Hong Kong’s official list of public holidays for 2026 has been released, offering residents a prime opportunity to plan ahead and stretch their vacation days. With a total of 17 public holidays, careful planning could translate into significantly longer breaks using minimal annual leave.
From Christmas to Chinese New Year, employees who map out their calendars early can enjoy extended holidays—some up to 11 days long—by taking just a few days of leave. Here is a breakdown of how to make the most of Hong Kong’s public holidays in 2026.
Christmas & New Year 2025/26
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Public holidays: December 25–26, 2025 & January 1, 2026
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Recommended leave days: December 29–31 and January 2
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Total time off: 11 days (December 25–January 4)
This festive period offers the longest potential break of the year. By taking four leave days, employees can enjoy an uninterrupted 11-day holiday.
Chinese New Year 2026
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Public holidays: February 16–18
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Recommended leave days: February 16 and 20
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Total time off: 9 days (February 14–22)
One of the most efficient options: just two leave days are needed to secure a nine-day holiday.
Easter & Ching Ming Festival 2026
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Public holidays: April 3–6
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Recommended leave days: April 8–10
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Total time off: 10 days (April 3–12)
By bridging the weekend with three leave days after Easter Monday, workers can enjoy a 10-day break.
Labour Day 2026
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Public holiday: May 1
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Recommended leave days: April 27–30
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Total time off: 9 days (April 25–May 3)
A well-placed Friday holiday makes it easy to extend this into a weeklong vacation.
Buddha’s Birthday 2026
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Public holiday: May 25
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Recommended leave days: May 26–29
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Total time off: 9 days (May 23–31)
With the holiday falling on a Monday, four leave days can convert into a nine-day holiday.
Dragon Boat Festival 2026
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Public holiday: June 19
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Recommended leave days: June 15–18
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Total time off: 9 days (June 13–21)
Another long break opportunity arises in June with just four leave days.
HKSAR Establishment Day 2026
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Public holiday: July 1
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Recommended leave days: July 2–3
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Total time off: 5 days (July 1–5)
Two days of leave around this mid-week holiday give workers a long weekend.
Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day 2026
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Public holidays: September 28 & October 1
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Recommended leave days: September 29–30 and October 2
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Total time off: 9 days (September 26–October 4)
With two public holidays in close proximity, a short leave stretch results in a full week off.
Chung Yeung Festival 2026
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Public holiday: October 21
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Recommended leave days: October 20–23
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Total time off: 9 days (October 17–25)
Employees can enjoy a mid-autumn getaway by planning four leave days around this single-day holiday.
Christmas Holiday 2026
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Public holidays: December 25–26
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Recommended leave days: December 21–24
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Total time off: 9 days (December 19–27)
Another opportunity for an extended festive break with just four leave days.
Final Tips for Maximising Leave in 2026
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Best opportunities for extended breaks: Christmas/New Year and Easter
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Most efficient use of leave: Chinese New Year (nine days off with only two leave days)
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Plan ahead: High-demand periods such as Chinese New Year, Easter, and Christmas see a surge in travel bookings. Secure your flights and accommodation early.
By aligning your annual leave with strategic public holiday clusters, 2026 could be your most relaxing—and productive—year yet.
