Hong Kong Public Holiday 2026: Full Calendar, Long Weekends, Festivals & Travel Ideas

Your Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong’s 2026 Statutory Holidays, School Breaks, Cultural Celebrations and How to Make the Most of Every Day Off
Global Traveller
8 min read

Why Hong Kong Public Holidays Matter

Whether you’re a local professional, a student, an expatriate, or a traveler planning a visit, Hong Kong public holidays shape the rhythm of daily life in this bustling metropolis. They dictate when banks close, when schools enjoy a break, and when the city comes alive with spectacular parades, lantern displays, and family reunions.

In 2026, Hong Kong’s calendar is packed with a mix of traditional Chinese festivals, Western observances, and statutory HK statutory holidays. Knowing the dates in advance helps you schedule work projects, book flights, and make the most of every long weekend. This guide covers every Hong Kong holiday 2026, highlights the most iconic festivals in Hong Kong, and offers practical tips on transportation, itineraries, and how to turn each day off into a memorable experience.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or student, knowing the school holiday in Hong Kong calendar is essential for planning family trips, tutoring sessions, or extra‑curricular activities

Planning your next getaway? Book a flight to Hong Kong with Traveloka and start counting down the days to the first public holiday.

2026 Hong Kong Public Holiday List

Date (2026)

Day

Holiday (Common Name)

Type

1 Jan

Thursday

New Year’s Day

Statutory

2 Jan

Friday

Lunar New Year’s Day

Statutory

3 Jan

Saturday

The Second Day of Lunar New Year

Statutory

4 Jan

Sunday

The Third Day of Lunar New Year

Statutory

5 Jan

Monday

The Fourth Day of Lunar New Year (Observed)

Statutory

7 Apr

Tuesday

Good Friday

Statutory

10 Apr

Friday

Easter Monday

Statutory

1 May

Friday

Labour Day

Statutory

5 May

Tuesday

Buddha’s Birthday

Statutory

22 May

Friday

Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival

Statutory

7 Jul

Tuesday

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Statutory

1 Oct

Thursday

National Day (China)

Statutory

2 Oct

Friday

The day following National Day (Observed)

Statutory

14 Oct

Wednesday

Mid‑Autumn Festival

Statutory

23 Dec

Monday

Christmas Day

Statutory

24 Dec

Tuesday

Boxing Day

Statutory

25 Dec

Wednesday

The day following Boxing Day (Observed)

Statutory

Below the statutory public holidays, you’ll also find the school holiday HK schedule, which aligns with many of the same dates but sometimes adds extra days for exam periods.

Note: When a statutory holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a bank holiday HK for most public offices. In 2026, the only such shift is for Christmas Day Hong Kong (Monday, 23 Dec) and Boxing Day (Tuesday, 24 Dec).

These dates constitute the Hong Kong public holidays 2026 you’ll need to mark on any calendar—whether you’re planning a vacation, arranging school closures, or coordinating business deadlines.

How Many Long Weekends in 2026?

A long weekend occurs when a statutory holiday lands on a Friday or Monday, giving you three consecutive days off (or more if adjacent holidays line up). In 2026 Hong Kong enjoys seven official long weekends:

Long Weekend

Dates

Days Off

New Year

1‑3 Jan (Thu‑Sat)

3 days (plus the weekend)

Lunar New Year

2‑5 Jan (Fri‑Mon)

4 days (includes weekend)

Easter

7‑10 Apr (Tue‑Fri)

4 days

Labour Day

1‑3 May (Fri‑Sun)

3 days

Dragon Boat

22‑24 May (Fri‑Sun)

3 days

National Day

1‑3 Oct (Thu‑Sat)

3 days

Mid‑Autumn Festival

14‑18 Oct (Wed‑Sun)

5 days (including a weekend)

These HK public holidays provide perfect opportunities for short getaways, family reunions, or simply a chance to relax without using vacation leave.

Turn any long weekend into a mini‑vacation – search Traveloka for the best Hong Kong hotel deals and enjoy extra nights for less.

Major Festivals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s cultural calendar is woven from Chinese traditions, British colonial heritage, and modern global influences. Below are the festivals that coincide with the public holiday schedule and those that occur on regular days but still merit attention.

Festival

Typical Date 2026

Public Holiday?

Highlights

Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)

1‑5 Jan

Yes (4 days)

Lion dances, red packets, family banquets

Ching Ming Festival

4 Apr (Saturday)

No (work day)

Tomb‑sweeping, honoring ancestors

Easter

7‑10 Apr

Yes (Good Friday & Easter Monday)

Church services, chocolate egg hunts

Buddha’s Birthday

5 May (Tuesday)

Yes

Lotus lanterns, vegetarian feasts

Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival

22 May (Friday)

Yes

Dragon boat races at Shing Mun River, sticky rice dumplings

Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day

7 Jul (Tuesday)

Yes

Fireworks, flag‑raising ceremony

Mid‑Autumn Festival / Moon Festival

14 Oct (Wednesday)

Yes

Lantern displays, mooncakes, “Moon Gazing” parties

Chung Yeung Festival

9 Oct (Friday) – observed on 23 Oct

No (observed as a holiday)

Hiking, climbing hills, ancestral rites

Christmas Day

23 Dec (Monday)

Yes

Lights on Statue Square, shopping sales

Boxing Day

24 Dec (Tuesday)

Yes

Post‑Christmas sales, sporting events

Spotlight: Mid‑Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)

The mid autumn festival Hongkong (also known as the moon festival Hong Kong) is a night of glowing lanterns, moon‑cake tasting, and family gatherings under the full moon. In 2026 it lands on a Wednesday, but because the following Friday (16 Oct) is a bank holiday HK, many businesses grant a 4‑day break, turning it into an extended mini‑vacation.

