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Maximize Your 2026 Holidays In Hong Kong: Travel More With Less Leave

Discover Your Next Travel Destination With Our Handy Guide

hong kong annual leave and public holidays

Hong Kong, where East meets West, boasts one of the highest numbers of public holidays in the world — with 17 official public holidays in 2026 alone. Thanks to this rich cultural blend of Chinese traditions and Western influences, the city’s calendar is packed with festive opportunities to relax, recharge, and explore.

Here’s the exciting part: during Chinese New Year 2026, you can enjoy a 9-day break by using just 2 days of annual leave! With smart planning, you can stretch your time off and create unforgettable getaways throughout the year.

This guide is your go-to resource for strategic leave planning, complete with destination ideas and seasonal travel itineraries tailored to each holiday period. Whether you’re dreaming of a quick weekend escape or a longer adventure, we’ll show you how to make every public holiday count.

  • Full List Of Public Holiday In Hong Kong 2026-2027

    Holiday Date Day of the Week
    New Year's Day 1 January 2026 Thursday
    Lunar New Year's Day 17 February 2026 Tuesday
    The second day of the Lunar New Year 18 February 2026 Wednesday
    The third day of the Lunar New Year 19 February 2026 Thursday
    Good Friday 3 April 2026 Friday
    The day following Good Friday 4 April 2026 Saturday
    The day following the Ching Ming Festival 6 April 2026 Monday
    The day following Easter Monday 7 April 2026 Tuesday
    Labour Day 1 May 2026 Friday
    The day following the Birthday of the Buddha 25 May 2026 Monday
    Tuen Ng Festival 19 June 2026 Friday
    Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day 1 July 2026 Wednesday
    The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival 26 September 2026 Saturday
    National Day 1 October 2026 Thursday
    The day following the Chung Yeung Festival 19 October 2026 Monday
    Christmas Day 25 December 2026 Friday
    The first weekday after Christmas Day 26 December 2026 Saturday
  • Chinese New Year 2026

    February 17-19, 2026

    Chinese New Year in 2026 offers the perfect opportunity for an extended holiday, with public holidays running from Wednesday to Friday! This is the ideal time to take advantage of the long weekend. Be sure to book your travel soon, as airfare tends to skyrocket as the festival approaches. Explore our recommended holiday destinations below (excluding Niseko!) and start planning your getaway!

    • Date of public holidays: February 17-19, 2026
    • Vacation period: February 14 - 22, 2025 - 9 days
    • Total days taken off: 2

    Where to spend your Chinese New Year holidays:

    • Costa Rica: January is one of the best times to visit due to its dry season. Enjoy lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and pristine beaches. Activities include zip-lining, hiking, and surfing.
    • Zermatt, Switzerland: A premier destination for skiing with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. This car-free village also offers exquisite Swiss cuisine and cozy chalet accommodations.
    • Cape Town, South Africa: January is in the middle of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a perfect time to visit Cape Town's beaches, vineyards, and Table Mountain.
    • The Maldives: Ideal for a tropical beach holiday with crystal clear waters, luxurious overwater bungalows, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Check out the best family-friendly resorts and kids' clubs here.
  • Ching Ming Festival & Easter 2026

    April 6, 2026

    Next year’s Easter long weekend will span from Good Friday, April 3, to Tuesday, April 7, 2026. This extended break is due to the Ching Ming Festival, which falls on Easter Sunday (April 5).

    A government spokesperson explained:

    “Since the Ching Ming Festival in 2026 falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be designated as a general holiday in its place. However, because that Monday is also Easter Monday, an additional general holiday will be observed on Tuesday, April 7.”

    • Date of public holiday: Friday 3 April, 2026 to Tuesday 7, 2026
    • Vacation period: Friday 3 April, 2026 to Tuesday 7, 2026 - 5 days
    • Total days taken off: 0

    Where to spend your April holidays:

    • Singapore: Universal Studios for thrilling rides, the interactive ArtScience Museum, and the Singapore Zoo with its Night Safari. The Gardens by the Bay also offers a fantastical garden experience. Check out our family-friendly guide here.
    • Cebu, Philippines: beautiful beaches, all-inclusive hotels, tons of kids' activities, and only a short flight away from Hong Kong. Explore this beautiful destination here.
    • Dubai, UAE: Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious shopping, and world-class entertainment, is an exceptional place to visit during Easter. Key attractions include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain, complemented by special Easter brunches and festive activities in hotels and resorts. With April weather being warm but comfortably mild, explore all it has to offer here.
    • Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto offers a breathtaking family spring experience with its cherry blossom season. Visit ancient temples, stroll through the blooming gardens, and enjoy traditional tea ceremonies during April.
    • Bangkok, Thailand: Famous for its vibrant street life, ornate shrines, and thriving food scene. The weather in April is hot, which makes it a great time to explore the city's numerous indoor shopping centers and night markets.
    • Siem Reap, Cambodia: Home to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, a must-visit for history enthusiasts. April, though hot, is a popular time for families to visit these iconic temples.
  • Dubai With Kids Guide

    Easter 2025

    April 18 - 21, 2025

    Easter is a wonderful time to explore new destinations, as the weather is pleasant in many parts of the world and the spirit of the holiday adds a festive touch.

