2026 Guide: Singapore Public Holidays & School Holidays

Planning your year in Singapore requires a clear view of the calendar to balance work, family, and much-needed rest. Whether you are a parent managing school schedules or a professional looking for a quick getaway, knowing the official dates is the first step toward a stress-free year.

In 2026, Singapore residents can look forward to 11 gazetted public holidays, including six highly anticipated long weekends where no extra leave is required. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Singapore Public Holidays & School Holidays, Ministry of Education (MOE) school terms, and major international school schedules.

We have organized everything you need to optimize your time for both 2026 and early 2027 planning. By understanding the holiday calendar early, you can secure better rates for travel and ensure your family activities are perfectly timed.

Complete List of Singapore Public Holidays in 2026

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has confirmed 11 official public holiday days for 2026. Knowing these dates early allows you to beat the rush for flight bookings and staycations. In 2026, several holidays fall on Sundays, which means the following Monday is observed as a public holiday in lieu.

This creates several “built-in” long weekends for the workforce. These periods are excellent for short regional trips or local family bonding activities without using up your annual leave balance.

Gazetted Public Holiday Dates for 2026

How to Maximize Your Annual Leave in 2026

With six long weekends already on the calendar, you can easily extend your breaks by strategically using just a few days of annual leave. Here is how to hack your 2026 schedule:

1. The 5-Day CNY Break: Take leave on Monday, 16 February. This connects the weekend to the two-day Chinese New Year holiday, giving you five consecutive days off.
2. The New Year Extension: Since New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, taking Friday, 2 January off creates a four-day weekend to start your year refreshed.
3. Mid-Year Escape: Hari Raya Haji falls on a Wednesday. By taking Thursday and Friday off, you can enjoy a five-day break that leads directly into the June MOE school holidays.

MOE School Holidays 2026: Essential Dates for Parents

For families with children in local institutions, the MOE school holidays are the primary anchor for all vacation planning. The school year for 2026 begins on 2 January and concludes on 20 November for most primary and secondary levels.

Students in K1 and Primary 1 start on Friday, 2 January, while K2 and Primary 2 to 6 students return on Monday, 5 January. Junior College and Millennia Institute students have slightly different start dates in February and January respectively.

Primary and Secondary School Term Breaks 2026

Scheduled MOE School Holidays

In addition to the public holidays and term breaks, there are three specific days where schools are closed to celebrate students and educators:

• Youth Day: Sunday, 5 July 2026 (Monday, 6 July will be a school holiday).
• Teachers’ Day: Friday, 4 September 2026.
• Children’s Day: Friday, 2 October 2026 (Only for primary schools and MOE kindergartens).

Singapore International School Holidays: What to Expect

The Singapore international school holidays often differ significantly from the local MOE schedule. While international schools always observe the 11 gazetted public holidays, their term breaks are usually aligned with their specific home country curriculum, such as the Northern Hemisphere or Australian cycles.

Most international schools in Singapore, including the Singapore American School and UWCSEA, follow a mid-August start for their academic year. This results in a long summer break in June and July and a three-week winter break in December.

Major International School Break Windows

• Spring/Easter Break: Usually falls between late March and mid-April. Schools like Tanglin Trust and Dulwich College typically take two weeks off during this period.
• Summer Break: This is the longest break for international students, usually spanning from mid-June to mid-August.
• October Half-Term: Most international schools take a one-week or two-week break in mid-October, which is a popular time for families to travel to cooler climates.
• Winter Break: This usually begins around mid-December and lasts until the first week of January, covering both Christmas and New Year.

Looking Ahead: Singapore Public Holidays 2027

Planning a year or more in advance is common in Singapore, especially for those looking to book popular resort destinations. While official dates for 2027 will be confirmed by MOM later, we can provide estimated dates based on the lunar calendar.

The year 2027 is expected to be another great year for travel with several holidays falling near weekends. It is important to note that religious dates for Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are subject to change based on moon sightings.

Estimated 2027 Holiday Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

How many long weekends are there in Singapore in 2026?

There are six official long weekends in 2026. These occur because several public holidays fall on a Friday, Monday, or a Sunday with a Monday in lieu. These holidays include Good Friday, Labour Day, Vesak Day, National Day, Deepavali, and Christmas Day.

What happens if a Singapore public holiday falls on a Sunday?

According to the Singapore Holidays Act, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is designated as a public holiday in lieu. This ensures that employees still receive the benefit of the paid holiday.

Do international schools follow the MOE public holidays?

Yes, all international schools in Singapore must observe the 11 official gazetted public holidays. However, their internal term breaks and “staff development days” are independent of the MOE calendar and vary from school to school.

Conclusion

Understanding the Singapore Public Holidays & School Holidays for 2026 and 2027 is the key to a well-balanced year. With six long weekends on the horizon for 2026, there are ample opportunities to rest and recharge.

We recommend cross-referencing this guide with your specific school or company calendar to ensure absolute accuracy. Start your planning today to make the most of your time with family and friends in the coming year.