With ¾ of 2016 done and dusted, nothing’s better than ushering in the new year with 2017 public holidays in mind.
In 2017, there are 7 long holidays you can look forward to!
Here’s the complete guide to 2017 public holidays:
January – 2 long weekends
For the month of January alone, there are already 2 long weekends!
New Year’s Day as well as Chinese New Year happens to both fall on Sunday which also means LONG WEEKENDS!
New Year – 1st Jan 2017 [Sunday]
If you’re looking for ways to usher in the New Year, you can consider heading to Siloso Beach Party, Marina Bay or Clarke Quay to countdown.
Siloso Beach Party
Date: 31 Dec 2016
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Chinese New Year – 28, 29, and 30 Jan [Saturday – Monday]
Head down to Marina Bay to experience Chinese New Year at the River Hongbao Festival. It is held annually at The Float @ Marina Bay. You can look forward to cultural performances and good food!
River Hongbao
Date: 6 – 14 Feb 2017
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
April – #3 long weekend
Good Friday in April is yet another long weekend.
Good Friday – 14 April [Friday]
Typically, it is a day where Christians commemorate Jesus Christ’s death and it is also two days before Easter Sunday. For the non-Christians, you might want to go on a short getaway to Bangkok for some cheap food and shopping. You could also check out the Songkran Festival in Thailand which is happening at around the same time.
Also, read Travelling to Bangkok? We’ve Compared All The Flight Prices For You!
May – #4 long weekend
Only May yet there’s a fourth long weekend?
2017 does seem like a pretty good year!
Labour Day – 1 May [Monday]
Labour Day falls on a Monday. Guess there’ll no more Monday Blues that week!
The significance of Labour Day (otherwise known as International Workers’ Day) is exactly like what its name suggests, to celebrate the achievements of workers.
You can consider a short getaway to Malaysia and discover Malacca. Malacca is a city with many heritage buildings and landmarks. You can try traditional Malay dishes and discover new cultures.
Read more here Explore Melaka In Just 14 Hours!
Following the week of Labour Day would be another public holiday.
Vesak Day – 10 May [Wednesday]
Vesak Day falls on a Wednesday. Even though it’s not a long weekend, we can still take a mid week breather. Surely, many of us have heard about Vesak Day, but how many of us truly know what it’s about?
Credit: LivingwithArt Singapore
Vesak Day is actually a day where Buddhists celebrate the enlightenment of Buddha. If you’re interested to know more about this festival, feel free to head down to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple located at Chinatown to find out more.
June – #5 long weekend
Hari Raya Puasa falls on a Sunday; another long weekend!
Hari Raya Puasa – 25 & 26 Jun [Sunday and Monday]
It’s a day which marks the end of the Ramadan (feasting) month for our Muslim counterparts. One can also join in the celebration by checking out the Geylang Serai Bazaar for yummy street food.
August
In the year of 2017, 9 August marks Singapore’s 52nd year of independence.
National Day Parade – 9 Aug [Wednesday]
National Day Parade 2017 will be held at the Marina Bay floating platform. Expect amazing performances that will leave you in awe. One can also celebrate NDP at the Esplanade, Botanic Gardens or Gardens by the Bay.
National Day Parade
Date: 9 Aug 2017
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
September – #6 long weekend
Often confused with Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji is actually celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices by Islamic Prophet, Ibrahim.
Hari Raya Haji – 1 Sep [Friday]
One can visit Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai. Since it happens to fall on a Friday, you can take a short getaway!
If you’d like a getaway, do read Because Bangkok Is Overrated, Let These Hidden Gems In Thailand Take Your Breath Away
October
Also known as the “Festival of Lights” Deepavali/Diwali is celebrated by Hindus to symbolise the triumphant of good over evil as well as light over darkness.
Deepavali – 18 Oct [Wednesday]
You can head down to Little India to soak in the festive atmosphere. The streets will be illuminated with bright lights. It’ll be an amazing sight!
December – #7 long weekend
Christmas Day is widely celebrated all over the world by both Christians as well as non-Christians.
Christmas – 25 Dec [Monday]
Christmas, which marks the last public holiday of every year, is actually a festival to celebrate the birth of Christ. Enjoy the holiday spirit by baking some festive goodies, prepare gifts for gift exchange, and also singing along to Christmas carols.
Here’s a summary of 2017 public holidays:
With the amount of long holidays awaiting in 2017, there are plenty of chances to take a break and go on a weekend getaway.
What are you waiting for? Time to gather all your travel kakis and plan for your next getaway!
Also, read Under SGD500 – 5 Nearby Places For A Weekend Getaway
