2024 Full List of Public's Holidays In Singapore

How many public holidays are there in Singapore in 2024?

The complete list of Singapore's public holidays for 2024, excluding weekends, is updated by KnowInsiders.

Singapore's public holidays are a reflection of the city-state's multiculturalism. The city-state presents a vibrant tapestry of lanterns for national holidays like National Day and cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year and Deepavali.

In total, in 2024, Singapore will have 12 official holidays, as announced by the government.

Note: Please check back frequently for updates as these dates may change once official changes are announced.

Singapore Public Holidays in 2024

1. New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2024

Every year on January 1st, people celebrate New Year's Day, which marks the beginning of the calendar year. In Singapore, the day is observed as a public holiday.

Most people celebrate the countdown to the new year by staying up past midnight on December 31, which is New Year's Eve. Thousands of people are happy and anticipating the New Year at Sentosa locations such as Marina Bay, Clarke's Quay, and Siloso Beach throughout the evening.

On New Year's Eve, people gather from all over the world to add their wishes, and even the prime minister writes his own "wishing sphere." A sight to behold during the New Year's festivities, the spheres are released onto the Singapore River at Marina Bay.

In Singapore, food is a staple of festivities, and the air is filled with the aroma of mouthwatering street food and local cuisine. Many places host lavish afternoon teas and champagne brunches on New Year's Day.

2. Chinese New Year (Lunar), Saturday, February 10 and 11, 2024

3. Chinese New Year (Lunar), Sunday, February 11, 2024

4. Chinese New Year (Substitute Holiday), Monday, February 12, 2024

In Singapore, one of the most important holiday seasons is Chinese New Year. The date varies from year to year and marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festivities, which are colorful and plentiful, can go for two or three days.

Chinese communities around the world celebrate Chinese New Year, a tradition that dates back thousands of years.

The main Chinese New Year celebration is the family dinner, also known as the "family reunion." Many families in Singapore celebrate the holiday with what they refer to as a "steamboat" or "hot pot" dinner, which is a thousand-year-old custom.

During this season, you can witness a variety of public events in Singapore, such as dragon dances, lion dances, parades featuring traditional musical instruments, lantern festivals at nearby temples, fireworks displays, and people trying to make as much noise as they can by exploding small firecrackers or striking bamboo sticks together.

There are additional Chinese New Year-related events that happen a little bit later in addition to the previously listed events and activities that take place on the actual Chinese New Year's Day. If tourists are still in Singapore at that time, they should definitely attend these.

5. Good Friday, Friday, March 29, 2024

One of the two Christian holidays observed in Singapore is Easter.

Buddhism is the single largest religious group in Singapore, followed by Christianity, which is far behind at 18%. In Singapore, public holidays such as Christmas and Good Friday are observed, with the former being associated with a tumultuous shopping season. However, Christians in Singapore are the majority who celebrate Easter.

Palm Sunday, which falls one week before Easter, is observed with special services in many of Singapore's churches, which represent almost every denomination. Children gather palm leaves from the area, fold them into the shape of a cross, and parade them during the service to commemorate Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Each service will be different in its specifics, but the main focus is usually on waving palm leaves, just as the people of Israel did 2,000 years ago to welcome their Messiah.

Many churches will hold services on Good Friday to commemorate the day that Jesus was crucified. These are typically brief, very serious morning services in Singapore.

Singaporean churches frequently use Easter Sunday as an opportunity to baptize new members. Rising up out of the water is associated with the Resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, which is celebrated on Easter, as it signifies beginning a new life with Christ. On Easter, some churches will also hold sunrise services.

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6. Hari Raya Puasa, Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The celebration that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan is called Hari Raya Puasa. It's also referred to as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid al Fitr.

The first day of Syawal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar known as Hijrah, coincides with Hari Raya Puasa. The date is different every year because it is based on the lunar calendar.

Hari Raya, also known as the "grand day of rejoicing" in Malay, is a major Muslim holiday celebrated in Singapore that honors self-control during Ramadan and represents rebirth and purification. It's also a time forgiving, and when kids go see their parents, they frequently ask for pardon for anything wrongdoing from the previous year.

In homes and mosques, oil lamps are lit on the twentieth day of Ramadan and remain lit until the conclusion of the celebration. People get dressed in new clothes, clean and decorate their homes extensively, and celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. While women typically wear baju kurung, men typically wear baju melayu, which is a loose shirt with pants, paired with kain samping, a short sarong. Families typically wear the same color clothing to symbolize harmony.

On Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims visit the mosques early in the morning to pray. The takbir is recited in the mosques in the evening.

Families and close friends get together for a Thanksgiving feast in the afternoon, during which time they ask for each other's forgiveness and blessing. Children and the elderly are frequently given duit raya, which are green envelopes filled with gifts of money. After that, everyone enjoys specialty foods like beef rendang, satay, sambal sotong, ketupat, and lontong, which are followed by lemang, cookies, cakes, biscuits, sweets, and pineapple tarts.

