Public Holidays and Long Weekends to Plan Your Trips in 2026

Buckle up for some unforgettable family fun in 2026. Because public holidays are your ticket to epic adventures! These special days off are perfect for crafting memories with your kids that will stick forever. Picture this: a cozy local getaway, a splash-filled beach day, or maybe even a wild international journey. Public holidays make it all possible and get everyone’s excitement soaring. Since school breaks often sync up with public holidays, you’ve got the green light to plan trips that keep the whole crew grinning from ear to ear. BusyKidd’s done the hard work for you, rounding up a killer list of top destinations for public holidays, complete with tips on where to go and what to do. So, dive into this guide. Start dreaming big. And turn those public holidays into family adventures that’ll be the talk of 2026!

Related Reading: Check out our guide to the best Montessori Kindergartens and Preschools in Singapore, Preschools With Outstanding Outdoor Spaces, 14 Most Affordable International Schools in Singapore.

Why Public Holidays Are Perfect for Family Getaways

Public holidays in 2026 are your ticket to awesome family fun. They’re a break from the usual routine. No school runs. No work stress. Just time to make memories with your kids. Public holidays let you plan cool trips. Maybe a local adventure. Or a beach day with ice cream. Even a big trip abroad works! School breaks often match public holidays. So, planning is easy. You can pick spots your family loves. Think nature hikes, theme parks, or city museums.

This guide’s full of ideas for every public holiday. It’s got kid-friendly places to go. Plus, fun things to do. You’ll find budget options like free local events. Or nearby parks. There are also special spots for big adventures. Booking early for public holidays saves money. You can grab deals on hotels or activities. So, get your calendar, fire up the kids’ excitement and make those public holidays in 2026 epic family adventures!

Singapore has 11 public holidays in 2026. They’re perfect for family adventures! We’ve picked the best spots for each public holiday. All are kid-friendly. Think fun places and activities. We kept date and tradition details short. The focus is on where to go with your family. Especially during school holidays. Get ready for max fun!

New Year’s Day

When: 1 January 2026 (Thursday)
Where to Go:

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (Staycation)
Start 2026 with a fancy staycation at Marina Bay Sands. Kids go wild for the infinity pool and SkyPark Observation Deck. Grab a family package. It includes dining and shopping at the Shoppes. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Marina Bay. They’re a kid favorite! Get there early to nab a good spot for the show.
Sentosa Island, Singapore
Hit Sentosa for a super fun public holiday. Universal Studios Singapore has awesome rides like Battlestar Galactica. Younger kids love the Sesame Street shows. Head to Palawan Beach for its pirate-themed playground. It’s perfect for a New Year’s Eve splash.
Bintan, Indonesia (1-hour ferry)
Zip over to Bintan for a quick beach escape. It’s just a 1-hour ferry ride. Club Med Bintan has kid-friendly pools and water sports. Their New Year’s Eve parties include fun games for kids. The kids’ club keeps little ones busy while you chill.

Phuket, Thailand (1.5–2-hour flight)
Want a bigger trip? Fly to Phuket for a tropical public holiday. It’s only 1.5–2 hours away. Patong Beach offers fun water activities for kids.

School Holiday Tip: New Year’s Day falls during the December school holidays. So kids are free. Plan your New Year’s Eve trip with ease!

Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)

When: 17–18 February 2026 (Tuesday–Wednesday)
Where to Go:

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore (Staycation)
Kick off Lunar New Year with a fun staycation at Resorts World Sentosa. The Hard Rock Hotel has cool family suites. Kids will love Universal Studios Singapore’s Chinese New Year shows. The SEA Aquarium is a blast for everyone!
Batam, Indonesia (45-minute ferry)
Take a quick trip to Batam for a public holiday getaway. It’s just a 45-minute ferry ride. Turi Beach Resort has beachfront villas. Kids can build sandcastles and enjoy activities. Check out the resort’s Lunar New Year events with awesome lion dance shows.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1-hour flight)
Hop on a short flight to Kuala Lumpur for a lively Chinese New Year adventure. Sunway Lagoon has water slides and fun rides for kids. Thean Hou Temple’s Lunar New Year decorations are perfect for family selfies. Stay at Sunway Resort Hotel for easy access to the park.
Bali, Indonesia (2.5–3-hour flight)
Head to Bali for a splashy public holiday. Waterbom Bali is a water park kids go crazy for. Ubud Monkey Forest adds a fun nature vibe. Stay at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. It has kid-friendly pools and special Chinese New Year activities.

School Holiday Tip: Lunar New Year falls during the March school holidays (mid-March).

