Singapore’s public holidays serve as more than just scheduled breaks from work or school. They represent the cultural richness, religious harmony, and social unity that define the island nation. In 2025, a total of 11 official public holidays will be observed across the country. These holidays span across various ethnic and religious backgrounds — reflecting Singapore’s multicultural population that includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and others.
Public holidays offer Singaporeans the time to rest, bond with family, travel, and participate in community celebrations. Understanding the calendar helps individuals and businesses plan better, make the most of long weekends, and appreciate the values that these special days uphold.
How Singapore Decides Public Holidays
Public holidays in Singapore are officially declared by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These include celebrations from the major ethnic groups and religious traditions such as:
- Chinese festivals
- Malay Muslim observances
- Indian Hindu celebrations
- Christian commemorations
- National events
Key facts about how these holidays are determined:
- Equal recognition is given to all major groups.
- When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the next Monday becomes a holiday.
- Employers are required by law to offer paid leave or compensation for employees who work on public holidays.
- The list is usually published months in advance, allowing for proper planning.
Full List of Public Holidays in Singapore – 2025
The following table shows the complete holiday schedule for 2025:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 29–30 | Wednesday–Thursday | Chinese New Year |
| Apr 18 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day |
| May 14 | Wednesday | Vesak Day |
| Jun 6 | Friday | Hari Raya Haji |
| Jul 9 | Wednesday | Polling Day (Presidential) |
| Jul 29 | Tuesday | Deepavali (Provisional) |
| Aug 9 | Saturday | National Day |
| Oct 31 | Friday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| Dec 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
Note: Deepavali dates may change depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Opportunities for Long Weekends in 2025
Some holidays fall close to weekends, giving Singaporeans a chance for extended rest or mini-vacations. Here’s a guide to long weekends in 2025:
| Holiday Period | Details | Leave Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 29–30 (Chinese New Year) | Wed–Thu holiday | Take Jan 31 (Fri) off for a 5-day break |
| Apr 18 (Good Friday) | Friday holiday | 3-day weekend |
| Jun 6 (Hari Raya Haji) | Friday holiday | 3-day weekend |
| Oct 31 (Deepavali) | Friday holiday | 3-day weekend |
Cultural and Religious Importance of Each Holiday
Each public holiday carries specific cultural, historical, or spiritual meaning. The list below explains the significance of each celebration:
- New Year’s Day
- Start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Celebrated with fireworks, countdowns, and family gatherings.
- Chinese New Year (Jan 29–30)
- Begins the Lunar New Year for the Chinese community.
- Celebrated with red lanterns, lion dances, family meals, and red envelopes (ang baos).
- Good Friday (Apr 18)
- Christian holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Observed through church services and quiet reflection.
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Honours workers and their contributions to society.
- Encourages work-life balance and employee welfare.
- Vesak Day (May 14)
- Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
- Buddhists perform charitable acts and visit temples.
- Hari Raya Haji (Jun 6)
- Muslim festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
- Includes morning prayers, animal sacrifices, and community support for the needy.
- Polling Day (Jul 9)
- A one-time public holiday for the 2025 Presidential Election.
- Encourages citizens to exercise their right to vote.
- Deepavali (Jul 29 – Provisional)
- Also known as Diwali, it’s the Hindu Festival of Lights.
- Symbolizes the victory of good over evil, with home decorations, lights, and prayers.
- National Day (Aug 9)
- Marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965.
- Celebrated with the National Day Parade, fireworks, and patriotic displays.
- Diwali (Oct 31)
- Deepavali’s final celebration date for many.
- Families light oil lamps (diyas), wear new clothes, and enjoy sweets.
- Christmas Day (Dec 25)
- Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
- A Christian holiday observed with church events, gift-giving, and festive meals.
What Happens on Public Holidays in Singapore
The observance of public holidays impacts both the public and private sectors:
- Schools and Government Offices
- Closed for the day.
- Some may have half-day closures before major holidays.
- Shops, Restaurants, and Malls
- Often stay open during festive holidays.
- Extended shopping hours during Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas.
- Workplaces
- Employees working on a public holiday are compensated with:
- An extra day’s salary, or
- A substitute rest day
- Rules apply under the Employment Act of Singapore.
- Employees working on a public holiday are compensated with:
How to Plan Your Time Off in 2025
To make the most of the public holidays:
- Plan early for leave on adjacent weekdays.
- Book trips during long weekends.
- Spend time with family during culturally significant festivals.
- Participate in community celebrations and events.
Strategic leave planning can turn public holidays into mini-vacations or restful staycations, providing much-needed breaks throughout the year.
Public Holidays as Reflections of National Identity
Singapore’s holiday calendar is carefully designed to reflect the country’s values:
- Multiculturalism: Equal representation for major ethnic and religious groups.
- Unity: Shared celebration days like National Day foster national pride.
- Respect: Each citizen respects and participates in others’ festivals.
These holidays allow Singaporeans to reconnect with their roots and with one another. They offer a space for reflection, gratitude, and cultural exchange — things that are essential in a diverse and thriving nation.
Parting Insights
Singapore’s 11 public holidays in 2025 are not just statutory breaks but powerful symbols of the country’s inclusiveness, respect, and unity. From Chinese New Year’s firecrackers to Hari Raya’s prayers and Christmas celebrations, every occasion brings people together.
These holidays give everyone time to rest, reconnect, and reflect, making life richer both culturally and socially. Whether used for celebration, travel, or relaxation, each day off is a reminder that diversity is Singapore’s strength and unity is its foundation.