7. Labour Day, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Labour Day is a holiday in Singapore and around the world and is known in many places as May Day. It is the day that commemorates the eight-hour day for workers.

8. Vesak Day, Wednesday, May 22, 2024

The most important day in the Buddhist calendar is Vesak Day. On the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, it usually occurs in May.

Temples are decked out with flowers and flags on Vesak Day. The Buddhist flag is raised, saffron-clad monks recite sutras, a large number of observant Buddhists gather at the temple before dawn, and hymns are sung in honor of the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (his disciples).

Offerings of flowers, candles, and incense are brought by worshippers to place at the feet of the statues. These offerings show that the believers acknowledge that life is prone to deterioration and destruction just like the offerings.

Buddhists believe that doing good deeds on Vesak Day will multiply merit. On this day, many young Buddhists organize blood drives at hospitals, and other Buddhists carry out charitable deeds such as releasing animals and birds from cages, bringing goods to the underprivileged, and giving gifts to worthy causes. These altruistic deeds are sometimes referred to as Dana.

A procession through the streets led by candles marks the end of the celebration. On Vesak Day, Mahayana Buddhist temples in Singapore, such as the Phor Kark, perform the "three-step, one-bow" ritual. As they pray for personal blessings, world peace, and repentance, devotees take three steps on their hands and knees. In reality, the strenuous two-hour procession starts 24 hours in advance, when numerous people reserve their spots.

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9. Hari Raya Haji, Monday, June 17, 2024

The 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja, which is 70 days after the holy month of Ramadan, is Hari Raya Haji, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Up to four days can pass during it. The celebration signifies the conclusion of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and the submission of every devout Muslim to Allah.

In mosques, sermons are read aloud, prayers are offered, and those who can afford to do so offer sacrifices of cows, goats, and sheep. The practice helps the devotees remember those who are less fortunate. The meat from the animals is packaged and delivered to the poorer Muslim families.

Muslims visit their parents and relatives later in the day for a joyous celebration and a substantial meal. Around Singapore, in areas like Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai, bazaars and celebrations are held. There is a joyful, festive vibe throughout the elaborately decorated markets.

Other names for Hari Raya Haji include Bakrid, Kurban Bayram, Eid al-Bakr, and Greater Eid. The festival's ceremonial observance lasts until dusk on the twelfth day of Dhul Hijja, and sacrifices can be made up until dusk on the thirteenth day.

10. National Day, Friday, August 9, 2024

Singapore celebrates its National Day on August 9, 1965, the day it gained its independence from Malaysia.

On National Day, celebrations of Independence are held, including the grand and patriotic feature. Usually, Marina Bay is the site of the National Day Parade. Fireworks and a speech by the prime minister are also included.

Numerous other events take place prior to the parade with the intention of enticing spectators to arrive early and take their seats. These consist of fun presentations with audience participation, school band displays, skydiving, and choir performances. Children can purchase National Day funpacks that contain food, beverages, discount coupons from participating businesses, and items like the Singapore flag and a torchlight with a theme for use during the parade.

Members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Police Force, Singapore Armed Forces, People's Action Party, and various labor union representatives are among those taking part in the parade, along with representatives from a few Singaporean businesses. Additionally, students march in uniformed groups, such as the diverse Cadet Corps, Girl Guides, and Scouts.

11. Deepavali, Thursday, October 31, 2024

Deepavali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a festival that features a plethora of vibrant light displays in public areas as well as countless clay lamps to light up private residences. This is supposed to represent the Hindu doctrine of "light triumphing over darkness."

Some countries celebrate Deepavali for up to five days, India foremost among them. Most people in Singapore only celebrate for one day. Because it is based on the Hindu Calendar, the date varies, but it usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November.

The specific Hindu legends that Deepavali honors are a matter of debate, with varying opinions frequently offered in response. Some claim it commemorates Rama's return to the throne following his evil stepmother's 14-year exile to the desolate forests. Some believe that the day is associated with the worship of Mahalakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and light. Most people, however, believe that the origin of Deepavali is the tale of Krishna defeating the evil Narakasura in a valiant fight that culminated in the Maduran people of India welcoming the victor with lit oil lamps.

Hindus celebrate Deepavali by getting up early to take an oil bath, dressing brightly, and visiting a nearby temple to offer prayers. At home, colorful designs known as "rangoli," which are made of dyed rice or flour, are drawn on the floor, clay oil lamps are lit, and doors are adorned with green mango leaves. Along with being meticulously cleaned, homes are also decorated with flowers and other vibrant elements.

12. Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is celebrated across Singapore every 25 December. It is one of the two Christian holidays marked by the country.

2024 Long Weekends in Singapore

For many people, extended weekends provide a much-needed break from the everyday grind. These long weekends are much anticipated, whether they are used for a quick trip away or just to unwind at home.

Conclusion

In 2024, there are many possibilities for taking breaks, whether it be a local vacation or a trip abroad. By strategically organizing your schedule, you can optimize the utilization of these public holidays and extended weekends in Singapore.

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