Singapore’s public holidays are more than just days off work — they reflect the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and shared values. In 2025, Singaporeans will enjoy 11 official public holidays, each rooted in the traditions of different communities, offering moments of rest, reflection, and national unity.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or looking forward to festive family gatherings, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 public holiday calendar, long weekends, and the significance behind each observance.
How Public Holidays Are Determined in Singapore
Singapore’s public holidays are gazetted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and include religious, cultural, and national celebrations. The government ensures that holidays from the major ethnic and religious groups — Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Christian — are recognised equally, reinforcing inclusiveness in a multi-religious society.
Employers are required to provide a paid day off or compensation if employees work on any of the official holidays. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is declared a public holiday.
Full List of Public Holidays in Singapore 2025
Here’s the complete list of public holidays Singaporeans can look forward to in 2025:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 29–30 | Wed–Thu | 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 |
| Aug 9 | Saturday | National Day |
| Oct 31 | Friday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| Dec 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
Note: The actual dates for Deepavali may shift depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. The above date is provisional.
Long Weekends in 2025
Several public holidays in 2025 fall on or near weekends, giving Singaporeans the chance to enjoy long weekends and travel opportunities. Here’s a snapshot of when to take leave for the best extended breaks:
- Chinese New Year: Jan 29–30 (Wed–Thu) — Take Jan 31 (Fri) off for a 5-day break
- Good Friday: Apr 18 (Fri) — 3-day weekend
- Hari Raya Haji: Jun 6 (Fri) — Another 3-day weekend
- Diwali: Oct 31 (Fri) — Perfect time for a short getaway
With a bit of strategic planning, these public holidays can be stretched into mini-vacations.
Significance Behind the Celebrations
Each holiday in Singapore carries deep cultural and religious meaning. Here’s what they represent:
Chinese New Year
Marks the start of the lunar new year for the Chinese community. Celebrated with family reunions, red packets, and symbolic foods, it represents good fortune, health, and prosperity.
Hari Raya Haji
Observed by Muslims, this day commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and sacrifice. It involves prayers at mosques and the ritual sacrifice of livestock to distribute food to the needy.
Deepavali
Known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali celebrates the triumph of good over evil in Hindu tradition. Homes are decorated, traditional sweets are shared, and prayers are offered to deities.
Vesak Day
A significant Buddhist holiday that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Temples hold special ceremonies, and acts of compassion and charity are encouraged.
Good Friday & Christmas
Christian holidays honouring the crucifixion and birth of Jesus Christ, respectively. Both are observed with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals.
National Day
Celebrated on August 9, National Day marks Singapore’s independence in 1965. The day is packed with patriotic events, including the National Day Parade, fireworks, and community celebrations.
Labour Day
An international celebration of workers and their contributions to society. It’s a time for appreciation of work-life balance and labour rights.
Polling Day: A One-Time Public Holiday
Polling Day for the 2025 Presidential Election has been declared a public holiday on July 9, Wednesday. As part of democratic participation, this allows all eligible Singaporeans to cast their votes in person.
How Businesses and Schools Adjust
On public holidays, most offices, government agencies, and schools remain closed. Retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues may stay open, especially during festive periods. Employers who require staff to work on a public holiday must provide either an extra day’s pay or a substitute rest day under Singapore’s Employment Act.
A Celebration of Harmony and Balance
Singapore’s public holidays are more than just days to rest. They’re opportunities for every citizen to appreciate the diversity that defines the nation. With 11 key holidays and multiple long weekends in 2025, it’s a time to reconnect with culture, community, and family.
Whether you’re planning a staycation or simply recharging, these shared holidays reinforce the idea that Singapore’s strength lies in its unity across cultures and faiths — a principle that continues to shape the nation’s future.