Disclaimer: Public holiday dates in Hong Kong may change. Always refer to official Hong Kong government sources for the latest information.
Public Holidays in Hong Kong 2026
Public holidays in Hong Kong are officially known as statutory holidays and are commonly referred to locally as 公眾假期 (Public holiday).
| HOLIDAY | DATE | DAY |
| New Year’s Day (元旦) | January 1 | Thursday |
| Lunar New Year’s Day (農曆新年 初一) | February 17 | Tuesday |
| Second Day of Lunar New Year (農曆新年 初二) | February 18 | Wednesday |
| Third Day of Lunar New Year (農曆新年 初三) | February 19 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| The Day Following Good Friday | April 4 | Saturday |
| The Day Following Ching Ming Festival (清明節翌日) | April 6 | Monday |
| The Day Following Easter Monday | April 7 | Tuesday |
| Labour Day (勞動節) | May 1 | Friday |
| The Day Following the Birthday of the Buddha (佛誕翌日) | May 25 | Monday |
| Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) (端午節) | June 19 | Friday |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day (香港特別行政區成立紀念日) | July 1 | Wednesday |
| The Day Following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節翌日) | September 26 | Saturday |
| National Day (國慶日) | October 1 | Thursday |
| The Day Following Chung Yeung Festival (重陽節翌日) | October 19 | Monday |
| Christmas Day (聖誕節) | December 25 | Friday |
| The First Weekday After Christmas Day | December 26 | Saturday |
Statutory Holidays in Hong Kong Explained
In Hong Kong, public holidays and statutory holidays refer to the same set of official days off. Employees are legally entitled to time off on these dates, and most government offices and banks are closed.
If a statutory holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is usually observed on the following weekday.
This system is commonly referred to locally as 法定假期 (Public holidays).
Why Hong Kong Public Holidays Matter for Travelers
Public holidays in Hong Kong can affect daily routines and travel plans in several ways:
- Government offices and banks are closed
- Public transport operates on holiday schedules
- Large shopping malls may open later or close earlier
- Popular attractions become busier during major festivals
Travel demand increases significantly during the Lunar New Year, National Day, and long-weekend periods.
Major Festivals and Cultural Highlights
Several Hong Kong public holidays are closely linked to traditional Chinese culture and are widely observed across the city.
Lunar New Year (農曆新年)
The most widely observed holiday in Hong Kong. Many businesses close for several consecutive days, and outbound travel demand is very high.
Ching Ming Festival (清明節)
A traditional day for ancestor remembrance. Families visit cemeteries across Hong Kong, which can affect transport flow in some districts.
Dragon Boat Festival (端午節)
Marked by dragon boat races held in coastal areas and harbours, along with traditional rice dumplings.
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)
Associated with lantern displays and family gatherings. Evening events are common in public parks and waterfront areas.
Chung Yeung Festival (重陽節)
Another important ancestor remembrance day, observed in autumn. Travel to outlying areas and hillsides increases during this period.
These festivals provide cultural insight for visitors but may also affect transport schedules, opening hours, and crowd levels.
What Is Open on Public Holidays in Hong Kong
Usually open
- Public transport and airport services
- Restaurants and cafés
- Tourist attractions
Often closed or limited
- Government offices
- Banks
- Smaller local businesses
Large shopping malls generally remain open, though hours may vary.
Practical Connectivity Tips for Traveling in Hong Kong
Public holidays in Hong Kong can change transport schedules and opening hours at short notice. Reliable mobile data helps travelers check real-time updates, navigate the city efficiently, and confirm attraction or business hours when plans shift.
The 2026 public holidays in Hong Kong influence travel demand, business operations, and daily routines throughout the year. Planning around major statutory holidays allows visitors to avoid disruptions and manage their time more effectively, especially during peak travel periods.
Staying connected makes this much easier. With an Eskimo Hong Kong eSIM, travelers can access mobile data across the city without changing physical SIM cards. For those continuing their journey, the same eSIM can also be used with APAC plans for travel across Asia, or a Global plan for trips beyond the region.
Eskimo eSIM features useful for travelers include:
- Up to 2-year activation and validity, extended automatically with any data purchase
- Full-speed fixed plans and up to 3 GB per day of high-speed data on unlimited plans
- Data sharing from 500 MB, suitable for short trips or backup connectivity
- One-time eSIM installation, reusable with limited reinstalls
New users can also receive a free 500 MB Global eSIM when signing up, allowing travelers to test coverage before choosing a plan.
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Hong Kong in 2026?
Hong Kong observes 17 public holidays in 2026, all of which are statutory holidays.
Is Dragon Boat Festival a public holiday in Hong Kong?
Yes. Dragon Boat Festival (端午節) is a statutory public holiday in Hong Kong and usually falls in May or June.
How long is the Chinese New Year holiday in Hong Kong?
Chinese New Year is observed over three consecutive public holidays, with many businesses closing for longer periods.
What is the biggest holiday in Hong Kong?
Chinese New Year (農曆新年) is the most widely observed public holiday in Hong Kong, marked by multiple days off and widespread closures.
Is there a difference between statutory and public holidays in Hong Kong?
No. In Hong Kong, statutory holidays and public holidays refer to the same official set of holidays.
What holiday is on May 26 in Hong Kong?
Buddha’s Birthday (佛誕) falls on May 26, 2026, and is a statutory public holiday.
