Singapore Public Holiday: Dates and Information for 2024
Are you planning a trip to Singapore in 2024? If so, it’s important to know when the public holidays are so that you can plan accordingly. Singapore has 11 public holidays each year, and they are typically announced well in advance so that you can plan your travels and time off from work.
Public holidays in Singapore are a time for celebration and reflection, and they are an important part of the country’s culture and heritage. From Chinese New Year to Hari Raya Puasa, each holiday has its own unique traditions and customs that you can experience during your visit. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s vibrant street festivals or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the local culture, Singapore’s public holidays offer something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore has 11 public holidays each year, and they are typically announced well in advance.
- Public holidays in Singapore are an important part of the country’s culture and heritage, and they offer a unique opportunity to experience local traditions and customs.
- Planning your travels and time off from work around Singapore’s public holidays can help you make the most of your visit and ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the festivities.
Overview of Singapore Public Holidays
As a resident or visitor in Singapore, it is important to be aware of the public holidays observed in the country. The government of Singapore has announced that there are 11 public holidays every year based on important religious and cultural (historical) dates. Additionally, the Ministry of Manpower oversees the Employment Act of Singapore, according to which, employees must get a paid day off during those days.
Significance of Each Public Holiday
Each public holiday has its own significance and is celebrated in a unique way in Singapore. Here’s a brief overview of the significance of each public holiday:
- New Year’s Day: Celebrated on 1st January, it marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Chinese New Year: A 2-day celebration that usually falls in late January or early February, it marks the start of the lunar new year.
- Good Friday: A Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, it falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
- Labour Day: Celebrated on 1st May, it honours the contributions of workers to society.
- Vesak Day: A Buddhist holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, it falls on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month.
- Hari Raya Puasa: A Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, it falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth lunar month.
- National Day: Celebrated on 9th August, it marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965.
- Hari Raya Haji: A Muslim holiday that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, it falls on the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month.
- Deepavali: A Hindu holiday that celebrates the victory of good over evil, it falls on the fifteenth day of the month of Kartika.
- Christmas: Celebrated on 25th December, it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
- 2024 Public Holiday Dates: The dates of the 11 gazetted public holidays for 2024 are as follows:
| Public Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Monday |
| Chinese New Year | 25-26 January | Friday-Saturday |
| Good Friday | 29 March | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Wednesday |
| Vesak Day | 18 May | Saturday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 5 June | Wednesday |
| National Day | 9 August | Friday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 12 August | Monday |
| Deepavali | 3 November | Sunday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Wednesday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Thursday |
2024 Public Holiday Dates
The Ministry of Manpower has announced the dates of the 11 gazetted public holidays for 2024. These dates are important for employers and employees to plan their work schedules and holidays. The above table provides a summary of the public holiday dates for 2024. Please note that Monday, 12 February 2024, will be a public holiday if your rest day falls on 11 February 2024.
Planning for Public Holidays
Public holidays are a great time to unwind and spend quality time with your loved ones. With proper planning and knowledge of your public holiday entitlements, you can make the most of your time off work.
Maximising Long Weekends
Long weekends are a great opportunity to take a break and explore new places. With proper planning, you can even turn a regular weekend into a long one. For example, if there is a public holiday on a Tuesday, you can take leave on Monday to enjoy a four-day weekend.
Here are the public holidays for 2024 that may create long weekends:
| Public Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Sunday |
| Chinese New Year | 10-11 February | Saturday-Sunday |
| Good Friday | 29 March | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Wednesday |
| Vesak Day | 18 May | Saturday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 5 June | Wednesday |
| National Day | 9 August | Friday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 12 August | Monday |
| Deepavali | 28 October | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Wednesday |
Public Holiday Entitlements for Employees
As an employee, you are entitled to public holidays under the Employment Act enforced by the Ministry of Manpower. If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, you are entitled to a replacement holiday. If it falls on a Sunday, you are entitled to a replacement holiday or an extra day’s salary.
Here are the official changes for public holidays in 2025:
| Public Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Wednesday |
| Chinese New Year | 29-30 January | Thursday-Friday |
| Good Friday | 18 April | Friday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Thursday |
| Vesak Day | 7 May | Wednesday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 24 May | Saturday |
| National Day | 9 August | Saturday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 2 August | Saturday |
| Deepavali | 15 November | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Thursday |
As an employer, it is important to ensure that your employees receive their public holiday entitlements. This includes paying them for work done on a public holiday and providing replacement holidays if necessary.
In conclusion, with proper planning and knowledge of your public holiday entitlements, you can make the most of your time off work and enjoy your holidays to the fullest. Remember to check the official changes for public holidays and plan ahead to maximise your long weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for Singapore’s public holidays in 2024?
The dates for Singapore’s public holidays in 2024 are as follows:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January 2024, Tuesday
- Chinese New Year: 10-11 February 2024, Sunday-Monday
- Good Friday: 29 March 2024, Friday
- Labour Day: 1 May 2024, Wednesday
- Vesak Day: 18 May 2024, Saturday
- Hari Raya Puasa: 5 June 2024, Wednesday
- National Day: 9 August 2024, Friday
- Hari Raya Haji: 12 August 2024, Monday
- Deepavali: 28 October 2024, Monday
- Christmas Day: 25 December 2024, Wednesday
How many public holidays are there in Singapore for the year 2025?
There will be 11 public holidays in Singapore for the year 2025.
Are there any long weekends expected in Singapore’s 2024 public holiday calendar?
Yes, there will be a few long weekends in Singapore’s 2024 public holiday calendar. For example, the Chinese New Year holidays fall on a Sunday and Monday, which means that if your rest day is on the Saturday before, you will get a long weekend. Similarly, the Hari Raya Haji holiday falls on a Monday, which means that if your rest day is on the Sunday after, you will get a long weekend.
Which public holidays in Singapore coincide with school holidays in 2024?
The public holidays that coincide with school holidays in 2024 are as follows:
- Chinese New Year: 10-11 February 2024, Sunday-Monday (Schools will be closed from 10-14 February 2024)
- Good Friday: 29 March 2024, Friday (Schools will be closed from 29 March-1 April 2024)
- Vesak Day: 18 May 2024, Saturday (Schools will be closed on 17 May 2024)
- Hari Raya Puasa: 5 June 2024, Wednesday (Schools will be closed from 5-6 June 2024)
- National Day: 9 August 2024, Friday (Schools will be closed on 9 August 2024)
- Deepavali: 28 October 2024, Monday (Schools will be closed on 28 October 2024)
How does the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore determine public holidays?
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore determines public holidays based on the dates of religious and cultural significance to the various ethnic and religious groups in Singapore. These dates are then gazetted as public holidays.
What happens if a public holiday in Singapore falls on a weekend?
If a public holiday in Singapore falls on a weekend, the following Monday will usually be a public holiday. However, if the Monday is already a public holiday, then the Tuesday will be a public holiday instead.