Are you planning your family vacations and getaways for the year 2023? Look no further as we bring you the latest updates on Singapore school holidays, public holidays, and long weekends for families.
Singapore is a vibrant and diverse city-state, packed with thrilling attractions and endless entertainment options. With this guide, you can plan your trips and outings well in advance to make the most of the holidays and weekends.
So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting holidays and long weekends in Singapore in 2023.
Importance Of School & Public Holidays in Singapore
Singapore school holidays, public holidays, and long weekends hold great importance for families as they provide a much-needed break from the busy routine of work and school.
- Provides a break from the busy routine of work and school
- Allows families to spend quality time together
- Enables families to explore new places and create lasting memories
- Provides children with the opportunity to recharge and pursue hobbies and interests
- Gives children a chance to engage in learning activities outside of the classroom
- Enhances the chances of families planning a short getaway or engaging in fun activities together
- Strengthens family bonds and promotes well-being
- Helps to maintain work-life balance
- Reduces stress
- Promotes family togetherness and a sense of belonging
School Holidays in 2023
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced the school holidays for 2023. Below is a summary of the school holidays for Primary and Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges (JC), and Millennia Institute (MI):
Primary and Secondary School Holidays 2023
| School Holidays | Dates |
|---|---|
| March School Holidays | 11 Mar (Sat) – 19 Mar (Sun) |
| June School Holidays | 27 May (Sat) – 25 Jun (Sun) |
| September School Holidays | 2 Sep (Sat) – 10 Sep (Sun) |
| End-of-Year School Holidays | 18 Nov (Sat) – 31 Dec (Fri) |
Junior Colleges (JC) and Millennia Institute (MI) School Holidays 2023
| School Holidays | Dates |
|---|---|
| March School Holidays | 11 Mar (Sat) – 19 Mar (Sun) |
| June School Holidays | 27 May (Sat) – 25 Jun (Sun) |
| September School Holidays | 2 Sep (Sat) – 10 Sep (Sun) |
| End-of-Year School Holidays | |
| JC Year 1, M1 Year 1, MI Year 2 | 25 Nov (Sat) – 31 Dec (Sun) |
| JC Year 2, MI Year 3 | End of A-Level exams to 31 Dec (Sun) |
Scheduled School Holidays 2023
Apart from the school holidays, there are also scheduled school holidays in 2023. Here’s a summary of these holidays:
| School Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth Day | 2 Jul (Sun) – 3 Jul (Mon) |
| Day after National Day | 10 Aug (Thu) |
| Teachers’ Day | 1 Sep (Fri) |
| Children’s Day (Primary schools) | 6 Oct (Fri) |
PSLE Examination Periods
Parents with kids in Primary School will want to take note of the PSLE examination periods as students in Primary 1 to 5 could be given off from school during these periods. For the PSLE Marking Exercise, all primary school students will be given a period off.
