The year 2024 in Singapore brings a well-balanced mix of eleven gazetted public holidays that span the country’s multicultural traditions, along with valuable long weekends that many local families and workers look forward to. Important festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali, and National Day are interwoven with globally recognized days such as Good Friday, Labour Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For those planning vacations, staycations, or family gatherings, understanding the holiday calendar offers great opportunities to make the most of these breaks.
Official Public Holidays for 2024
The Ministry of Manpower has announced a total of eleven public holidays for 2024.
- 1 January (Monday) New Year’s Day
- 10 February (Saturday) Chinese New Year (1st day)
- 11 February (Sunday) Chinese New Year (2nd day)
- 12 February (Monday) Chinese New Year holiday-in-lieu
- 29 March (Friday) Good Friday
- 10 April (Wednesday) Hari Raya Puasa
- 1 May (Wednesday) Labour Day
- 22 May (Wednesday) Vesak Day
- 17 June (Monday) Hari Raya Haji
- 9 August (Friday) National Day
- 31 October (Thursday) Deepavali
- 25 December (Wednesday) Christmas Day
These dates follow the annual trend of eleven national public holidays in Singapore, reflecting its multicultural society.
Long Weekends to Watch
There are five notable long weekends in 2024 that can be turned into short vacations or rest breaks:
- Chinese New Year: Saturday (10 Feb), Sunday (11 Feb), and Monday in lieu (12 Feb) make a three-day weekend.
- Good Friday: Friday, 29 March an ideal long weekend to head out of town.
- Hari Raya Haji: Monday, 17 June combines well with the preceding weekend.
- National Day: Friday, 9 August a three-day weekend for celebrations or a quick getaway.
- Deepavali: Thursday, 31 October by applying for a leave on Friday, a long weekend can be created.
Strategic leave applications can extend these breaks such as using Friday 1 November after Deepavali for an extended break.
Making the Most of Long Weekends
With several public holidays falling on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays, 2024 offers an opportunity for residents to enjoy five long weekends. It’s a chance to plan travel, spend time with family, or even staycation and recharge without using too many leave days.
Context Behind the Holidays
Singapore’s public holidays reflect its rich cultural tapestry:
- Chinese New Year: Celebrated by the Chinese community with family gatherings, lion dances, and reunion dinners.
- Hari Raya Puasa: Marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, open houses, and feasts.
- Hari Raya Haji: Reflects the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha with acts of charity and community activities.
- Deepavali: Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing victory of light over darkness, marked by lamp-lighting and cultural celebrations.
- Vesak Day: Buddhists commemorate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.
- National Day: Commemorates Singapore’s independence with parades, fireworks, and patriotic performances.
Religious holidays align with lunar or Islamic calendars and may shift slightly each year. The government ensures replacement days are provided for holidays that fall on weekends.
Work and Leave Considerations
Under the Employment Act, employees are entitled to these eleven paid public holidays. Those compelled to work must receive pay at least at 1.5 times their usual rate, plus the regular daily pay. Employers may offer time-off-in-lieu instead of extra pay for eligible staff.
Employers and employees can also mutually agree on holiday substitution, an option that adds flexibility when planning family or travel plans.
Planning Ahead with Calendar Awareness
Knowing public holiday dates and long weekends early allows individuals and families to better plan their vacation time. Many Singaporeans now strategically use annual leave to extend weekends around Deepavali, National Day, and other holidays. For instance, taking leave on 8 August bridges the weekend around National Day, while leave on 1 November extends the Deepavali period.
Tips for Smart Leave Planning
- Check holiday dates early and mark them in your calendar.
- Plan to take leave around public holidays that fall midweek.
- Book accommodation and travel early during school holiday periods.
- Consider staycations during long weekends to support local tourism.
Additional Cultural Observances
Beyond gazetted holidays, Singapore celebrates many cultural and community events that enhance its social fabric. These include Thaipusam, Total Defence Day, Valentine’s Day, Children’s Day, Teachers’ Day, Racial Harmony Day, and more. While not public holidays, they contribute to the year’s rhythm.
Singapore’s 2024 holiday calendar offers a thoughtful mix of eleven public holidays and five long weekends, providing opportunities to explore local culture, enjoy travel, and spend quality time with loved ones. With a smart holiday and leave strategy, residents can maximize their annual leave, turning midweek breaks into memorable mini-vacations. Understanding the significance of each holiday from cultural celebrations to national milestones enriches the experience and highlights the nation’s multicultural identity.
Whether you plan to escape the city for a weekend retreat or celebrate religious festivities with family, the 2024 public holiday schedule offers many chances to rest, reflect, and reconnect.