Experience the lantern parade from a prime location – book a hotel near Victoria Harbour on Traveloka for the best view.

Need a place to stay during the Lunar New Year? Check out Traveloka’s top‑rated Hong Kong hotels and lock in early‑bird rates

Hong Kong School Holiday Calendar (2026)

The Hong Kong school holiday calendar for 2026 is synchronized with the city’s statutory holidays, giving families a total of X days off throughout the year

Schools align their term breaks with many of the public holidays to give students and teachers extra rest. While each school board may have slight variations, the typical school holiday periods are:

Break

Approx. Dates 2026

Linked Public Holiday

Chinese New Year Break

31 Dec 2025 – 8 Jan 2026

Lunar New Year

Easter Break

3 Apr – 12 Apr

Good Friday & Easter Monday

Summer Vacation

Early July – Late August

HK SAR Establishment Day (mid‑summer)

Mid‑Autumn Break

12 Oct – 18 Oct

Mid‑Autumn Festival

Christmas Break

20 Dec – 2 Jan 2027

Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Parents can plan family trips around these school holiday windows, especially the longer summer vacation and the mid‑autumn break, which coincide with major cultural celebrations.

Families traveling during the school break can bundle flights and hotels on Traveloka for a hassle‑free trip.

How to Make the Most of Your Public Holidays

1. Plan a Mini‑Trip

Long weekend? Head to the New Territories for a day hike to Tai Mo Shan or a boat ride to Lantau Island and visit the Tian Tan Buddha.
Mid‑Autumn? Book a sunset cruise on Victoria Harbour to watch the lanterns and enjoy a moon‑cake tasting menu on board.

Use Traveloka’s flight finder to find the cheapest round‑trip tickets for the Easter long weekend.

2. Experience Local Traditions

Christmas Day Hong Kong and Boxing Day bring massive sales in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok. Arrive early to snag the best deals.
Use the Hong Kong holiday 2026 calendar to schedule shopping trips when public transport is less crowded (e.g., weekdays after a holiday).

3. Shop Smart

Christmas Day Hong Kong and Boxing Day bring massive sales in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok. Arrive early to snag the best deals.
Use the Hong Kong holiday 2026 calendar to schedule shopping trips when public transport is less crowded (e.g., weekdays after a holiday).

Book your stay early – Traveloka’s early‑bird hotel discounts give you the best rates for Christmas and Boxing Day sales.

4. Relax at the Beach

The cooler autumn months (October–December) are perfect for a beach day at Repulse Bay or Shek O without the summer humidity.

5. Cultural Enrichment

Take advantage of free museum days; many institutions waive entry fees on bank holiday HK dates.

6. Plan school‑holiday outings

Use the school holiday Hong Kong dates to schedule theme‑park visits, museum tours, or weekend hikes—most attractions offer special discounts during these periods.

Other Important Dates in Hong Kong 2026

Beyond the official public holidays, several dates impact daily life:

Date

Event

Impact

4 Apr (Saturday)

Ching Ming Festival

Government offices closed for cemetery visits (not a statutory holiday)

9 Oct (Friday)

Chung Yeung Festival

Some schools give a half‑day; many businesses stay open

June 1 – 30

Hong Kong Pride Parade (Week of 1 June)

Road closures in Central & Sheung Wan

July 1

SAR Establishment Day parade

Large crowds, traffic diversions

First Monday of September

National Day of the People’s Republic of China (observed)

Not a Hong Kong statutory holiday, but many Chinese firms give a day off

Marking these dates helps avoid unexpected closures and lets you join community events that often happen on non‑holiday weekdays.

If you’re staying over the National Day holiday, see Traveloka’s special hotel promotions for the best value.

Sample Hong Kong Itinerary Ideas Around the 2026 Holidays

1. 4‑Day Lunar New Year Escape (Jan 2‑5)

Day

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Day 1

Arrive, settle in Central

Visit Man Mo Temple

Lantern walk in Sai Ying Pun

Day 2

Victoria Peak hike

Lunch at PMQ (local designer food)

Chinese New Year fireworks at Victoria Harbour

Day 3

Tai O fishing village day‑trip

Dolphin‑watching tour

Traditional Cantonese opera show

Day 4

Shopping in Causeway Bay

Relax at Hong Kong Park

Farewell dinner at Tim Ho Wan (dim sum)

2. Mid‑Autumn Cultural Tour (Oct 14‑18)

Day 1: Moon‑cake workshop + lantern‑making class in Kowloon City.
Day 2: Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden for a serene backdrop.
Day 3: Take the Star Ferry to Lantau, hike the Lantau Trail to the Po Lin Monastery.
Day 4: Evening cruise on Victoria Harbour to view the Mid‑Autumn fireworks and lantern displays.

