Singapore Public Holidays
Singapore Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Singapore? All public holidays in Singapore are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Singapore employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Singapore and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st in Singapore, marking the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a public holiday that signifies fresh starts and new resolutions. While the holiday is primarily secular in nature, many Singaporeans celebrate the day with fireworks displays, festive meals, and family gatherings. People take this opportunity to reflect on the past year and make plans for the year ahead. It is a time for festivities, socializing, and a sense of renewal.
New Year’s Day in Singapore is an occasion for both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor celebrations. The famous Marina Bay Singapore Countdown event, which includes a spectacular fireworks display, is one of the most iconic celebrations. Most people spend the day at home with family or friends, while some take advantage of special events in the city.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a single-day public holiday, and most businesses, government offices, and educational institutions are closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Singapore.
- Government Employees: Typically granted the day off.
- Private Sector: Businesses and private institutions are generally closed, though some remain open for essential services.
Chinese New Year (Variable Date in January or February)
Description
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Singapore. Celebrated by the Chinese community, it marks the start of the lunar calendar year. The date of Chinese New Year varies each year, falling between January 21 and February 20. It is a time of family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors.
The holiday lasts for two days, and during this period, Singapore is filled with vibrant celebrations. The streets are adorned with red lanterns, and numerous events, such as lion dances and street parades, are held. People also visit relatives and friends, exchange red packets (ang bao), and enjoy traditional foods like dumplings, fish, and sweets, which symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and happiness.
Chinese New Year is an occasion to focus on family, tradition, and renewal. For Singaporeans, it is a time to honor Chinese customs and cultural heritage, and it serves as a moment to pray for good fortune and success in the coming year.
Duration
Chinese New Year is observed for two days, with both the first and second days of the new year being public holidays. This ensures that families can enjoy time together and participate in traditional activities.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily the Chinese community, but also celebrated by other ethnic groups who observe the holiday.
- Government Employees: Given both days off.
- Private Sector: Many businesses close for the duration, though essential services remain open.
Good Friday (Variable Date in March or April)
Description
Good Friday, observed by Christians, is a solemn day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and religious observances. The date of Good Friday varies, depending on the ecclesiastical calendar, and it falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
In Singapore, Good Friday is observed with church services and religious gatherings. Many Christians use the day to reflect on Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. In some churches, processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ are held. It is a day of reverence and somber reflection on Christian beliefs.
The holiday provides an opportunity for people to disconnect from daily routines and focus on faith, repentance, and renewal. Many also use the day to engage in charitable activities and volunteer work, in keeping with Christian values.
Duration
Good Friday is a one-day holiday, and businesses, government offices, and educational institutions are typically closed on this day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians in Singapore, though some other groups also observe the holiday.
- Government Employees: Typically given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a global holiday dedicated to honoring workers and their contributions to society. In Singapore, Labour Day is a public holiday where labor unions, worker advocacy groups, and political organizations come together to celebrate the achievements of the labor force. The holiday also serves to highlight the ongoing struggles for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved labor rights.
Labour Day is marked by rallies, speeches, and parades, particularly in the city center. The Singapore National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) organizes various events to celebrate the day, emphasizing the importance of the working community in building a prosperous nation. While some political rallies are held, the holiday is generally a day of celebration, education, and reflection on labor rights.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day public holiday, with most businesses, government offices, and educational institutions closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those working in labor unions or related fields.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Businesses are generally closed, except for essential services.
Hari Raya Puasa (Variable Date in April or May)
Description
Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a joyous celebration observed by Muslims in Singapore, symbolizing the end of a month of self-discipline, prayer, and reflection. The date of Hari Raya Puasa varies each year, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar, and is typically observed in April or May.
During Hari Raya, Muslims in Singapore come together with their families to celebrate with special prayers, feasts, and visits to friends and relatives. The holiday is a time for charity and giving, with Muslims giving zakat (charitable donations) to those in need. Traditional foods such as ketupat (rice cakes) and rendang (spicy meat stew) are often served, and many also wear new clothes to mark the festive occasion.
Hari Raya Puasa is not only a religious holiday but also a time for Muslims to reconnect with their community, strengthen family ties, and celebrate the achievements of the past month of fasting.
Duration
Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated over two days, with the first day being the public holiday and the second day sometimes observed depending on the region and personal observances.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Muslims, but observed by all citizens as part of Singapore’s cultural diversity.
- Government Employees: Given both days off.
- Private Sector: Businesses are generally closed, with exceptions for essential services.
Hari Raya Haji (Variable Date in June or July)
Description
Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, is another major Islamic festival that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is observed in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and the date varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, usually falling in June or July.
During Hari Raya Haji, Muslims in Singapore attend prayers at mosques and engage in acts of charity and community service. The holiday is also marked by the sacrifice of animals, such as goats and cows, with the meat being distributed to the needy. The celebration includes family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
The holiday is a time for Muslims to reaffirm their faith, demonstrate generosity, and help those in need. It is a day of gratitude, reflecting on the sacrifices made in the name of religion.
Duration
Hari Raya Haji is a one-day public holiday.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Muslims, but also observed by other groups in the spirit of unity.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Many businesses close, though essential services continue to operate.
National Day (August 9)
Description
National Day, celebrated on August 9th, marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. It is one of the most important national holidays in the country. The day is observed with patriotic fervor, with various events and celebrations, including the iconic National Day Parade. The parade features a military procession, performances by local artists, and a spectacular fireworks display at Marina Bay.
National Day is a time for Singaporeans to reflect on the country’s achievements, its multicultural identity, and its progress over the years. The day also serves as a reminder of the nation’s journey from independence to its current status as a global economic powerhouse.
Duration
National Day is a one-day holiday, and the celebrations typically take place throughout the day, culminating in the evening’s grand parade and fireworks display.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Singapore.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Many businesses close for the day, though some remain open.
Deepavali (Variable Date in October or November)
Description
Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu holiday celebrated by Singapore’s Indian community. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, commemorating the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. Deepavali is celebrated with prayers, lighting oil lamps, fireworks, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
In Singapore, Deepavali is a colorful and lively occasion, with streets in Little India adorned with lights and decorations. Many Hindus in Singapore visit temples, offer prayers, and gather with family to celebrate. The holiday is not only about religious observance but also an expression of joy, renewal, and cultural pride.
Duration
Deepavali is a one-day holiday.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Hindus, but also observed by others in the multicultural context of Singapore.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Businesses are generally closed, although some remain open for essential services.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Although it is a religious holiday for Christians, it has become a widely celebrated festive occasion in Singapore, transcending religious boundaries. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
In Singapore, Christmas is celebrated with light displays and decorations, particularly in Orchard Road, where the entire street is illuminated with festive lights. Shopping malls and public spaces are adorned with Christmas trees and ornaments. The festive spirit extends to businesses, with many offering Christmas promotions and sales.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with celebrations typically taking place throughout the day and evening.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians, but also widely observed by non-Christians in the multicultural context of Singapore.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Many businesses close for the day, although essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Singapore
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Chinese New Year | Variable (January/February) | 2 days | General Public, Chinese Community |
| Good Friday | Variable (March/April) | 1 day | Christians, Government Employees |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Hari Raya Puasa | Variable (April/May) | 2 days | Muslims, General Public |
| Hari Raya Haji | Variable (June/July) | 1 day | Muslims, General Public |
| National Day | August 9 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Deepavali | Variable (October/November) | 1 day | Hindus, General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | Christians, General Public |