Hari Raya Puasa (Long Weekend)

When: 21 March 2026 (Saturday)
Where to Go:

Capella Singapore, Sentosa (Staycation)
Spoil your family with a Hari Raya staycation at Capella Singapore on Sentosa. It’s got gorgeous grounds and comfy family suites for kicking back. Kids will love hitting Palawan Beach or bouncing around at HydroDash water park nearby.
Langkawi, Malaysia (1-hour flight)
Zip over to Langkawi for a beachy Hari Raya escape. It’s just a 1-hour flight away. Kids go nuts for Underwater World Langkawi, especially the shark-feeding shows. Crash at The Danna Langkawi for beach fun and cool kids’ activities.

Image Credit: Langkawi_dot_com via Instagram

Desaru, Malaysia (1.5-hour ferry)
Take a quick 1.5-hour ferry to Desaru for a super fun public holiday. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark has epic slides and wave pools. The Desaru Fruit Farm tour is a neat way for kids to learn. Stay at One&Only Desaru Coast for a fancy spot with kid-friendly extras.
Penang, Malaysia (1.5-hour flight)
Head to Penang for a lively Hari Raya trip. George Town’s street art trails are a blast for kids to check out. The Penang Butterfly Farm is a fun nature stop. Stay at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang for beach vibes and family-friendly fun.

School Holiday Tip: Hari Raya Puasa aligns with the March school holidays, so kids are free. Poly students also get this public holiday off. The Ramadan spirit makes it a great time for family trips.

Good Friday (Long Weekend)

When: 3 April 2026 (Friday)
Long Weekend: 3–5 April 2026
Where to Go:

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Make Good Friday a blast at Gardens by the Bay. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are like stepping into a fairy tale, kids will be amazed! The Children’s Garden is the real star, with water play zones for splashing and laughing. Pack a picnic to keep it simple. It’s a perfect, stress-free public holiday right in Singapore.
Krabi, Thailand (1.5-hour flight)
Zip over to Krabi for a sunny Good Friday adventure, just a 1.5-hour flight. Ao Nang Beach is a kid’s dream for snorkeling or paddling around in kayaks. The vibe is super relaxed, with clear waters and soft sand. Stay at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort. Their kids’ clubs keep little ones busy, and the pools are awesome for family fun. A great pick for a public holiday escape!
Phuket, Thailand (1.5–2-hour flight)
Head to Phuket for a fun-packed Good Friday. It’s a quick 1.5–2-hour flight. Splash Jungle Water Park is a kid favorite with wild slides and splash zones. For something special, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, kids can learn about elephants in a kind, ethical way. Stay at Novotel Phuket Resort for cozy rooms and a family-friendly feel. This public holiday will be a hit!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2-hour flight)
Take a 2-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City for a Good Friday adventure with a twist. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a cool way to sneak in some history, kids will feel like explorers. Then, let them loose at Dam Sen Water Park for fun slides and pools. Stay at Hotel Nikko Saigon for comfy beds and a great base to explore. It’s an awesome public holiday mix of learning and play.

School Holiday Tip: Good Friday may fall near the March school holidays. Check your child’s school for schedules. The 2025 school term in Singapore has breaks in March, June, September, and November–December.

Labour Day (Long Weekend)

When: 1 May 2026 (Friday)
Long Weekend: 1–3 May 2026
Where to Go:

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore (Staycation): Book a staycation at Resorts World Sentosa for Labour Day. Universal Studios Singapore offers rides and shows. The SEA Aquarium is perfect for younger kids.
Batam, Indonesia (45-minute ferry): Batam’s Nongsa Point Marina Resort has beach activities and kids’ pools. Take a go-karting trip at Golden City Go-Kart for a fun public holiday.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (2-hour flight): Visit Lok Kawi Wildlife Park for animal encounters. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers snorkeling for older kids. Stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru for family amenities.
Siem Reap, Cambodia (2.5-hour flight): Explore Angkor Wat for an educational public holiday. The Phare Circus is a kid-friendly show. Stay at Park Hyatt Siem Reap for luxury.

School Holiday Tip: Labour Day is outside the main school holidays, but poly students get this public holiday off.

