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An Overview of Public Holidays in Singapore

The dates of Singapore's eleven national public holidays are determined by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), which recognizes the country's multicultural population by incorporating a variety of official and religious celebrations. For instance, there are days off for Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu holidays on the Singaporean calendar.

Every public holiday in Singapore has been carefully chosen to commemorate a significant religious or cultural event, or a day with particular meaning for the community. A wonderful example of Singapore's core values—meritocracy, hard work, family, and interethnic and religious harmony—is provided by the holidays.

You can learn about the main festivals and celebrations of the four major religions in Singapore—Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity—by taking advantage of public holidays. In addition, Singapore observes National Day to commemorate Singapore's independence and Labor Day to honor workers. It also celebrates the Chinese New Year and New Year's Day on January 1st.

The three main holidays in the nation, which is primarily made up of Chinese, Malay, and Indian people, are Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali. Be aware that Singaporeans typically take extra days off work in order to spend time with their families in their hometown prior to and following these holidays.

Different holiday calendars have an impact on the nation's holidays as well:

The Gregorian calendar corresponds with Christian holidays that are based on the lunar cycle.

The Hijri calendar is used to determine Muslim holidays that coincide with the lunar cycle.

In contrast, the Hindu lunar calendar serves as the basis for Hindu holidays.

When two or more holidays fall on the same day because of conflicts with the various calendars, one extra holiday is observed.

How Many Public Holidays in Singapore?

Singapore Public Holidays in 2025
Singapore Public Holidays in 2025

In Singapore, there are eleven gazetted public holidays, including New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, Labour Day, Vesak Day, National Day, Deepavali, and Christmas Day. These include major religious days of significance as well as the secular New Year, which falls on January 1st each year and coincides with the Chinese New Year, Labor Day, and National Day.

Festivals are observed for one or two days in each of the four major religions. These religious holidays have varying dates each year, according to the month's lunar calendar.

When are Singapore Public Holidays in 2025?

On these holidays in Singapore, you are officially allowed to take the day off. However, a lot of establishments, such as eateries and retail stores, will remain open. On the other hand, some services—like post offices and banks—will close.

Date Celebration
1 January (Wednesday) Solar New Year’s Day
29–30 January (Wednesday–Thursday) Lunar New Year
31 March (Monday) Hari Raya Puasa/Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking Fast)
18 April (Friday) Good Friday
1 May (Monday) Labor Day
12 May (Monday) Vesak Day
6 June (Friday) Hari Raya Haji/Aidiladha/Eid al-Adha (Great Day of Sacrifice)
9 August (Saturday) National Day
21 October (Tuesday) Deepavali
25 December (Monday) Christmas Day

Important Dates in Singapore in 2025

The following are widely observed in Singapore, even though they are not recognized as official holidays. Everything will continue to run on a "business as usual" basis despite the festivities, so plan to attend work or school and have access to all governmental and commercial services.

Date Observance
11 February (Tuesday) Thaipusam
14 February (Friday) Valentine’s Day
1 March (Saturday) Beginning of Ramadan
8 March (Saturday) International Women’s Day
19 April (Saturday) Easter Saturday
20 April (Sunday) Easter Sunday
11 May (Sunday) Mother’s Day
31 May (Saturday) Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival)
15 June (Sunday) Father’s Day
1 July (Tuesday) Singapore Armed Forces Day
5 September (Friday) Teacher’s Day (public schools have the day off or organize celebrations to honor teachers)
15-17 September (Friday-Sunday) Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
3 October (Friday) Children’s Day (only primary schools are closed so children can spend time with their family)

Singapore Observation Days in 2025

Date Observation Day
February 11th Thaipusam
February 14th Valentine’s Day
February 15th Total Defence Day
March 1st Ramadan Start
March 8th International Women’s Day
July 1st Singapore Armed Forces Day
July 21st Racial Harmony Day
September 5th Teachers’ Day
October 3rd Children’s Day
December 24th Christmas Eve
December 31st New Years Eve

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A Full List of Public Holidays in Singapore 2025

January 1, Wednesday: New Year's Day (National holiday)

New Year's Day
New Year's Day

Singapore observes a public holiday on January 1st to celebrate the start of a new year, similar to many other nations. The first day of the new year is a significant date and a wonderful reason to celebrate, regardless of age!

Singapore is renowned for its exciting New Year's Eve countdown parties, which are popular with younger people. These parties feature live music performances, DJs, and dancing on the beach and bayfront areas. If extravagant countdown events aren't your thing, you can always celebrate by counting down to the new year with your loved ones at home or at neighborhood pubs while indulging in delectable food and beverages. In Singapore, the actual New Year's Day is usually quite relaxed, with many families choosing to spend the day together in the city's parks, shopping centers, and residential areas.

