It's been a long few weeks since our last long weekend on Deepavali, and we now have the last public holiday of the year coming fast at us. Our next 'free' day off happens to be Christmas Day on December 25 (Thursday), and it's one we welcome enthusiastically thanks to a slew of dazzling installations (think Sanrio, Disney, Mofusand), bountiful festive feasts, and themed shopping events to prep for this season of giving.
SEE ALSO: Singapore's public holidays for 2026 announced with total of six long weekends
Unlike Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, Vesak Day, and Deepavali, the Christmas Day public holiday doesn't give us a long weekend – but you can easily make it one by applying for a couple of days of leave (and maybe even stretch it until the New Year's Day in 2026). All the better to enjoy Christmas festivities happening around town and spend precious time with friends and family.
Remember that if you're asked to work on a public holiday, your company should be giving you a) time off in lieu, b) an additional day's salary at your payment rate, or even c) overtime pay, depending on your particular scenario. These are all officially required as part of Singapore's Employment Act. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a useful calculator to help you figure out the compensation you should receive, so make sure you don't get shortchanged.
And for the rest who aren’t obligated to work during these public holidays, start planning quick beach getaways, nearby road trips, or a luxurious hotel staycation to make the most of these little breaks. If a year-end getaway is on the cards, we suggest locking in those annual leave dates before your colleagues snag the most ideal weeks first! Otherwise, it's never too early to start planning for next year, since Singapore's public holiday dates for 2026 have just been announced.
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