Hari Raya Haji

When: 27 May 2026 (Wednesday)
Where to Go:

Sultan Mosque & Kampong Glam, Singapore
Celebrate Hari Raya Haji with a fun day out at Kampong Glam in Singapore. It’s got such a lively, cultural feel! Kids will love grabbing yummy halal snacks at Haji Lane’s cozy cafes. Pop into the Malay Heritage Centre for cool exhibits that kids can actually enjoy. It’s a perfect, laid-back way to soak up the public holiday right at home.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1-hour flight)
Take a quick 1-hour flight to Kuala Lumpur for a Hari Raya Haji adventure. KidZania Kuala Lumpur is so much fun, kids get to pretend they’re doctors, pilots, or chefs. Want more action? Sunway Lagoon’s water park has awesome slides and pools. Stay at Sunway Resort Hotel, it’s right by the park and super family-friendly for this public holiday.
Langkawi, Malaysia (1-hour flight)
Head to Langkawi for a Hari Raya Haji getaway, just a 1-hour flight. The Cable Car and SkyBridge are a total hit with kids, those sky-high views are unreal! The Ramadan vibe adds a special cultural touch. Crash at The Danna Langkawi for beach fun and kid-friendly activities. It’s a great spot for a public holiday escape.
Jakarta, Indonesia (1.5-hour flight)
Zip to Jakarta for a Hari Raya Haji trip, only a 1.5-hour flight away. Taman Mini Indonesia has neat cultural displays that kids will think are cool. Ancol Dreamland’s water park is a splashy favorite for all ages. Stay at JW Marriott Jakarta for comfy rooms and a chill family vibe. This public holiday will be full of laughs and memories!

School Holiday Tip: Hari Raya Haji falls during the June school holidays, so kids and poly students are free for this public holiday.

Vesak Day

When: 31 May 2026 (Sunday, observed on Monday, 1 June)
Long Weekend: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Where to Go:

Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore: Spend Vesak Day at Bird Paradise or Night Safari. Kids love the animal shows and tram rides.
Bali, Indonesia (2.5–3-hour flight): Bali’s Waterbom is a splashy hit for kids. Ubud’s rice terraces offer a calm family walk. Stay at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua for pools and kids’ clubs.

Public Holidays and long weekends Maldives with kids

Maldives (4–5-hour flight): The Maldives is a dreamy public holiday escape. Soneva Fushi has kids’ clubs and dolphin-watching tours. Snorkeling is great for older kids.
Chiang Mai, Thailand (3-hour flight): Visit Elephant Nature Park for ethical elephant encounters. The Night Bazaar is fun for family shopping. Stay at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort for comfort.

School Holiday Tip: Vesak Day falls during the June school holidays (late May to late June), so kids are free for this public holiday.

Singapore National Day (Long Weekend)

When: 9 August 2026 (Sunday, observed on Monday, 10 August)
Long Weekend: 8–10 August 2026
Where to Go:

Marina Bay, Singapore: Stay local for Singapore National Day and watch the parade or fireworks at Marina Bay. Book a stay at The Fullerton Bay Hotel for waterfront views and kid-friendly dining.
Desaru, Malaysia (1.5-hour ferry): Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is a splashy Singapore National Day escape. The Desaru Fruit Farm tour is fun for kids. Stay at One&Only Desaru Coast for luxury.
Phuket, Thailand (1.5–2-hour flight): Phuket’s Patong Beach offers water sports for older kids. The Trickeye Museum is a fun photo spot. Stay at Novotel Phuket Resort for family suites.
Hanoi, Vietnam (3-hour flight): Hanoi’s Water Puppet Theatre is a cultural hit for kids. Hoan Kiem Lake offers family-friendly walks. Stay at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi for comfort.

School Holiday Tip: Singapore National Day falls during the September school holidays (early September), so kids are free to celebrate.

Deepavali (Long Weekend)

When: 8 November 2026 (Sunday, observed on Monday, 9 November)
Long Weekend: 7–9 November 2026
Where to Go:

Little India, Singapore
Light up your Deepavali with a family stroll down Serangoon Road in Little India. The dazzling light displays are pure magic! Kids will go crazy for the sweet treats at Tekka Market’s stalls. It’s a fun, easy way to dive into the public holiday vibe right in Singapore.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1-hour flight)
Hop on a quick 1-hour flight to Kuala Lumpur for a Deepavali adventure. Batu Caves is awesome for a cultural outing, those colorful steps are a hit! Sunway Lagoon’s rides and slides keep kids grinning. Stay at Sunway Resort Hotel for a comfy spot close to the fun. Perfect for a public holiday getaway!
Krabi, Thailand (1.5-hour flight)
Zip to Krabi for a chill Deepavali beach escape, just a 1.5-hour flight. Railay Beach is great for family kayaking, kids love paddling around! The Emerald Pool is a cool nature spot for a dip. Stay at Rayavadee Resort for a fancy vibe with family-friendly perks. This public holiday will be a blast!
Penang, Malaysia (1.5-hour flight)
Head to Penang for a lively Deepavali trip, only a 1.5-hour flight away. Kek Lok Si Temple sparkles during the festival, kids will love the lights! The Penang Hill funicular ride is a fun thrill for everyone. Stay at Eastern & Oriental Hotel for cozy rooms and a great family vibe. This public holiday is set for awesome memories!