3. Christmas & New Year Shopping Sprint (Dec 23‑31)

Dec 23–24: Explore the festive lights at Tsim Sha Tsui and Central; shop on Des Voeux Road.
Dec 25: Attend Christmas Day Hong Kong services at St. John’s Cathedral; enjoy a holiday brunch.
Dec 26–27: Boxing Day sales at Harbour City and IFC Mall.
Dec 31: Join the New Year’s Eve countdown at Avenue of Stars with fireworks over the harbour.

Public Transportation & Services During Public Holidays

Service

Typical Operation on a Public Holiday

Tips

MTR (Mass Transit Railway)

Runs on a holiday schedule – reduced frequency on some lines, especially after midnight.

Download the MTR Mobile app for real‑time updates.

Buses & Light Rail

Most routes operate on a holiday timetable; some express routes may be suspended.

Check the Transport Department website a day before travel.

Ferries (Star Ferry, Hong Kong & Kowloon)

Operate on a reduced schedule, especially on Christmas Day and Chinese New Year.

Arrive early; tickets are first‑come, first‑served.

Airport Express

Runs at regular intervals; however, check for maintenance works during long weekends.

Purchase an Octopus Card for seamless transfers.

Banks & Post Offices

Closed on all statutory holidays; limited services on bank holiday HK days.

Use online banking or ATMs for cash withdrawals.

Restaurants & Retail

Most remain open, especially in tourist zones; however, some local eateries close on Chinese New Year.

Reserve tables in advance for holiday meals.

Understanding these schedules ensures you won’t be stranded on a holiday in Hong Kong when you need to get somewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many statutory holidays does Hong Kong have in 2026? A: Hong Kong observes 17 statutory holidays in 2026, including the four days of the Lunar New Year period.

Q2: What is the difference between a “bank holiday” and a “statutory holiday”? A: A statutory holiday is a legal public holiday for all employees, while a bank holiday HK specifically refers to days when banks and many financial institutions close. In Hong Kong, most statutory holidays are also bank holidays, but some (e.g., Ching Ming) are not.

Q3: Do schools close on the mid‑autumn festival? A: Most primary and secondary schools give a mid‑autumn break of a few days, but the exact dates vary. Universities typically schedule a short recess around the same time.

Q4: Can I travel to Mainland China during the Lunar New Year holiday? A: Yes, but expect massive crowds and higher fares. Booking tickets early and checking immigration requirements is essential.

Q5: Are there any special transportation discounts on public holidays? A: The Octopus Card offers a “Holiday Fare” on certain bus routes, giving a 10% discount on weekdays adjacent to a holiday. Check the Transport Department’s portal for the latest promotions.

Q6: What are the best places to watch the Christmas Day Hong Kong fireworks? A: The best views are from the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour waterfront, and the Peak. Arrive early as crowds gather quickly.

Q7: Does the Easter holiday HK affect school schedules? A: Yes, most schools close for a long weekend from Good Friday through Easter Monday, giving students a four‑day break.

Q8: How can I find out if a particular holiday in Hong Kong is a working day? A: The Hong Kong government publishes an annual public holiday calendar on its website. For real‑time updates, consult the Hong Kong Labour Department or the MTR Mobile app for service notices.

Q9: When are the school holidays in Hong Kong for 2026? A: The official Hong Kong school holiday calendar lists breaks for Chinese New Year, Easter, Mid‑Autumn, and the end‑of‑year Christmas period, plus the summer vacation. You can view the full list on the Education Bureau website or on this page.

Final Thoughts – Your 2026 Holiday Planner

The Hong Kong public holiday calendar is more than a list of days off; it’s a roadmap to the city’s cultural heartbeat. By aligning your travel, shopping, and leisure plans with the HK public holiday schedule, you can:

Print this guide, mark the dates on your digital calendar, and start planning the experiences that will make 2026 unforgettable in the vibrant, ever‑evolving city of Hong Kong.

Ready to turn Hong Kong’s 2026 public holidays into unforgettable experiences? Start planning now on Traveloka – flights, hotels, and attractions at the click of a button.

Happy holidays and happy travels!

In This Article

• Why Hong Kong Public Holidays Matter
• 2026 Hong Kong Public Holiday List
• How Many Long Weekends in 2026?
• Major Festivals in Hong Kong
• Spotlight: Mid‑Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
• Hong Kong School Holiday Calendar (2026)
• How to Make the Most of Your Public Holidays
• Other Important Dates in Hong Kong 2026
• Sample Hong Kong Itinerary Ideas Around the 2026 Holidays
• 1. 4‑Day Lunar New Year Escape (Jan 2‑5)
• 2. Mid‑Autumn Cultural Tour (Oct 14‑18)
• 3. Christmas & New Year Shopping Sprint (Dec 23‑31)
• Public Transportation & Services During Public Holidays
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Final Thoughts – Your 2026 Holiday Planner
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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