Here are the tentative PSLE examination periods for 2023:
| School Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| PSLE Orals | 15 Aug (Tue) – 16 Aug (Wed) |
| PSLE Listening Comprehension | 15 Sep (Fri) |
| PSLE Written Examination | 28 Sep (Thu) – 4 Oct (Wed) |
| PSLE Marking Exercise | 16 Oct (Mon) – 18 Oct (Wed) |
Public Holidays 2023
In addition to the school holidays and scheduled holidays, there are also public holidays in Singapore. Here’s a list of public holidays for 2023:
column:
| Holiday | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1-2 Jan (Sun-Mon) | It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. |
| Chinese New Year | 22-24 Jan (Sun-Tue) | It is the most important traditional festival in China and marks the beginning of the lunar new year. In Singapore, it is celebrated by the Chinese community with dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and family reunions. |
| Good Friday | 7 Apr (Fri) | It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Christians all over the world, and in Singapore, it is a public holiday. |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 22 Apr (Sat) | It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is celebrated by Muslims all over the world, and in Singapore, it is a public holiday. |
| Labour Day | 1 May (Mon) | It is a holiday that celebrates the achievements of workers and the labour movement. It is observed on May 1st every year in many countries around the world, including Singapore. |
| Vesak Day | 2 Jun (Fri) | It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world, and in Singapore, it is a public holiday. |
| Hari Raya Haji | 29 Jun (Thu) | It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. It is celebrated by Muslims all over the world, and in Singapore, it is a public holiday. |
| National Day | 9 Aug (Wed) | It celebrates Singapore’s independence from Malaysia on August 9th, 1965. It is a public holiday and is marked by a parade, fireworks, and other celebrations. |
| Deepavali | 12-13 Nov (Sun-Mon) | It is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world. In Singapore, it is a public holiday and is marked by the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, and feasting. |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec (Mon) | It is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed on December 25th every year and is a public holiday in Singapore. It is celebrated by Christians all over the world with church services, carol singing, and gift-giving. |
Long Weekends and When to Take Leave
There are six 3-day long weekends in 2023:
| Public Holidays | Dates |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 31 Dec 2022 – 2 Jan 2023 (Sat-Mon) |
| Good Friday | Apr 7-9 (Fri-Sun) |
| Labour Day | 29 Apr – 1 May (Sat-Mon) |
| Vesak Day | 2-4 Jun (Fri-Sun) |
| Deepavali | Nov 11-13 (Sat-Mon) |
| Christmas | Dec 23-25 (Sat-Mon) |
There will also be one 4-day long weekend for Chinese New Year: Jan 21-24 (Sat-Tue)
Here’s where you can take leave for that extra long 4 or 5-day weekend:
| Public Holidays | Dates |
|---|---|
| Hari Raya Haji | 30 Jul (Sun) |
| National Day | 9 Aug (Wed) |
FAQs
When are the school holidays in Singapore in 2023? The school holidays in Singapore in 2023 are as follows:
- Semester 1: Term 1: 2 January 2023 (Monday) to 10 March 2023 (Friday), Term 2: 20 March 2023 (Monday) to 26 May 2023 (Friday)
- Semester 2: Term 3: 3 July 2023 (Monday) to 8 September 2023 (Friday), Term 4: 18 September 2023 (Monday) to 24 November 2023 (Friday)
How many public holidays are there in Singapore in 2023? There are 11 public holidays in Singapore in 2023.
What are the long weekends in Singapore in 2023? The long weekends in Singapore in 2023 are:
| Public Holidays | Dates |
|---|---|
| Chinese New Year Long Weekend | Saturday, 21 January 2023 to Tuesday, 24 January 2023 |
| Good Friday Long Weekend | Friday, 7 April 2023 to Sunday, 9 April 2023 |
| Labour Day Long Weekend | Saturday, 29 April 2023 to Monday, 1 May 2023 |
| Vesak Day Long Weekend | Saturday, 27 May 2023 to Tuesday, 30 May 2023 |
| Hari Raya Puasa Long Weekend | Saturday, 24 June 2023 to Monday, 26 June 2023 |
| National Day Long Weekend | Saturday, 5 August 2023 to Wednesday, 9 August 2023 |
| Deepavali Long Weekend | Saturday, 21 October 2023 to Monday, 23 October 2023 |
| Christmas Long Weekend | Saturday, 23 December 2023 to Monday, 25 December 2023 |
Are the school holidays and public holidays the same for all schools in Singapore? Yes, the school holidays and public holidays are the same for all schools in Singapore.
What are some fun family activities to do during the school holidays and long weekends in Singapore? Singapore offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as visiting theme parks, museums, nature reserves, and beaches. Families can also enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring the cultural diversity of the city.
Singapore is a great destination for family vacations and getaways. With the updated information on school holidays, public holidays, and long weekends for families in 2023, planning your trips and outings in advance has never been easier.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed holiday or a relaxing getaway, Singapore has something for everyone. So, start planning your family vacation today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