January 29, Wednesday: Lunar New Year's Day (National holiday)

Given that over 75% of Singapore's population is Chinese, the first two days of the Chinese New Year are observed as public holidays and are observed annually as a major festival. A new zodiac year begins with the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated in accordance with the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated as a way to drive out bad luck and evil spirits and welcome in wealth and good fortune for the coming year.

Many of the customs surrounding this festival are deeply ingrained in Chinese tradition, as it has been observed for thousands of years. Chinese New Year is observed for 15 days. People wear red, watch lion dances, spend time with family, give and receive red packets of money, and offer prayers to their ancestors.

Go to Chinatown for the best Chinese New Year vibes; the streets will be lit up and decorated with bright red lanterns for the entire month preceding the celebration. It's also a great thing if your friends who live nearby invite you to join them for the celebrations at their houses! Bring a pair of mandarin oranges to give as a gift to the home owner, wear red or other vibrant colors (avoid black or white as these are associated with funerals), and prepare to eat a lot of delicious snacks like pineapple tarts, butter cookies, and sweet BBQ meats. Naturally, extend a hearty "Gong xi fa cai!" or "Xin nian kuai le!" to the hosts upon their arrival.

February 11, Tuesday: Thaipusam (Observance)

Thaipusam
Thaipusam

Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival in Singapore dedicated to Lord Murugan, the deity of youth, power, and virtue. Celebrated primarily by the Tamil community, Thaipusam involves devotees undertaking acts of devotion and penance. The most dramatic of these is the carrying of kavadis, intricate frameworks adorned with peacock feathers, flowers, and milk pots. Devotees pierce their bodies with skewers and hooks as an expression of their faith and endurance. The procession starts at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, covering a distance of about 4 kilometers. The atmosphere is charged with chants and hymns, creating a deeply spiritual and visually striking event.

February 14, Friday: Valentine's Day (Observance)

Valentine's Day in Singapore is a celebration of love and affection between couples. This day sees a flurry of romantic activities, including the exchange of flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt cards. Restaurants and cafes are often fully booked as couples indulge in romantic dinners and special menus. Many choose to commemorate the day with unique experiences such as sunset cruises, staycations, or visiting iconic spots like Gardens by the Bay for a picturesque date. The day is also popular for marriage proposals, making it a significant date in the calendars of many Singaporeans who celebrate love and relationships.

February 15, Saturday: Total Defense Day (Observance)

Total Defense Day
Total Defense Day

Total Defense Day in Singapore is a day of national observance that commemorates the fall of Singapore to the Japanese during World War II on February 15, 1942. It serves as a reminder of the importance of defending the nation through a comprehensive strategy that includes military, civil, economic, social, and psychological defense. Activities on this day often include educational programs in schools, exhibitions, and community events that promote awareness of Singapore's defense strategies. The day emphasizes the role of every citizen in contributing to the nation's security and resilience, fostering a spirit of unity and preparedness among Singaporeans.

March 1, Saturday: Ramadan Start (Tentative Date) (Observance)

The start of Ramadan is a significant event for Muslims in Singapore, marking the beginning of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, focusing on spiritual growth and self-discipline. The community gathers for Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, often sharing this moment with family and friends. Mosques hold special nightly prayers called Tarawih, and the faithful increase their acts of charity and community service. Ramadan fosters a sense of community and compassion, culminating in the joyous celebration of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), which marks the end of the fasting month.

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March 8, Saturday: International Women's Day (Observance)

March 20, Thursday: March Equinox (Season)

March 31, Monday: Hari Raya Puasa (Tentative Date) (National holiday)

Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa

Muslims observe Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, which concludes with Hari Raya Puasa. For Muslims, Ramadan is a very significant time when they pray, engage in charitable deeds, and fast from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Hari Raya, literally meaning "a big day of rejoicing" in Malay, is a time for people to strengthen their family ties and ask for forgiveness for past transgressions.

For those who celebrate, the day itself is typically filled with customs and family get-togethers. Before beginning family visits, the mosque is visited in the morning. Large feasts would be prepared for the occasion, and everyone attending would be treated to a sumptuous spread of food and snacks. Elderly people also give green packets to kids as a symbol of kindness and forgiveness.

You can expect delicious food and a delightful time of warmth and laughter if you are fortunate enough to be invited into a home for a Hari Raya celebration! Please extend a "Selamat Hari Raya" greeting to the hosts and everyone in the house, and express your gratitude to them for their hospitality. Additionally, you should remember to dress appropriately and stay away from skimpy apparel; it's preferable if you can cover your arms and legs.

