Managing an effective workforce in Hong Kong requires strict adherence to local labor laws, particularly when scheduling time off. For businesses and employees alike, understanding the HK Statutory Holiday schedule is critical to ensuring legal compliance and fair compensation. 

Under the Employment Ordinance, these are mandatory paid days off that every employee is entitled to receive, regardless of their length of service. In 2026, a significant legal shift occurs, bringing the total number of statutory holidays up to 15 days with the official inclusion of Easter Monday. 

This guide details the complete 2026 holiday calendar, substitution rules for weekends, and what employers must know to avoid costly legal disputes.

The Complete 2026 HK Statutory Holiday List

The Labour Department of Hong Kong has published the official dates for the 2026 calendar year. Because 2026 includes several overlapping dates, the government has arranged specific substitute holidays. 

Employers must update their payroll and human resources software to reflect these exact dates.

👉 Related Reading: Check China Holidays 2024 in this detailed guide.

Hong Kong HK Statutory Holidays 2026

In 2026, you can expect a series of statutory holidays that provide rest and celebration. Below are the specific days allocated for each occasion recognized by the Hong Kong government.

1. New Year's Day

• Date: 1 January 2026 (Thursday)
• You'll celebrate the beginning of the year with a day off on the first day of January.

2. Lunar New Year

• Dates:
  
  • Lunar New Year's Day: 17 February 2026 (Tuesday)
  • The third day of the Lunar New Year: 18 February 2026 (Wednesday)
  • The fourth day of the Lunar New Year: 19 February 2026 (Thursday)
• The Lunar New Year period is marked by multiple days off, providing time to participate in festive traditions.

3. Ching Ming Festival

• Date: 5 April 2026 (Sunday)
• This festival is a day for you to honor your ancestors, commonly spent visiting graves and paying respects.

4. Easter Monday (New for 2026)

• Date: 6 April 2026 (Monday)
• This has been newly designated as a statutory holiday in Hong Kong, bringing the total to 15, as announced by the Labour Department. It is part of a 4-day Easter/Ching Ming holiday weekend (April 3–6), providing a paid day off for employees.

5. Labour Day

• Date: 1 May 2026 (Friday)
• As a worker, you're entitled to a rest on Labour Day, which honors laborers and the working classes.

6. The Birthday of the Buddha

• Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)
• It is the only traditional Chinese religious holiday recognized as a public holiday in Hong Kong. Often marked by "bathing" Buddha statues at temples. Recognized as a paid statutory holiday under the Employment Ordinance.

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7. Tuen Ng Festival

• Date: 19 June 2026 (Friday)
• Also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, this holiday has you enjoying dragon boat races and zongzi (rice dumplings).

8. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

• Date: 1 July 2026 (Wednesday)
• This holiday marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

9. Day Following Mid-Autumn Festival

• Date: 26 September 2026 (Saturday)
• Here, you'll enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival, where mooncakes are the hallmark treat alongside lantern displays.

10. National Day

• Date: 1 October 2026 (Thursday)
• National Day offers a time off to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

11. Chung Yeung Festival

• Date: 18 October 2026 (Sunday)
• Much like Ching Ming, the Chung Yeung Festival is a time for ancestor worship and hiking excursions.

12. Chinese Winter Winter Solstice OR Christmas Day

• Date: December 22 OR December 25, 2026 (Tuesday OR Friday)
• The Winter Solstice is a time for family gatherings and eating of traditional foods; a central part of your cultural heritage.

13. First Weekday After Christmas

• Dates:
  
  • Christmas Day: 26 December 2026 (Saturday)
  • The first weekday after Christmas Day: 26 December 2024 (Thursday)
• Celebrate Christmas and enjoy the public holidays that allow for a festive respite towards the end of the year.

Public and Private Sector Guidelines for Statutory Holidays

In Hong Kong, public and private sector employees are entitled to statutory holidays. Here’s what you need to know about observing these days:

• Entitlement: You are entitled to 14 statutory holidays throughout 2024. These include the first day of January and various days during the Lunar New Year, among others.
  
  
• Pay: If you are required to work on a statutory holiday, you are entitled to holiday pay, which is equivalent to your daily average wage.
  
  
• Compensatory Leave: Should the statutory holiday fall on a rest day, you are eligible to take a compensatory day off within the following 60 days. Your employer should provide advance notice for this arrangement.
  
  

When planning for statutory holidays, consider the following key points:

Remember, the observance of these holidays ensures your well-being and work-life balance. Stay informed of your rights and proactively communicate with your employer about holiday schedules and compensatory arrangements.

Planning for HK Statutory Holidays 2024

When mapping out your year, taking note of the statutory holidays in Hong Kong for 2024 is crucial. You'll find several long weekends, thanks to holidays falling adjacent to weekends, presenting an excellent opportunity for short trips or family gatherings.

Travel Planning: Book your tickets early, especially for popular dates around the Lunar New Year, which starts on February 10. Accommodations in tourist hotspots fill up quickly during these peak times, and travel fares often spike.

Family Gatherings: Coordinate with relatives in advance for occasions like the Lunar New Year or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. This foresight ensures everyone has enough notice to clear their schedules and perhaps even contribute to a shared itinerary.

Business Preparations: As a business owner, adjust schedules for holiday closures by informing your staff and clients well in advance. Consider the need for temporary staff during these periods if you run a service that doesn't close.

Remember that the second day of the Lunar New Year in 2024 falling on a Sunday means that the fourth day will be a substitute general holiday. Consider this when planning annual leave for a longer break or a potential holiday trip.

While enjoying your trip to Hong Kong, you might consider visiting China. Check out our post, "Do You Need a Visa to Visit China?" for essential information.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2024, Hong Kong's statutory holidays offer a balance between traditional celebrations and modern statutory requirements for workers. Here’s what you need to know about these public holidays.

What is the holiday strategy for Hong Kong in 2024?

Hong Kong has delineated 14 statutory holidays for the year 2024. These are days recognized by law for workers to rest from their duties. Your entitlement to these holidays is irrespective of your employment duration or work hours.

What is the biggest holiday in Hong Kong?

The most significant holiday in Hong Kong is Lunar New Year, which is a multi-day celebration. In 2024, Lunar New Year’s Day falls on February 10, followed by the third day of the Lunar New Year on February 12.

How many days vacation in Hong Kong?

Aside from statutory holidays, your annual leave entitlement depends on your contract and length of service. Typically, after one year of service, you are entitled to a minimum of seven days of paid annual leave, with additional days awarded for longer service periods.

Why is July 1st HK holiday?

July 1st is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. It marks the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China and the establishment of the SAR. You are entitled to a holiday on this day to commemorate this significant event.

Does Hong Kong celebrate Chinese New Year 2024?

Yes, Chinese New Year is a major celebration in Hong Kong and is included as part of the statutory holidays for 2024. During this festive period, you can enjoy various traditional events and customs across the city.

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