Mark your calendars with these 2024 public holidays and make the most of your time off
With 11 public holidays and five long weekends in Singapore in 2024, you have plenty of time to explore the city (and beyond) in order to make the most of your days off. Here's our guide to all the major public holidays in Singapore, how you can strategically plan your leave and all the fun things to do during the break. From partaking in vibrant local festivals to jetting off for a short getaway, there's plenty to do during your well-deserved time off work.
RECOMMENDED 101 things to do in Singapore and the best attractions in Singapore
Falls on Wednesday.
Ah, that awkward midweek public holiday. Our advice? Take the whole week off and enjoy 9 days exploring perennial favourites like Tokyo and Seoul. Not a fan of the brutal summer? It'll be chilly down under with plenty happening in Melbourne and Sydney.
Of course, you could always stay in Singapore and find a spot to watch the fireworks.
Falls on Sunday.
Nice, another long weekend. This time, it's to celebrate the Festival of Lights and the triumph of good over evil. Take the time to explore Little India, one of Singapore's coolest neighbourhoods, or settle for a spicy and delicious meal at one of the city's top Indian restaurants.
Falls on Monday.
Everyone knows that Orchard Road is the place to be come December, where the street transforms into a glittering wonderland of light displays complete with festive markets and holiday performances.
While there's plenty to do in Singapore during this time, it's also a popular period to take the week between Christmas and New Year's off work. Head to Europe to experience snowfall and legit Christmas markets. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Falls on a Monday.
And just like that, 2023 is done and we're ringing in the new year. Start your year right by watching the sunrise or whatever your annual new year ritual might be. You'll catch us going on a little walk or hike around the city.
Falls on a Saturday.
It's the first day of Chinese New Year. Also known as the Lunar New Year, this is one of Singapore's biggest festivals where families reunite over meals and exchange red packets as tokens of good wishes.
If you celebrate, prepare ahead by watching out for our round-up of the best CNY menus for reunion dinner.
Falls on a Saturday.
The following Monday (Feb 12) will be a public holiday. Spend the long weekend over steamboat with friends and family, or visit one of the best Chinese New Year events in the city.
Falls on a Friday.
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Take this chance to explore some of Singapore's historic buildings set up by Christian missionaries like CHIJMES, which was once a Catholic convent.
Falls on a Wednesday.
Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, which Muslims observe as the month of fasting. Join in the celebrations by visiting the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. Alternatively, spend the weekend exploring Kampong Gelam where festivities will be in full swing.
Falls on a Wednesday.
Labour Day is a celebration of worker's rights. We're sure you deserve a longer rest, so why not take the Thursday and Friday off for a short jaunt to one of these idyllic beach getaways?
Falls on a Wednesday.
Buddhists around the world celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha on Vesak Day. It's seen as a time for reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness and generosity.
To experience Vesak Day in Singapore, head to the Buddhist temples in the city, such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown.
Falls on a Monday.
Hari Raya Haji marks the end of Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. This is a time of prayer and sacrifice for Muslims and non-Muslims can take this time to learn more about the culture by visiting the iconic Sultan Mosque.
You get a long weekend this year, so we recommend visiting underrated destinations like Chiang Mai or Surabaya while the rest of Singapore flocks to Bangkok and Bali.
Falls on a Friday.
Rejoice, another long weekend. If you're staying in Singapore, do head out to catch the National Day Parade fireworks. Our guide has all the tips to avoid the inevitable crowds.
Falls on a Thursday.
It's that awkward Thursday off. Make the most of this public holiday by taking leave on Friday too. Book yourself into a swanky staycation suite for some R&R – don't forget to indulge in some vegetarian Indian cuisine to mark the occasion too.
Falls on a Wednesday.
And it's the most beautiful time of the year again. Watch out for our recommendations for the best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore.
And if you've taken long leave until the end of the year, here are some snowy destinations you can visit for that perfect white Christmas.
Discover Time Out original video