Additionally, you ought to visit Geylang Serai, which is a hive of bustling night bazaars during Hari Raya and is exquisitely illuminated each year.

April 1, Tuesday: April Fool's Day (Observance)

April 18, Friday: Good Friday (National holiday)

Good Friday is observed as a national holiday in Singapore and is a day of observance for Catholics and Christians worldwide. On this solemn day commemorating Jesus's crucifixion, Christians and Catholics typically attend church services and engage in introspection. During the same weekend, people celebrate Easter Sunday, which is far happier because it honors Jesus's resurrection from the dead.

During a period of introspection known as Lent, Christians and Catholics in Singapore usually begin preparing for Good Friday about 40 days in advance. Christians and Catholics may make a sacrifice during that time by giving up something they enjoy, like their favorite food or pastime, while others try to perform more charitable or good deeds. Christians and Catholics typically attend solemn church services on Good Friday.

You can attend a church service at a Christian or Catholic church if you'd like to feel the solemnity of the day for yourself. It's common sense to dress appropriately (no skimpy attire) and to conduct yourself with respect during religious services.

April 19, Saturday: Easter Saturday (Observance)

April 20, Sunday: Easter Sunday (Observance)

May 1, Thursday: Labour Day (National holiday)

 Labour Day
Labour Day

Singapore observes May 1st as Labour Day to honour all workers' contributions to the nation. In 1960, following the election of the People's Action Party (PAP), the current ruling political party in Singapore, it was first observed as a public holiday. The holiday used to be largely associated with rallies, but these days it is mostly a day for employees to take a well-earned break.

The best way for Singaporeans to commemorate this public holiday is to take a well-earned vacation from work! Many people are enjoying the day with their families and friends in the parks and throughout the city.

A few Singaporeans also anticipate watching the Prime Minister of Singapore's inaugural May Day rally speech (you can read last year's here!). The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) hosts the May Day Fiesta, an occasion for union members and their families to celebrate the day for its intrinsic significance, if you really want to get into the spirit of things.

May 11, Sunday: Mother's Day (Observance)

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May 12, Monday: Vesak Day (National holiday)

Vesak Day is a peaceful day of prayer, offerings, processions, and good deeds for believers celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

Buddhists begin their Vesak Day celebrations at sunrise with prayers and offerings at the temple. They then spend the remainder of the day performing acts of kindness such as visiting nursing homes, setting up drives for donations of blood and food, or collecting money for the less fortunate. On this day, devotees will only eat vegetarian food.

Consider going to a Buddhist temple to observe some of the customs or take part in the planned charitable activities if you want to celebrate Vesak Day in Singapore. The Buddhist Library, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, and the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery are a few temples or complexes you might visit.

May 18, Sunday: International Museum Day (Observance)

June 6, Friday: Hari Raya Haji (Tentative Date) (National holiday)

Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji

Muslims also celebrate Hari Raya Haji, a day that honors the Prophet Ibrahim's total trust and submission to God when he was asked to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. He was given a sheep to use for the sacrifice instead of having to do it, and believers still commemorate this day by offering live animals at mosques, such as cows, sheep, goats, or lambs. The traditional conclusion of the hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, undertaken by thousands of Muslims worldwide, is also observed on Hari Raya Haji.

The mosque is where worshippers begin their day with prayers and a homily. There is a contemplative and reflective atmosphere, and many believers are participating in charitable endeavors and cozy get-togethers with loved ones. There is no longer any actual animal slaughter taking place in Singaporean mosques. Alternatively, followers can register on the internet korban portal through a mosque to have an animal killed in Australia; the meat is then refrigerated and transported by air to Singapore, where it can be shared with loved ones and the underprivileged.

June 15, Sunday: Father's Day (Observance)

Learn more: Father's Day: Date, History, Meaning And Celebration

June 21, Saturday: June Solstice (Season)

July 1, Tuesday: Singapore Armed Forces Day (Observance)

Singapore Armed Forces Day is an important observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of the members of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Celebrated on July 1, this day features a range of activities including parades, ceremonies, and military displays. The event aims to honor the commitment of SAF personnel in safeguarding the nation's security and fostering national pride. Schools, communities, and military institutions participate in activities to show appreciation for the armed forces, reinforcing the importance of national defense and unity.

