Are you feeling stuck in a monotonous routine? Crave a change from your daily work life and experience something new and exciting. Well, you’re in luck because Singapore’s public holidays for 2023 are just around the corner. Get ready to pack your bags, book your tickets, and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
In this blog, we will support you through everything you need to know about Singapore’s public holidays in 2023. From official holidays and long weekends to cultural celebrations and travel opportunities, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Get Ready to Celebrate: Singapore’s Public Holidays 2023
 Sunday & Monday, 1-2 January 2023 |  Sunday-Tuesday, 22-24 February 2023 |
 Friday, 7 April 2023 |  Saturday, 22 April 2023 |
 Monday, 1 May 2023 |  Friday, 2 June 2023 |
 Thursday, 29 June 2023 |  Wednesday, 9 August 2023 |
 Sunday-Monday, 12-13 November 2023 |  Monday, 25 December 2023 |
How to get in 2023 Public Holidays Singapore 7 Long Weekends
With these dates in mind, it’s time to start planning your time off and make the most of these long weekends. Whether it’s a family trip or simply a relaxing staycation, Singapore has plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Below is the plan of how you can take advantage of these public holidays in 2023!
| Features | Public Days Off | Days to take Off | Total Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 Jan, Sunday 2 Jan, Monday | 30 Dec, Friday | 30 Dec, Friday 31 Dec, Saturday 1 Jan, Sunday 2 Jan, Monday |
| Chinese New Year | 22 Feb, Sunday 23 Feb, Monday 24 Feb, Tuesday | 25 Feb, Wednesday 26 Feb, Thursday 27 Feb, Friday | 22 Feb, Sunday 23 Feb, Monday 24 Feb, Tuesday 25 Feb, Wednesday 26 Feb, Thursday 27 Feb, Friday |
| Good Friday | 7 April, Friday | 10 April, Monday | 7 April, Friday 8 April, Saturday 9 April, Sunday 10 April, Monday |
| Labour Day | 1 May, Monday | 28 April, Friday | 28 April, Friday 29 April, Saturday 30 April, Sunday 1 May, Monday |
| Vesak Day | 2 June, Friday | 1 June, Thursday | 1 June, Thursday 2 June, Friday 3 June, Saturday 4 June, Sunday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 29 June, Thursday | 30 June, Friday | 29 June, Thursday 30 June, Friday 1 July, Saturday 2 July, Sunday |
| Deepavali | 12 Nov, Sunday 13 Nov, Monday | 10 Nov, Friday | 10 Nov, Friday 11 Nov, Saturday 12 Nov, Sunday 13 Nov, Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec, Monday | 22 Dec, Friday | 22 Dec, Friday 23 Dec, Saturday 24 Dec, Sunday 25 Dec, Monday |
Comprehensive MOM Public Holidays 2023 Entitlement and Pay
These are the 10 public holidays that are recognized by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore for the year 2023. If you’re an employee in Singapore, it’s important to know your entitlements when it comes to public holidays.
As an employee in Singapore, you’re entitled to the following when it comes to public holidays:
Paid Day Off: If the public holiday falls on your working day, you’re entitled to a paid day off. This means that you’ll receive your usual salary for the day, even if you don’t work.
Extra Day’s Salary: If you’re required to work on a public holiday, you’re entitled to an extra day’s salary in addition to your usual pay for that day. Alternatively, your employer may offer you a day off in lieu of the public holiday.
Part-Time Employees: If you’re a part-time employee, your public holiday entitlements may vary depending on your working hours. For example, if you work less than 5 days a week, your entitlements will be pro-rated based on your working days.
Foreign Domestic Workers: Foreign domestic workers are entitled to one rest day per week, which should preferably be on a Sunday. If any of the public holidays falls on a rest day, the employer should offer the domestic worker a replacement rest day or pay an extra day’s salary.
Traditional Practices with a Fun Twist: Activities to Do with Your Office Buddies During Singapore Public Holidays 2023
New Year’s Day (1-2 January 2023)
New Year’s Day is welcomed on the 1st & prosperous day of the year, as it is a time to start anew and set resolutions for the year ahead. The day is typically spent with family and friends, and many Singaporeans visit the temples and offer prayers to bring good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year.
Fun Activities to Do on New Year’s Day:
- Watch the spectacular fireworks display at Marina Bay Sands.
- Take a stroll through the beautiful Gardens by the Bay.
- Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn about the significant history and culture of the Chinese community in Singapore.
- Head to the Singapore Flyer for panoramic views of the city.
- Join the Countdown Party at Clarke Quay.
Chinese New Year (22-24 January 2023)
Chinese New Year is one of the most highly significant & celebrated festivals in the Chinese calendar, and it is celebrated with much fanfare in Singapore. The streets of Chinatown are decked out in red and gold decorations, and lion dancers and dragon dancers can be seen throughout the city.
Fun Activities to Do on Chinese New Year:
- Watch the Chingay Parade, the largest street performance and float parade in Asia.
- Visit the River Hongbao, a Chinese New Year carnival with spectacular lantern displays and cultural performances.
- Take a stroll through Chinatown and admire the festive decorations.
- Try traditional Chinese New Year delicacies like pineapple tarts and bak kwa.
- Play traditional Chinese games like mahjong and blackjack with family and friends.
Good Friday (7 April 2023)
Good Friday is a solemn religious holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a time for self-reflection and introspection for Christians in Singapore.
Fun Activities to Do on Good Friday:
- Attend a church service and participate in the Good Friday procession.
