2026 statutory holiday dates
Easter Monday is included from 2026. The December choice below counts as one statutory holiday. Confirm the employer’s choice and keep it in the household calendar.
| Date in 2026 | Statutory holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | First day of January |
| 17 February | Lunar New Year’s Day |
| 18 February | Second day of Lunar New Year |
| 19 February | Third day of Lunar New Year |
| 5 April | Ching Ming Festival |
| 6 April | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 24 May | Birthday of the Buddha |
| 19 June | Tuen Ng Festival |
| 1 July | Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day |
| 26 September | Day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival |
| 1 October | National Day |
| 18 October | Chung Yeung Festival |
| 22 December OR 25 December | Winter Solstice OR Christmas Day, employer’s choice |
| 26 December | First weekday after Christmas Day |
A Sunday does not tell you the helper’s rest day
Look at the recorded rest arrangement, not the weekday name. If a statutory holiday falls on the helper’s rest day, the next qualifying day must meet the Labour Department’s conditions. Keep the overlap visible until that date is checked.
Source: Labour Department: statutory holiday questions and answers
If the helper works on a statutory holiday
The official rules distinguish an alternative holiday, with 48 hours’ prior notice and a date within 60 days before or after the statutory holiday, from an agreed substitute holiday within 30 days of the statutory or alternative holiday. Cash cannot replace the holiday.
Retain the original holiday, work date, notice and linked replacement record. A scheduled replacement is a plan; an actual day off is a separate fact. The pilot keeps statutory replacement arrangements under review rather than certifying discharge.
Source: Labour Department: statutory holiday questions and answers
Holiday entitlement and holiday pay are separate checks
Statutory holidays apply irrespective of service length; holiday pay requires at least three months under a continuous contract. Follow the official FAQ’s prescribed average-wage rules and exclusions for a pay calculation; do not invent a monthly salary divided by 30 calculation.
Record continuous service independently of the current contract dates. If renewal, leave or a pay change makes the inputs uncertain, review them before entering an adjustment.
Source: Labour Department: statutory holiday questions and answers
Good questions deserve clear answers.
Are both 22 and 25 December automatically statutory holidays?
No. The published list gives Winter Solstice or Christmas Day at the employer’s option. Confirm the selected date; 26 December is separately listed.
Does recording a holiday-work payment close the holiday?
No. Money and the holiday arrangement are separate records. Retain and review the original obligation and the linked replacement.
Can I count annual leave on a recorded replacement holiday?
Do not double-count the same date. Keep both records and review the classification and entitlement before reducing an annual leave balance.
Sources & review dates
Official sources were checked on the dates below. Later changes and individual cases may require a fresh review.
- Labour Department: statutory holidays for 2026Checked 5 October 2026
- Labour Department: statutory holiday questions and answersChecked 5 October 2026