School Holiday Tip: Deepavali falls during the year-end school holidays (mid-November to early January), so kids are free for this public holiday.

Christmas Day

When: 25 December 2026 (Friday)
Long Weekend: 25–27 December 2026
Where to Go:

Orchard Road, Singapore: Celebrate Christmas with Orchard Road’s iconic light-up. Kids love the festive vibe at ION Orchard’s outdoor play area. Book a stay at Mandarin Orchard for proximity.
Rovaniemi, Finland (15–20-hour flight): For a magical Christmas public holiday, fly to Rovaniemi. Visit Santa Claus Village for sleigh rides and Santa meet-and-greets. Stay at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus for festive vibes.

Public Holidays and long weekends Rovaniemi Finland Christmas with family

Bali, Indonesia (2.5–3-hour flight): Bali’s Kuta Beach offers family-friendly water activities. The Bali Safari and Marine Park is a kid favorite. Stay at Hard Rock Hotel Bali for festive events.
Tokyo, Japan (7-hour flight): Tokyo’s Disneyland is a Christmas wonderland with parades and lights. Roppongi Hills’ festive market is great for families. Stay at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel for magic.

School Holiday Tip: Christmas falls during the December school holidays, so kids and poly students are free for this public holiday.

More Family-Friendly Destinations for Public Holidays

Beyond the specific public holiday destinations, here are additional spots to consider for any public holiday during school holidays:

Johor Bahru, Malaysia (1-hour drive): Legoland Malaysia is a dream for kids with rides and a water park. Stay at Legoland Hotel for themed rooms.
Bangkok, Thailand (2.5-hour flight): Siam Park City’s water slides and Dream World’s rides are kid magnets. Stay at the Novotel Bangkok for family suites.
Da Nang, Vietnam (2.5-hour flight): Ba Na Hills’ Golden Bridge and theme park are stunning for families. Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets are magical. Stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Da Nang.
Cebu, Philippines (3.5-hour flight): Cebu’s Oslob whale shark watching is a unique adventure. Kawasan Falls offers family-friendly canyoneering. Stay at Shangri-La Mactan for beach fun.

Pro Tip: Book flights and hotels early via Klook, Agoda, or Expedia to secure deals, as public holiday periods fill up fast.

Cultural Experiences to Enjoy on Public Holidays

While this guide focuses on destinations, you can add a cultural touch to your public holiday trips:

Chinese New Year: Visit Chinatown in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur for Lunar New Year markets and lion dances.
Hari Raya: Explore Geylang Serai or Kampong Glam for Ramadan vibes and halal food stalls.
Deepavali: Stroll Little India or Penang’s Little India for festive lights and sweets.
Singapore National Day: Catch the parade in Singapore or host a red-and-white-themed picnic.

How Public Holidays Boost Family Travel

Public holidays fuel family travel, benefiting Singapore’s economy:

Tourism Boom: Chinese New Year and Deepavali draw visitors, filling hotels and attractions.
Local Spending: Families dining and shopping during public holidays boost local businesses.
Travel Surge: Public holiday trips increase demand for flights, ferries, and local transport.

Your 2026 Public Holiday Travel Checklist for Moms

Plan Around School Holidays: Check school holidays here to align with public holidays.
Book Early: Reserve hotels, flights, or attraction tickets months ahead for public holiday deals.
Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, snacks, and water for outdoor adventures on public holidays.
Kid-Friendly Gear: Pack strollers or portable games for younger kids on public holiday trips.
Check Weather: Tropical destinations can be rainy, so plan indoor options for public holidays.

FAQ

How many public holidays in 2026? Singapore has 11 public holidays in 2026.

What is the school term in Singapore in 2025? Four terms: January to mid-March, late March to late May, early July to early September, mid-September to mid-November. School holidays are in March, June, September, and November–December.

What is the school period in Singapore? January to November for primary/secondary schools. Polys have semesters from August to December and January to May.

Is there school on PSLE oral days? PSLE orals (August) don’t cancel school for non-Primary 6 students. Check your school’s schedule.

Is 5th May a public holiday for poly students? No, 5 May 2026 isn’t a public holiday. Poly students have regular classes unless it’s a term break.

What are the best public holiday destinations? Local staycations, Batam, Langkawi, Bali, and Phuket are top picks for public holidays.

Singapore’s 2026 public holidays are your chance to create epic family adventures. From Sentosa staycations for Singapore National Day to Bali’s water parks for Vesak Day, these public holidays offer endless possibilities during school holidays. Use this guide to plan trips and book early to secure the best deals. Make 2026 a year of joy, exploration, and family bonding with these public holiday getaways!