Singapore Public Holidays
CNY, Hari Raya, Deepavali, National Day - a multicultural calendar
⚡ Quick Overview
Singapore has 11 public holidays, reflecting its multicultural society. Key holidays: Chinese New Year (2 days), National Day (Aug 9),Deepavali, and Christmas. Most businesses stay open, but banks and government offices close.
🌏 Multicultural Singapore
Singapore's holidays reflect its Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western heritage. You'll experience CNY in Chinatown, Hari Raya in Kampong Glam, Deepavali in Little India, and Christmas on Orchard Road - all in one small island!
📅 2025 Public Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎊 New Year's Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Countdown at Marina Bay |
| 🧧 Chinese New Year | January 29-30 | Wed-Thu | Year of the Snake 🐍 Many take extended leave |
| 🕌 Hari Raya Puasa | March 31* | Monday | End of Ramadan |
| ✝️ Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Long weekend! |
| 👷 Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers' Day |
| ☸️ Vesak Day | May 12 | Monday | Buddha's birthday |
| 🕌 Hari Raya Haji | June 7* | Saturday | Feast of Sacrifice |
| 🇸🇬 National Day | August 9 | Saturday | Singapore's 60th birthday! 🎉 |
| 🪔 Deepavali | October 20 | Monday | Festival of Lights |
| 🎄 Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Orchard Road lights spectacular |
* Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar; dates are approximate.
🧧 Chinese New Year (Jan 29-30)
The biggest holiday in Singapore! Most businesses close for at least 2 days, many Chinese-owned shops close for a week.
What's Closed
- • Most Chinese restaurants (ironic but true!)
- • Many hawker stalls
- • Banks and offices
- • Smaller retail shops
What's Open
- • Major malls (ION, VivoCity)
- • Hotels and attractions
- • Chinatown night market
- • Chain restaurants
🎆 Don't Miss
- • Chinatown street light-up and market
- • River Hongbao at Marina Bay
- • Chingay Parade (Feb 14-15, 2025)
🇸🇬 National Day (August 9)
Singapore's independence day! 2025 marks 60 years (SG60). Massive celebrations at Marina Bay with parade, aerial displays, and fireworks.
- • NDP Parade - Main event at Marina Bay (tickets via ballot)
- • Fighter jet flyovers - Rehearsals in late July/early August
- • Fireworks - Best viewed from Marina Bay, Esplanade
- • Red and white everywhere - Locals dress in national colors
🕌 Hari Raya Puasa
End of Ramadan celebration. Kampong Glam/Geylang Serai light up spectacularly during the month before.
- • Geylang Serai Bazaar - Night market in weeks leading up
- • Light-up - Beautiful decorations in Malay areas
- • Open houses - Traditional visiting (if you're invited!)
- • Business impact - Muslim-owned businesses may close 1-2 days
🪔 Deepavali (October 20)
Hindu Festival of Lights. Little India transforms into a dazzling light display!
- • Little India Light-Up - Begins mid-September
- • Street stalls - Traditional clothes, sweets, decorations
- • Temples - Special prayers and ceremonies
- • Best photo ops - Serangoon Road at night
💼 Business Impact
What Stays Open
- • Major shopping malls (with reduced hours sometimes)
- • Tourist attractions (Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa)
- • Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas
- • Public transport (normal schedule)
What Closes
- • Banks and government offices
- • Stock exchange (SGX)
- • Many small businesses and hawker stalls
- • Some restaurants (especially during CNY)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are shops open on public holidays?
Most malls and major shops stay open. However, smaller businesses, especially during CNY, may close for extended periods.
Do I get a day off if the holiday falls on Sunday?
Yes! When a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday (day off in lieu).
When should I avoid visiting Singapore?
CNY weeks can be tricky - many places closed. But for festive atmosphere, it's actually exciting! Just book accommodation early and plan around closures.
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Last updated: December 2024.