Public holidays in Singapore 2026: How to get 51 days of holiday using 15 days of annual leave, Lifestyle News

Take note of the special cases where holidays fall on a Sunday, as you’ll get an extra Monday off (perfect for a long weekend). The holidays that fall on Friday will also create a long weekend. All in all, that’s six long weekends in total for 2026.

2. How to maximise your public holidays in 2026

Here’s where things get interesting: by timing your annual leave with certain public holidays — especially those that fall near weekends or in the middle of the week — you can unlock much longer breaks without burning through all your leave days at once.

The trick is to “bridge” the gaps around public holidays with a few strategic annual leave days, turning what would be a regular week into a super-sized holiday. For 2026, you’ll be able to enjoy up to 51 days off using just 15 days of leave — if you plan your leave around the right public holidays.

Want to see exactly how it works? Just follow the step-by-step leave plan below.

3. Tips for smooth holiday planning

Before you start submitting your leave, here’s one more pro tip: Avoid travelling during the school holidays if you want to dodge the crowds, enjoy better airfares, and score quieter hotel stays. Unless you’ve got kids in tow, these are the busiest periods for flights and attractions.

Singapore MOE School Holidays 2026

For most students (MK, Primary, and Secondary):

• Term 1 Break: Sat Mar 14 – Sun Mar 22
• Semester 1 Break: Sat May 30 – Sun Jun 28
• Term 3 Break: Sat Sep 5 – Sun Sep 13
• Year-End Break: Sat Nov 21 – Thu Dec 31 

Junior College (JC) / Millennia Institute (MI):

• Year-End Break: Sat Nov 28 – Thu Dec 31 (JC1, MI1 & MI2) (JC2 & MI3: End of A-level exams to Dec 31 

Special School Holidays:

• Youth Day: Sun Jul 5 (Mon Jul 6 will be a school holiday)
• Teachers’ Day: Fri Sep 4
• Children’s Day: Fri Oct 2 (Primary only)

Keep these dates in mind when booking your flights and hotels if you prefer a more peaceful getaway.

Other holiday planning tips

• Book early: The best deals and flight options get snapped up fast, especially around long weekends and popular public holidays.
• Get travel insurance: Protect yourself against flight disruptions, lost bags, and unexpected medical costs. It’s a small price for peace of mind.
• Use a multi-currency card: Cards like YouTrip, Revolut, and Instarem Amaze let you avoid pesky FX fees and enjoy better rates when spending or withdrawing money overseas.
• Stack travel rewards: If you’re a savvy spender, use an air miles card or cashback card to earn rewards on your holiday expenses-think flights, hotels, dining, and even shopping.
• Check Expiry Dates: Make sure your passport and travel documents are valid for at least six months from your travel dates.

With a bit of smart planning, you’ll enjoy your 51 days off to the fullest-minus the queues and peak season surcharges.

4. Summary: 51 days off with 15 days of leave

2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for public holidays in Singapore. With a little foresight-and the right leave strategy — you can enjoy up to 51 days away from work using just 15 days of annual leave. Whether you’re planning big overseas adventures, epic staycations, or simply more time to recharge, this is your chance to make the most out of every break.

So, lock in those leave dates, set your OOO reply, and get ready for a year filled with long weekends, travel, and well-deserved rest. Don’t forget to share this guide with your holiday kakis — and here’s to a smarter, happier, and more well-rested 2026.

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This article was first published in MoneySmart.