Singapore’s public holidays in 2025 offer a chance for residents and visitors to plan their year around festive seasons, cultural celebrations, and long weekends. With 11 gazetted holidays, including religious, national, and civic observances, the calendar provides multiple opportunities for rest, travel, and family time. From the vibrant celebrations of Chinese New Year to solemn religious commemorations like Hari Raya Puasa, these holidays reflect Singapore’s multicultural fabric. Understanding the schedule helps with planning vacations, school breaks, or even staycations, ensuring you can make the most of each public holiday.
List of Singapore Public Holidays 2025
The Ministry of Manpower officially announced 11 public holidays for 2025. These holidays cover a mix of cultural, religious, and national occasions :
- 1 January (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
- 29 January (Wednesday) – Chinese New Year Day 1
- 30 January (Thursday) – Chinese New Year Day 2
- 31 March (Monday) – Hari Raya Puasa
- 18 April (Friday) – Good Friday
- 1 May (Thursday) – Labour Day
- 12 May (Monday) – Vesak Day
- 7 June (Saturday) – Hari Raya Haji
- 9 August (Saturday) – National Day
- 20 October (Monday) – Deepavali
- 25 December (Thursday) – Christmas Day
In addition to these, the general election polling day on 3 May 2025 is also a public holiday
How Holidays Align with Long Weekends
Several holidays fall adjacent to weekends or midweek, creating chances for extended breaks:
- Chinese New Yearon Wed-Thu (29-30 Jan) opens up the option to take Friday off for a five-day weekend.
- Hari Raya Puasaon Monday (31 Mar) offers a convenient three-day break.
- Good Friday(18 Apr) forms another long weekend.
- Deepavalion Monday (20 Oct) also brings a long weekend.
The remaining holidays like Labour Day, Vesak Day, and Christmas fall on weekdays that could be combined with annual leave for longer vacations.
Understanding Cultural and Religious Holidays
Many of Singapore’s public holidays honour the nation’s diverse heritage. Understanding their significance helps appreciate the cultural depth behind each day.
Cultural Observances
- Chinese New Yearmarks the lunar new year with traditional customs and gatherings.
- Deepavali, falling on 20 October, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrating inner good triumphing over evil
Religious Holidays
- Hari Raya Puasa(31 Mar) celebrates the end of Ramadan, reflecting Singapore’s Muslim community’s practices.
- Hari Raya Haji(7 Jun) commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to make a sacrifice, marking its spiritual importance
- Vesak Day(12 May) honours the birth and enlightenment of Buddha.
- Good FridayandChristmasreflect the Christian heritage and its significance domestically.
Civic and National Observances
Other holidays focus on national identity and civic duty:
- New Year’s Dayushers in the Gregorian calendar.
- Labour Daycelebrates workers’ contributions.
- National Dayon 9 August marks Singapore’s independence.
- Polling Dayon 3 May reminds Singaporeans of their democratic participation obligations
Planning Around Public Holidays
Leveraging these holidays effectively can enhance your 2025 year:
Maximizing Time Off
- For Chinese New Year, taking 31 Jan off gives a continuous five-day break from 29 Jan to 2 Feb.
- Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali naturally connect to weekends for easy long weekends.
- Good Friday and Christmas each offer opportunities for three- or four-day breaks with minimal leave used.
Travel and Staycation Ideas
Use long weekends to explore regional destinations like Bali or Bangkok, or stay local with short trips to nearby beaches or nature reserves. Holiday lanes tend to fill up, so planning early ensures better bookings and deals.
Employer and Employee Rights
Under Singapore’s Employment Act, working on a public holiday entitles employees to an extra day’s pay or time off in lieu. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next weekday is gazetted as a public holiday
Singapore’s public holidays in 2025 reflect the city-state’s rich cultural tapestry and civic structure. With a blend of modern, religious, and national commemorations, the calendar presents many opportunities for rest, travel, and celebration. Whether planning overseas trips, recharging at home, or engaging in community events, staying informed about these dates helps optimize personal and professional schedules. By planning around long weekends and understanding the significance of each holiday, 2025 can become a year of meaningful breaks and memorable experiences in Singapore.
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