Introduction to Bank Holidays in Singapore 2026
Planning ahead for 2026? If you’re a UK expat living in Singapore, a British business owner trading there, or simply a traveller from England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, understanding bank holidays in Singapore 2026 is essential. In Singapore, these are officially termed ‘public holidays’ rather than ‘bank holidays’ as we know them in the UK, but the effect is similar: most businesses, schools, and government offices close, giving workers a day off.
Singapore’s public holidays reflect its multicultural society, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian, Christian, and secular celebrations. There are typically 11 public holidays annually, with Islamic dates tentative until confirmed by the religious authorities closer to the time. This guide provides the projected 2026 dates, practical advice, and a direct comparison to UK bank holidays 2026 to help you align schedules across borders.
Whether you’re booking flights from Heathrow, coordinating with London teams, or enjoying a long weekend in Sentosa, this UK-focused overview ensures you’re prepared. Note: Dates for Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are projections based on lunar sightings; official confirmation comes from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Full List of Public Holidays in Singapore 2026
Here’s the complete projected list of bank holidays in Singapore 2026, including the day of the week for easy planning:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Chinese New Year: Tuesday, 17 February 2026 and Wednesday, 18 February 2026 (two consecutive days)
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr): Monday, 20 April 2026 (tentative)
- Labour Day: Friday, 1 May 2026
- Vesak Day: Monday, 1 June 2026
- Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha): Thursday, 18 June 2026 (tentative)
- National Day: Saturday, 9 August 2026
- Deepavali: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 (tentative)
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
National Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so no additional substitute day, but check for school holidays extensions. Public transport runs normally, but expect crowds at popular spots like Gardens by the Bay.
Table of Singapore 2026 Public Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 17-18 Feb | Chinese New Year | Tue-Wed |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday | Friday |
| 20 Apr | Hari Raya Puasa | Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Friday |
| 1 Jun | Vesak Day | Monday |
| 18 Jun | Hari Raya Haji | Thursday |
| 9 Aug | National Day | Saturday |
| 10 Nov | Deepavali | Tuesday |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Friday |
Key Dates and What to Expect
Chinese New Year (17-18 Feb): The biggest celebration, with lion dances, family reunions, and markets. Expect closures for two days; many extend to a week off. UK visitors: akin to a festive Christmas period.
Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter overlap: Matches UK Good Friday, but no Easter Monday in Singapore.
Labour Day (1 May): Parades and worker tributes; shops may open partially.
Islamic Holidays: Hari Raya Puasa marks Ramadan’s end with feasting; Hari Raya Haji involves pilgrimages. Tentative dates mean flexibility—monitor MOM announcements.
National Day (9 Aug): Parades at Marina Bay; patriotic fervour.
Deepavali (10 Nov): Festival of Lights; little India buzzes with sweets and fireworks.
Christmas is low-key compared to UK, but Orchard Road sparkles.
Comparison: Singapore vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
For UK expats and businesses, comparing schedules avoids clashes. UK bank holidays 2026 (per gov.uk) are:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (all UK)
- 2 January: Friday (Scotland only)
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (all UK)
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Early May: Monday, 4 May 2026 (all UK)
- Spring: Monday, 25 May 2026 (all UK)
- Summer (Scotland): Monday, 3 August 2026
- Summer (England, Wales, NI): Monday, 31 August 2026
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026 (Scotland)
- Christmas: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026 (as 26 Dec is Saturday)
Overlaps and Differences:
- Shared: New Year’s Day (1 Jan Thu) and Good Friday (3 Apr Fri)—perfect for joint long weekends.
- Singapore extras: Chinese New Year (Feb), Vesak (Jun), National Day (Aug), Deepavali (Nov), Islamic dates (Apr/Jun).
- UK extras: Easter Monday, multiple May/Aug holidays, Scotland-specific.
Total: Singapore ~11, UK 8-10 regionally. Singapore has more clustered in Q1/Q2; UK spreads summer breaks. Expats: UK Easter Monday (6 Apr) follows Singapore Good Friday, ideal for UK-Singapore trips.
Planning Tips for UK Expats and Travellers
Travel from the UK
Book BA or SQ flights around overlaps. E.g., Good Friday 3 Apr: fly post-UK Easter for extended break. Avoid CNY peaks—prices soar like Heathrow to Singapore at Christmas.
Business Coordination
Remote teams? Align meetings outside holidays. Use tools like Google Calendar with Singapore/UK overlays. Note: Singapore banks close, but ATMs work; international transfers may delay.
Family and School Holidays
Singapore school terms: Check MOE for Term 1 (Jan-Mar), aligning with CNY. UK families: Singapore March hols match UK Easter.
Long Weekends
- Labour Day Fri 1 May + Early May Mon 4 May (UK): 4-day bridge.
- Vesak Mon 1 Jun: Extend with weekend.
Legal Notes
Public holidays are paid for full-time workers (Employment Act). No automatic extra pay unless contracted.
How Dates Are Set and Historical Context
Secular dates fixed; Chinese per lunar calendar; Vesak/Deepavali astronomical; Islamic by moon sighting (Majlis Ugama Islam). Gov announces by year-end.
Singapore’s holidays evolved post-1965 independence, adding National Day. UK bank holidays trace to 1871 Bank Holidays Act, now fixed/substitute per Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
FAQs on Singapore Bank Holidays 2026
Are they paid? Yes, for eligible workers. Do shops open? Supermarkets often yes; tourist spots too. COVID impact? None expected; follow MOM. UK passport holders? Visa-free 90 days; plan holidays accordingly.
This guide arms you with facts for 2026. Bookmark for updates from MOM or gov.uk for UK. Safe travels!
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