July 21, Monday: Racial Harmony Day (Observance)

Racial Harmony Day in Singapore is celebrated on July 21 to commemorate the 1964 race riots and promote social cohesion among the diverse ethnic communities. Schools play a significant role in this observance, organizing cultural activities, traditional games, and educational programs to foster understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Students often wear traditional costumes and participate in discussions and workshops about the importance of racial harmony. The day serves as a reminder of the need for mutual respect and the collective effort required to maintain a peaceful, multicultural society.

August 9, Saturday: National Day (National holiday)

Every year on August 9, Singaporeans commemorate their independence from Malaysia in 1965! It is evident that National Day is a national public holiday.

Regardless of color or religion, this is one of the public holidays that truly unites the entire nation. Many Singaporean nationalists proudly fly flags and decals on their cars on this day, and many wear the red and white colors of the flag.

Free tickets for the National Day Parade, which is a stunning exhibition of her past, present achievements, and future aspirations, are available to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents through online voting months in advance of the event. A true spectacle that makes the heart swell with pride, it features military parades, multicultural song and dance, live performances, thrilling light shows, and spectacular fireworks displays.

If you're not able to attend the parade, there are always family carnivals, military parades, and fireworks displays to enjoy in the heartland. Be ready to take in the atmosphere when you visit Singapore because the entire week leading up to the big day is typically a time of great cheer for the country (think limited edition items or food that pays homage to the patriotic spirit of the season, special discounts at stores, and special promotions at pubs and eateries, etc.)!

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September 5, Friday: Teachers' Day (Observance)

To recognise the contributions and dedication of our teachers, MOE typically celebrates Teachers’ Day on the last Friday of Term 3 before the September school holidays.

Teacher’s Day will be marked as a school holiday.

How Can You Celebrate Teachers’ Day?

Here are some meaningful ways to show appreciation for teachers day:

Handwritten Notes: A heartfelt note can mean the world to a teacher. Encourage your child to write one, or pen a few words yourself.

Simple Gifts: Consider small, thoughtful gifts like a personalized mug or a plant.

Classroom Decorations: Organize a small group of parents and students to decorate the classroom with banners and balloons.

Thank You Video: Create a compilation of thank-you messages from students and parents.

September 23, Tuesday: September Equinox (Season)

October 3, Friday: Children's Day (Tentative Date) (Observance)

Children's Day in Singapore, typically observed on the first Friday of October, is a special day dedicated to celebrating the joy, innocence, and potential of children. Schools organize fun-filled activities, performances, and games, allowing students to enjoy a break from their regular academic routine.

Teachers often prepare small gifts or treats, and the day includes various recreational activities aimed at promoting creativity and enjoyment. It's a day that highlights the importance of nurturing and cherishing children, recognizing their role in the future of the nation, and ensuring their well-being and happiness.

October 21, Tuesday: Diwali/Deepavali (National holiday)

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Diwali

Every year, Deepavali, a Hindu festival of light and the victory of good over evil, is observed. For believers, it's a happy time filled with family, love, and hope, marked by a special veneration of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The actual dates are determined annually by the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling between October and November.

As the name implies, Deepavali is a festival of lights and color that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Hindu families clean their homes, arrange oil lamps throughout, and decorate their doorways with rangoli—traditional designs made on the floor from flour, sand, rice, or petals—in preparation for welcoming the goddess Lakshmi into their homes. They take an oil bath, go to the temples for prayer, and change into brand-new clothes to begin their day. Families prepare traditional meals and snacks for each other when they visit.

December 21, Sunday: December Solstice (Season)

December 24, Wednesday: Christmas Eve (Observance)

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December 25, Thursday: Christmas Day (National holiday)

Christmas is a much-loved public holiday in Singapore, and it's arguably the most well-known celebration in the world. Christians and Catholics especially look forward to it since it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a great time to eat, shop, and have fun for the rest of us!

In Singapore, Christians and Catholics mark the occasion by attending a special service at church on that day. In December, a lot of churches also host Christmas plays, food and entertainment fairs, carnivals, and carol singing.

Even non-believers in Singapore celebrate Christmas in large numbers. It's now a time when friends and family get together, give and receive heartfelt gifts, and celebrate the end of the year. December sees the festive decoration of malls, and there are plenty of Christmas-themed events and programs available for people of all ages throughout the island. Here in Singapore, there would be an abundance of things to do during the Christmas season!

December 31, Wednesday: New Year's Eve (Observance)

Conclusion

Singapore's 2025 calendar is a reflection of its diverse cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors a chance to participate in a wide array of festivities and traditions. From religious observances to national celebrations, these dates provide a unique glimpse into the island nation's rich heritage.

Whether you're planning to join in the revelry or simply observe, these holidays and observances promise a year full of joy, reflection, and communal harmony.

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