SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has officially released the list of gazetted public holidays for 2026, and there’s good news for employees and holiday planners across the country. Out of the 11 public holidays next year, six will fall in such a way that they create long weekends, giving Singaporeans more opportunities for extended rest or short getaways.
This marks an increase from the four long weekends in 2025 and five in 2024, making 2026 one of the more generous years in terms of public holiday placements.
Full List of Public Holidays in Singapore for 2026
The 11 public holidays in 2026 include a combination of religious, national, and cultural observances. Here’s a breakdown of the dates:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
- Chinese New Year: Tuesday and Wednesday, February 17 and 18
- Hari Raya Puasa: Saturday, March 21
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3
- Hari Raya Haji: Wednesday, May 27
- Labour Day: Friday, May 1
- Vesak Day: Sunday, May 31
- National Day: Sunday, August 9
- Deepavali: Sunday, November 8
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
For public holidays that fall on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a public holiday. This applies to Vesak Day, National Day, and Deepavali.
Long Weekends to Look Forward to in 2026
Singaporeans will enjoy six long weekends next year thanks to several holidays landing on a Friday or Sunday. These are the long weekends to plan around:
- Good Friday: April 3 (Friday to Sunday)
- Labour Day: May 1 (Friday to Sunday)
- Vesak Day: May 31 (Sunday, observed on Monday, June 1)
- National Day: August 9 (Sunday, observed on Monday, August 10)
- Deepavali: November 8 (Sunday, observed on Monday, November 9)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Friday to Sunday)
These long weekends are perfect for quick overseas trips, staycations, or simply relaxing with family and friends.
Public Holiday Pay Entitlements Under the Employment Act
The MOM also reminded employers and employees of the regulations under the Employment Act when it comes to public holiday entitlements.
Employees who are required to work on a public holiday are entitled to:
- Their gross rate of pay for that day, and
- An additional day’s salary at their basic rate of pay.
Alternatively, employers and employees can mutually agree to substitute a public holiday with another working day, especially in industries where shift work or continuous operations are necessary.
Time-Off in Lieu for Certain Employee Groups
For employees who are not covered under Part IV of the Employment Act, such as:
- Workmen earning more than S$4,500 per month,
- Non-workmen earning more than S$2,600 per month, and
- All managers and executives,
employers have the option to offer time-off in lieu instead of monetary compensation. The number of hours for the time-off must be mutually agreed upon and should be based on a fair assessment of the time worked on the public holiday.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Holiday Planning
With more long weekends on the calendar in 2026, companies and employees alike can consider flexible work arrangements to manage leave and workload more efficiently. Businesses are encouraged to plan operations in advance to accommodate employee leave requests during popular travel periods without compromising productivity.
At the same time, Singaporeans can begin planning vacations and breaks early, as public holiday timing significantly affects flight and hotel rates. Booking in advance could result in substantial savings and better travel experiences.
Conclusion
The announcement of six long weekends in 2026 is a welcome development for workers and families across Singapore. With 11 public holidays spaced out throughout the year, 2026 offers ample opportunities to rest, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones.
As always, it is important for employers and employees to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities regarding holiday pay and rest days. Proper planning and open communication will ensure a smooth and productive year ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on leave policies, travel tips, and workplace well-being as Singapore prepares for another year of growth and balance.
