Hong Kong Public Holidays 2025

Hong Kong will observe 17 public holidays in 2025, including five long weekends for Lunar New Year, Ching Ming Festival, Easter, the Birthday of the Buddha, and Christmas. These holidays offer opportunities for rest, travel, and cultural celebrations while ensuring workplace compliance.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has officially gazetted the list of general holidays for 2025, offering residents 17 public holidays to look forward to. With a diverse mix of traditional Chinese festivals and globally recognized observances, the year promises plenty of opportunities for rest, celebration, and travel.

In 2025, Hong Kongers can enjoy five long weekends, thanks to holidays such as Lunar New Year, Ching Ming Festival, Easter, the Birthday of the Buddha, and Christmas. These extended breaks provide a perfect chance to recharge, spend time with loved ones, or embark on short getaways.

This guide offers a detailed look at Hong Kong’s public holiday schedule for 2025, along with tips for planning ahead and making the most of these special occasions.

Understanding Hong Kong’s genera holidays

Hong Kong’s general holidays are widely recognized days off, observed by businesses, schools, and government offices across the city. While statutory holidays specifically apply to employees under employment contracts, general holidays serve as a broader reference for public observance. This guide outlines Hong Kong’s general holidays for 2025, their key implications for businesses, and considerations for scheduling and compliance.

Official list of Hong Kong general holidays for 2025

Hong Kong’s general holidays in 2025 are as follows:

• Every Sunday
• The first day of January (1 January, Wednesday)
• Lunar New Year’s Day (29 January, Wednesday)
• The second day of Lunar New Year (30 January, Thursday)
• The third day of Lunar New Year (31 January, Friday)
• Ching Ming Festival (4 April, Friday)
• Good Friday (18 April, Friday)
• The day following Good Friday (19 April, Saturday)
• Easter Monday (21 April, Monday)
• Labour Day (1 May, Thursday)
• The Birthday of the Buddha (5 May, Monday)
• Tuen Ng Festival (31 May, Saturday)
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day (1 July, Tuesday)
• National Day (1 October, Wednesday)
• The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (7 October, Tuesday)
• Chung Yeung Festival (29 October, Wednesday)
• Christmas Day (25 December, Thursday)
• The first weekday after Christmas Day (26 December, Friday)

Key considerations for employers and employees

Holiday arrangements

General holidays offer a mix of fixed dates and festival-based observances that align with Hong Kong’s cultural and historical traditions. Employers should ensure their workforce is informed about these holidays well in advance.

Alternative scheduling

If a general holiday falls on a rest day or a Sunday, employers should clarify whether an alternative day off will be provided, particularly for industries with non-standard workweeks.

Holiday pay compliance

While statutory holidays have specific legal pay requirements under the Employment Ordinance, employers are encouraged to align their policies for general holidays with those requirements to maintain equity among employees.

Impact on operations

Businesses, especially those in hospitality, retail, and essential services, should prepare for potential disruptions during holiday periods. Advance planning for staffing and workload distribution can minimize operational challenges.

Cultural and religious significance

Hong Kong’s general holidays blend Chinese traditions and Western influences, reflecting the city’s multicultural identity. Key observances include:

• Lunar New Year: A major celebration marking the start of the Chinese lunar calendar.
• Good Friday and Easter Monday: Reflecting Hong Kong’s Christian heritage.
• The Birthday of the Buddha: A reflection of the region’s Buddhist traditions.
• Mid-Autumn Festival and Chung Yeung Festival: Celebrations tied to Chinese folklore and ancestor veneration.

Planning ahead for 2025

Employers and employees alike should review the general holiday calendar to plan vacations, manage workflows, and schedule business activities efficiently. Compliance with holiday-related regulations ensures a fair and harmonious workplace environment.

Whether you’re managing a workforce or planning your personal calendar, understanding the general holidays in Hong Kong helps you make the most of these important observances in 2025.

Also read:

• China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule

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