Understanding Bank Holidays in Singapore 2026
In Singapore, what UK visitors often refer to as ‘bank holidays’ are officially known as public holidays. These are days when most government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close, providing a welcome break for residents and visitors alike. Unlike the UK’s bank holidays, which vary by nation, Singapore’s 11 public holidays are standardised nationwide and include a mix of secular, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, and national observances.
For 2026, with its context in April highlighting the Easter period, this guide is essential for British travellers, expats, or businesses planning trips or operations. We’ll list all dates, explain their significance, compare to UK bank holidays, and offer practical advice. Note that Islamic holidays (Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji) are tentative, pending moon-sighting confirmation by Singapore’s authorities.
Complete List of Singapore Public Holidays 2026
Here’s the full calendar for Singapore public holidays in 2026. All dates are confirmed except where noted:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Chinese New Year: Saturday, 17 January & Sunday, 18 January 2026 (two days)
- Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr): Friday, 20 March 2026 (tentative)
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Labour Day: Friday, 1 May 2026
- Vesak Day: Sunday, 31 May 2026
- Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha): Sunday, 28 June 2026 (tentative)
- National Day: Sunday, 9 August 2026
- Deepavali: Sunday, 8 November 2026 (tentative)
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
These fall mostly on weekends in 2026, potentially leading to long weekends if adjacent to Fridays or Mondays. For instance, Good Friday (3 April) creates a four-day break with the weekend.
Significance and History of Key Holidays
New Year’s Day (1 January)
Celebrated globally, this marks the start of the Gregorian calendar. In Singapore, it’s a time for countdown parties at Marina Bay Sands and family gatherings. Banks and offices close, but tourist spots like Sentosa remain open.
Chinese New Year (17-18 January)
The most vibrant festival, honouring the lunar calendar’s Year of the Fire Horse in 2026. Expect lion dances, red packets (hongbao), and yu sheng tossing. Chinatown buzzes with markets; avoid if you dislike crowds.
Hari Raya Puasa (20 March, tentative)
Ending Ramadan, Muslims feast with ketupat and rendang. Mosques host prayers; Malay areas like Geylang Serai light up.
Good Friday (3 April)
A Christian observance of Jesus’s crucifixion. Churches hold services; relevant for April 2026 planning as it aligns with Easter weekend.
Labour Day (1 May)
Honours workers with parades at Labour Movement events. A nod to international labour rights.
Vesak Day (31 May)
Commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Temples like Vesak Day celebrations at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple feature lantern releases.
Hari Raya Haji (28 June, tentative)
Marks Eid al-Adha, celebrating Abraham’s sacrifice. Includes animal sacrifices and charity.
National Day (9 August)
Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965, with a massive parade at Padang, fireworks, and red-white fervour.
Deepavali (8 November, tentative)
Festival of Lights for Hindus, with kolam designs and sweets in Little India.
Christmas Day (25 December)
A secular celebration with Orchard Road lights, Santa hats, and turkey dinners despite the tropical heat.
Comparison: Singapore vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
As a UK-focused guide, here’s how Singapore’s holidays stack up against UK bank holidays in 2026 (sourced from official references):
- New Year’s Day: Both on Thursday, 1 January 2026 (all UK).
- Scotland-specific: UK has 2 January (Friday) in Scotland only; Singapore has no equivalent.
- Easter: Good Friday 3 April (all UK and Singapore); Easter Monday 6 April (England, Wales, NI; not Scotland or Singapore).
- May Holidays: Singapore Labour Day 1 May (Fri); UK Early May 4 May (Mon, all), Spring 25 May (Mon, all).
- Summer: Singapore National Day 9 August (Sun); UK Summer bank holiday Scotland 3 August (Mon), England/Wales/NI 31 August (Mon).
- November: Scotland St Andrew’s Day 30 November (Mon); no Singapore match.
- Christmas: Both 25 December (Fri); UK Boxing Day 26 December (Sat, substitute 28 December Mon where applicable); Singapore only Christmas Day.
Overlaps like New Year and Good Friday mean dual planning for expats. Singapore has more cultural diversity (e.g., CNY, Deepavali) absent in UK lists, but fewer total days (11 vs UK’s 8-10 depending on region).
What Closes on Public Holidays?
Banks, government offices (e.g., ICA for visas), and schools shut fully. Supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice operate reduced hours; hawker centres stay open. MRT and buses run normally or extended. Attractions like Gardens by the Bay are open, often busier. ATMs work 24/7.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026
Best Times to Visit
Avoid CNY (Jan) and National Day (Aug) for crowds. April 2026 post-Good Friday is ideal: mild weather (28-32°C), fewer tourists. Fly via Heathrow to Changi (12-13 hours, e.g., SIA or BA).
Visa and Entry
UK passport holders get 90-day visa-free stay. Check for updates.
Long Weekends and Deals
With many on Sundays, pair with annual leave: e.g., Good Friday + weekend = Thu-Fri off if taking Mon. Book hotels early for Christmas.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress modestly at temples/mosques. During CNY, avoid white (mourning colour). Try local foods but respect no-alcohol zones.
Business Travel
If working, note closures; schedule around holidays. Singapore’s time zone (GMT+8) means 7-8 hour difference from UK.
COVID/Health Prep
Monitor Singapore MOH for rules; vaccinations standard.
Planning Tools and Resources
- Download MOM app for updates.
- Calendar: iCal/Google compatible lists online.
- UK FCDO travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/singapore.
This guide ensures you’re holiday-ready for 2026. With Singapore’s efficient vibe, even holidays feel productive. Safe travels from Blighty!
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