- Take a solemn walk through the Church of the Holy Cross.
- Visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral and admire the beautiful architecture.
- Take a quiet stroll through the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
- Go on a food trail and try the local delights.
Hari Raya Puasa (22 April 2023)
Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. It is a time to give tribute and seek forgiveness, and it is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Singapore.
Fun Activities to Do on Hari Raya Puasa:
- Visit the Malay Heritage Centre and learn about the historical culture of the Malay community in Singapore.
- Attend the Geylang Serai Bazaar, where you can sample a variety of Malay delicacies and shop for traditional textiles and handicrafts.
- Join the Hari Raya light-up at Geylang Serai, where the streets are adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
- Visit the Sultan Mosque and admire the stunning architecture.
- Attend a Hari Raya open house and savour traditional Malay cuisine.
Labour Day: (1 May 2023)
Labour Day is a celebration of workers’ contributions and rights. Singaporeans often participate in the annual May Day Rally, where they listen to speeches and attend performances by local artists. The day also marks the advent of the Singapore International Festival of Arts.
Fun Activities to Do on the Labour Day:
- Attend the May Day Rally and listen to the speeches by local leaders
- Enjoy live music and dance performances by local artists
- Participate in the Singapore International Festival of Arts events
- Take a spin in the park or take a bike ride with family and friends
- Go shopping and take advantage of the sales and promotions offered by retailers.
Vesak Day: (2 June 2023)
Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Devotees flock to Buddhist temples to offer prayers, meditate, and make donations to the poor and needy. The streets are adorned with colourful lanterns, and devotees participate in processions.
Fun Activities to Do on the Vesak Day:
- Visit Buddhist temples and participate in religious ceremonies
- Offer prayers and make donations to the poor and needy
- Watch the colourful processions and enjoy the festive atmosphere
- Participate in vegetarian food fairs and try out different dishes
- Attend talks and workshops on Buddhism and meditation.
Hari Raya Haji: (29 June 2023)
Hari Raya Haji, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is a Muslim festival that marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims offer prayers and make sacrifices to honour Prophet Abraham’s worship to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Fun Activities to Do on Hari Raya Haji:
- Visit mosques and participate in prayers and sermons
- Partake in communal feasts and try out traditional Malay dishes
- Offer donations to the poor and needy
- Attend cultural performances and watch traditional Malay dances
- Take part in the annual Khatam Al-Quran, a ceremony where the entire Quran is recited.
National Day: (9 August 2023)
National Day marks Singapore’s independence and celebrates the nation’s progress and achievements. The day is marked by the National Day Parade, where military and civilian contingents march past and a grand display of fireworks.
Fun Activities to Do on National Day:
- Attend the National Day Parade and watch the marching contingents and fireworks display
- Participate in community events and carnivals
- Watch the National Day Rally, where the Prime Minister addresses the nation
- Visit historical sites and museums to learn about Singapore’s rich heritage
- Go shopping and enjoy the National Day sales and promotions.
Deepavali: (12-13 November 2023)
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a Hindu festival that symbolizes the strength of light over darkness and good over evil. On this day, Hindus adorn their homes with colourful lights and rangolis (decorative patterns made with coloured rice or powder) and light diyas (oil lamps) to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.
Fun Activities to Do on Deepavali:
- Immerse in the dazzling light display at Little India or the Deepavali Festival Village.
- Try your hand at making your own rangoli design at the Rangoli-making competition.
- Indulge in a feast of Indian delicacies at the Deepavali Bazaar.
- Learn more about the significance of Deepavali through cultural performances and workshops.
- Participate in the annual Hindu Endowment Board’s (HEB) charity walk, which aims to promote community bonding and raise funds for underprivileged groups.
Christmas Day: (25 December 2023)
Christmas Day is a holiday enjoying the birth of Jesus Christ. On this day, citizens attend church services and participate in various religious activities, such as singing carols and reading the Bible.
Fun Activities to Do on Christmas:
- Catch the dazzling light display at Orchard Road, which features over a million LED lights and interactive installations.
- Shop for Christmas gifts and souvenirs at the Christmas Wonderland market, which boasts over 60 stalls.
- Enjoy the festive tunes at the Christmas concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
- Join in the fun at the annual Santa Run, which features a 5-km fun run in Santa Claus costumes.
- Indulge in a sumptuous Christmas feast at one of the many restaurants and hotels that offer festive menus.
Conclusion
Singapore is a city that truly embodies the spirit of multiculturalism, and its public holidays are a testament to this. These official holidays not only provide paid time off but also bring people together in a spirit of national unity. From cultural celebrations to religious festivities, there is always something to look forward to in Singapore. So mark your calendars and plan your travel opportunities to make the most of these long weekends with family gatherings and exciting trips to some of Singapore’s exuberant destinations.
FAQs
Q1. How many long weekends are there in Singapore in 2023?
Ans 1. There are a total of seven long weekends in Singapore in 2023.
Q2. Are Singapore public holidays paid time off?
Ans 2. Yes, Singapore public holidays are paid time off for employees who are eligible.
Q3. Are public holiday dates in Singapore fixed, or do they change from year to year?
Ans 3. Most public holiday dates in Singapore are fixed, but some, like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa, are based on the lunar calendar and can shift.
Q4. How do employers calculate pay for employees during public holidays in Singapore?
Ans 4. Employers in Singapore are required to provide paid time off for employees on public holidays. If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to additional pay or a day off in lieu.
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