Public Holidays in Singapore 2026: How to Get 51 Days of Holiday Using 15 Days of Annual Leave

public holidays 2026 maximise leave

If there’s one thing Singaporeans love, it’s making the most of our public holidays. Whether you’re eyeing a beach escape, a foodie road trip, or just a well-deserved rest at home, 2026 is packed with opportunities to stretch your leave like never before.

With 11 official public holidays and a rare chance to create 6 long weekends, this year’s calendar is perfect for anyone who wants to work smart and play even smarter. By planning your annual leave around these key dates, you can unlock up to 51 days off using just 15 days of leave—seriously, that’s almost 2 months away from the office!

Ready to see how it’s done? Here’s everything you need to know to turn your leave days into mini-holidays, epic getaways, or simply more time for yourself in 2026.

Disclaimer: We previously listed 1 May as a Saturday in our Singapore public holiday guide. This was incorrect—1 May 2025 falls on a Friday. The graphic has been updated to reflect the correct date. Thank you to our readers for helping us keep our information accurate and up to date.

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2. Public holidays and long weekends in Singapore 2026

Let’s get straight to the good stuff—here are all the official public holidays in Singapore for 2026, just released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Holiday Date Day Long weekend?
New Year’s Day 1 Jan 2026 Thursday
Chinese New Year 17 Feb 2026 Tuesday
Chinese New Year 18 Feb 2026 Wednesday
Hari Raya Puasa¹ 21 Mar 2026 Saturday
Good Friday 3 Apr 2026 Friday Yes
Labour Day 1 May 2026 Friday Yes
Hari Raya Haji¹ 27 May 2026 Wednesday
Vesak Day² 31 May 2026 Sunday Yes
National Day³ 9 Aug 2026 Sunday Yes
Deepavali⁴ 8 Nov 2026 Sunday Yes
Christmas Day 25 Dec 2026 Friday Yes

¹ Subject to confirmation.
² Monday, 1 Jun 2026, will be a public holiday.
³ Monday, 10 Aug 2026, will be a public holiday.
⁴ Monday, 9 Nov 2026, will be a public holiday.

 Take note of the special cases where holidays fall on a Sunday, as you’ll get an extra Monday off (perfect for a long weekend). The holidays that fall on Friday will also create a long weekend. All in all, that ‘s 6 long weekends in total for 2026.

3. How to maximise your public holidays in 2026

Here’s where things get interesting: by timing your annual leave with certain public holidays—especially those that fall near weekends or in the middle of the week—you can unlock much longer breaks without burning through all your leave days at once.

The trick is to “bridge” the gaps around public holidays with a few strategic annual leave days, turning what would be a regular week into a super-sized holiday. For 2026, you’ll be able to enjoy up to 51 days off using just 15 days of leave—if you plan your leave around the right public holidays.

Want to see exactly how it works? Just follow the step-by-step leave plan below.

Holiday break Public holidays Leave to take Total days off
New Year’s Day 1 Jan (Thu) 29–31 Dec (Mon–Wed), 2 Jan (Fri) 9 (27 Dec–4 Jan)
Chinese New Year 17 & 18 Feb (Tue & Wed) 16 Feb (Mon), 19–20 Feb (Thu–Fri) 9 (14–22 Feb)
Good Friday 3 Apr (Fri) 3 (3–5 Apr)
Labour Day 1 May (Fri) 3 (1–3 May)
Hari Raya Haji 27 May (Wed) 25, 26, 28, 29 May (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) 7 (23 –29 May)
Vesak Day 31 May (Sun, observed 1 Jun Mon) 3 (30 May–1 Jun)
National Day 9 Aug (Sun, observed 10 Aug Mon) 3 (8–10 Aug)
Deepavali 8 Nov (Sun, observed 9 Nov Mon) 3 (7–9 Nov)
Christmas 25 Dec (Fri) 21–24 Dec (Mon–Thu) 9 (19–27 Dec)

4. Tips for smooth holiday planning

Before you start submitting your leave, here’s one more pro tip: Avoid travelling during the school holidays if you want to dodge the crowds, enjoy better airfares, and score quieter hotel stays. Unless you’ve got kids in tow, these are the busiest periods for flights and attractions.

Singapore MOE School Holidays 2026

For most students (MK, Primary, and Secondary):

  • Term 1 Break: Sat 14 Mar – Sun 22 Mar
  • Semester 1 Break: Sat 30 May – Sun 28 Jun
  • Term 3 Break: Sat 5 Sep – Sun 13 Sep
  • Year-End Break: Sat 21 Nov – Thu 31 Dec

Junior College (JC) / Millennia Institute (MI):

  • Year-End Break: Sat 28 Nov – Thu 31 Dec (JC1, MI1 & MI2)
    (JC2 & MI3: End of A-level exams to 31 Dec)

Special School Holidays:

  • Youth Day: Sun 5 Jul (Mon 6 Jul will be a school holiday)
  • Teachers’ Day: Fri 4 Sep
  • Children’s Day: Fri 2 Oct (Primary only)

Keep these dates in mind when booking your flights and hotels if you prefer a more peaceful getaway.

Other holiday planning tips

  • Book early: The best deals and flight options get snapped up fast, especially around long weekends and popular public holidays.
  • Get travel insurance: Protect yourself against flight disruptions, lost bags, and unexpected medical costs. It’s a small price for peace of mind.
  • Use a multi-currency card: Cards like YouTrip, Revolut, and Instarem Amaze let you avoid pesky FX fees and enjoy better rates when spending or withdrawing money overseas.
  • Stack travel rewards: If you’re a savvy spender, use an air miles card or cashback card to earn rewards on your holiday expenses—think flights, hotels, dining, and even shopping.
  • Check Expiry Dates: Make sure your passport and travel documents are valid for at least 6 months from your travel dates.

With a bit of smart planning, you’ll enjoy your 51 days off to the fullest—minus the queues and peak season surcharges.


ALSO READ: Comparing Digital Multi-Currency Accounts: Wise, YouTrip, Revolut, and More


 

5. Summary: 51 days off with 15 days of leave

2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for public holidays in Singapore. With a little foresight—and the right leave strategy—you can enjoy up to 51 days away from work using just 15 days of annual leave. Whether you’re planning big overseas adventures, epic staycations, or simply more time to recharge, this is your chance to make the most out of every break.

So, lock in those leave dates, set your OOO reply, and get ready for a year filled with long weekends, travel, and well-deserved rest. Don’t forget to share this guide with your holiday kakis—and here’s to a smarter, happier, and more well-rested 2026.

This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.

 


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About the author

Vanessa Nah likes her finance articles the way she likes her sitcoms—light-hearted, entertaining, and leaving people knowing a little more about life. She believes money—like life—should be made simple. Outside of work, you’ll find Vanessa attending dance classes, fingerpicking a guitar, and proudly making her one-eyed cat the most spoiled kitty in the world.