    • Date of public holiday: Friday April 18 to Monday 21, 2025
    • Vacation period: April 17 - 22, 2025 - 6 days
    • Total days taken off: 2

    Where to spend your Easter vacation

    • Dubai, UAE: Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious shopping, and world-class entertainment, is an exceptional place to visit during Easter. Key attractions include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain, complemented by special Easter brunches and festive activities in hotels and resorts. With April weather being warm but comfortably mild, explore all it has to offer here.
    • Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto offers a breathtaking family spring experience with its cherry blossom season. Visit ancient temples, stroll through the blooming gardens, and enjoy traditional tea ceremonies during April.
    • Bangkok, Thailand: Famous for its vibrant street life, ornate shrines, and thriving food scene. The weather in April is hot, which makes it a great time to explore the city's numerous indoor shopping centers and night markets.
    • Siem Reap, Cambodia: Home to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, a must-visit for history enthusiasts. April, though hot, is a popular time for families to visit these iconic temples.
  • Labour Day & The Birthday Of The Buddha

    May 1 & 25, 2026

    Take advantage of one (or even two!) public holidays to enjoy a long weekend escape. Discover the perfect getaway from the destinations below.

    • Date of public holiday: Friday May 1 & Monday 25, 2026
    • Total days taken off: 0

    Where to spend your May public holidays:

    • Bali, Indonesia: book your Thursday and Friday off and whisk the kids away to Bali for a few days during their dry season. Ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. Explore our family-friendly Bali guides here.
    • Koh Samui, Thailand: June is one of the driest times, so make the most of it! Check out our guide here.
    • Tokyo, Japan: The weather is perfect for exploring this fabulous city with the kids in tow!

     

  • National Day 2026

    October 1, 2026

    Not a fireworks fan? Escape the city for a quick getaway for National Day and make the most of your time off!

    • Date of public holiday: Thursday, October 1, 2026
    • Vacation period: October 1, 2026 to October 4, 2026 - 4 days
    • Total days taken off: 1

    Where to spend your October public holiday:

    • Beijing, China: explore this beautiful city during the cooler months, so much to do! Explore our top family-friendly hotel picks here.
    • Taipei, Taiwan: warm with a chance of showers, but still good for touring with the family!
    • Busan, South Korea: pleasantly warm, perfect for visiting beaches and temples.
  • traveling to seoul south korea

    The Day Following The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    October 7, 2025

    The kids may have just started school but it doesn't mean the family doesn't deserve a break! Check out these top destinations to escape to after the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

    • Date of public holiday: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
    • Vacation period: October 3 - 7, 2025
    • Total days taken off: 1

    Where to spend your October public holiday:

    • Macau: If you're looking to make the most of the public holiday, consider a quick trip to Macau! The city is alive with festivities during the Mid-Autumn Festival and offers plenty of activities for children. Depart on Tuesday and enjoy an overnight stay at one of the many fantastic family-friendly hotels. Check out our 48-hour travel guide here.
    • Shenzhen: this dynamic city is just a short hop away thanks to the high-speed train! We have just updated our family-friendly guide and it's full of fun things to do.
    • Hanoi, Vietnam: it's just starting to cool down so perfect to make the most of the summer days.
    • Seoul, South Korea: the beginning of fall ushers in a cool climate perfect for exploring.
  • The Day Following The Cheung Yeung Festival

    October 19, 2026

    The destinations below are ideal for mid-to-late October.

    • Date of public holiday: Monday, October 19, 2026
    • Vacation period: October 16 - October 19, 2026 - 4 days
    • Total days taken off: 1

    Where to spend your October public holiday:

    • Kyoto, Japan: Enjoy the vibrant autumn leaves, particularly in temple gardens like Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama's bamboo grove. The Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) is also a significant cultural event in mid-October. Check out our family-friendly guide here.
    • Jeju Island, South Korea: Visit Hallasan National Park to see the autumn colors and explore the volcanic landscapes and beautiful coastlines. Looking for a great place to stay? Explore our guide here.
  • Christmas & New Year Public Holidays

    December 25 & 26, 2026 & January 1, 2027

    The festive season is upon us and there's so much to do and explore! Whether you're returning home for the holidays or want to explore somewhere new with the kids, we've got you covered!

    • Date of public holidays: Friday 25 of December 2025 & Friday January 1, 2027
    • Vacation period: December 19 - January 4, 2027 - 17 days
    • Total days taken off: 8

    Where to spend your Christmas holidays:

    • Rovaniemi, Lapland: Discover the magic of Christmas in Rovaniemi, Lapland, where you can meet Santa Claus any day of the year at the enchanting Santa Claus Village. Marvel at the Northern Lights, embark on a traditional reindeer or husky safari and stay in a unique snow hotel carved entirely from ice. Rovaniemi offers a quintessential Arctic holiday experience, perfect for celebrating the festive season.
    • New York City, USA: Witness the iconic ball drop in Times Square, enjoy the festive lights and decorations, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and the Christmas window displays along Fifth Avenue. Explore this amazing city thanks to our family-friendly guide!
    • Sydney, Australia: Experience summer in December, watch the world-renowned fireworks display over Sydney Harbour, explore the beaches, Zoo and more family-friendly activities.
    • Paris, France: The City of Lights shines even brighter with Christmas decorations, the Eiffel Tower at night, festive markets, and the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on the Champs-Élysées.
    • London, UK: Explore Christmas markets like Winter Wonderland, enjoy the Christmas lights in Oxford Street, catch a panto or Christmas show, and experience the New Year’s Eve fireworks along the Thames. There's so much to do for the kids!
    • Vienna, Austria: Visit the traditional Christmas markets, enjoy a New Year's concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, and stroll through beautifully decorated streets.
    • Reykjavik, Iceland:  Enjoy a white Christmas, experience the Northern Lights, and soak in the geothermal hot springs. The city has a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration with community bonfires and fireworks.

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