most of Singapore’s long weekends.
We’ve put together a practical guide to help you maximise your time off. And since travel still comes with its share of uncertainties, we’ve also included a few tips to help you stay prepared and make the most of every getaway.
Overview of Public Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
| Chinese New Year | 17 February 2025 18 February 2025 |
Tuesday 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 2026‣ | Sunday |
| National Day | 9 August 2026‣ | Sunday |
| Deepavali | 8 November 2026‣ | Sunday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Friday |
*Subject to confirmation.
‣ The following day will be a public holiday.
January 2026
Public Holiday:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
Leave Suggestions:
- Take Friday & Monday, 2 & 5 January
Where to Go:
Start the year with a well-timed 5-day break, perfect for recharging after the festive season. You could unwind at a peaceful resort in Bali, snorkel in the clear waters of the Phi Phi Islands, or explore the lively streets, local flavours, and cultural highlights of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A short escape might be just what you need to ease into 2026 feeling refreshed.
February 2026
Public Holiday:
- Chinese New Year: Tuesday and Wednesday, 17 & 18 February
Leave Suggestions:
- Take Thursday and Friday, 19 & 20 February
Where to Go:
Turn the Chinese New Year break into a 6-day holiday with just two days of leave. February is an ideal time to visit Taiwan, where the cool spring weather makes city walks and nature hikes more enjoyable. You can explore the lantern-lined streets of Jiufen, enjoy night markets in Taipei, or visit cultural spots without the peak-season crowds.
March 2026
Public Holiday:
- Hari Raya Puasa: Saturday, 21 March
Leave Suggestions:
- Take Monday, 23 March
Where to Go:
A long weekend makes for the perfect short getaway. For fuss-free holiday planning, consider a relaxing stay at a resort in Bintan or Batam. Whether you're travelling with friends or family, there’s plenty to do, from firefly tours to turtle hatchery visits. It’s a great chance to unwind, explore, and return feeling recharged.
April 2026
Public Holiday:
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April
Leave Suggestions:
- No additional leave needed
Where to Go:
A 3-day weekend is just right for a 3D2N short trip. Kuala Lumpur is an excellent pick if you're craving a change of pace without travelling too far. Indulge in retail therapy at Pavilion Mall or browse local crafts at Central Market (Pasar Seni), then explore the city’s vibrant food scene. Alternatively, unwind by the sea with a relaxing escape to Desaru Coast.
May 2026
Public Holidays:
- Labour Day: Thursday, 1 May
- Hari Raya Haji: Wednesday, 27 May
- Vesak Day: Sunday, 31 May
Leave Suggestions:
- Take Friday, 2 May
- Take Thursday and Friday, 28 & 29 May
Where to Go:
With a bit of holiday planning, May gives you two long breaks that are well spaced out. This is a good opportunity to explore somewhere at a slower pace. Consider Hokkaido, where spring brings flower fields, cool weather, and open roads. With extra days to spare, you can enjoy the scenery, food, and outdoor experiences without needing to rush.
August 2026
Public Holiday:
- National Day: Sunday, 9 August
Leave Suggestions:
- No additional leave needed
Where to Go:
The National Day weekend is a great chance to take a short break and recharge. Consider a staycation in Singapore, whether it’s a luxury hotel in the city, a boutique stay in a cultural neighbourhood, or a relaxing escape by the beach.
Prefer to head across the Causeway? A short food trail in Johor promises a rich variety of local flavours and an easy, fuss-free escape.
November 2026
Public Holiday:
- Deepavali: Sunday, 8 November
Leave Suggestions:
- Take leave from Tuesday to Friday, 10 to 13 November
Where to Go
By taking four days of leave, you can enjoy a full week away after the Deepavali weekend. It's an ideal time for holiday planning if you're considering destinations that require a bit more travel time. You could spend your days shopping and museum-hopping in Paris, enjoying the vibrant streets and late-season sunshine in Spain, or immersing yourself in the culture and cafe life in Austria.
Alternatively, visit South Korea in autumn for cool weather, colourful foliage, and lively festivals. This extended break gives you the space to unwind, explore at your own pace, and return feeling refreshed.
December 2026
Public Holiday:
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
Leave Suggestions:
- Take leave from Monday to Thursday, 28 to 31 December
Where to Go:
Taking 4 days of leave gives you a 10-day stretch over the Christmas and New Year period. This is one of the few times in the year when a longer trip fits easily into the calendar.
You could explore the winter streets of Tokyo, enjoy festive lights and department store displays in Seoul, or spend the season in a European city known for its Christmas markets. For those seeking something livelier, cities like New York or London come alive with events and countdowns. It is a well-timed opportunity to travel further before the year comes to a close.
Travel Checklist: Must-Dos Before You Fly
Travel has fully resumed, and so has the excitement of planning your next trip. While the skies are open, it is still wise to prepare for the unexpected. That is why thoughtful holiday planning is key; it helps you stay flexible and better prepared for whatever might come your way.
Before you head off, it’s important to secure travel insurance that provides coverage against common disruptions such as cancellations, medical expenses, or lost baggage. It is just as valuable for longer trips as it is for short getaways.
For greater peace of mind on your next holiday, speak to an Income advisor to find a plan that fits your travel needs.
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advise to buy or sell any product(s). It should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income Insurance products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. Please seek independent financial advice before making any decision.
These policies are protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact Income Insurance or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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