The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has announced the official list of general holidays for 2025, offering a total of 17 public holidays. These holidays include a mix of traditional Chinese festivals and international observances, providing opportunities for rest, celebration, and travel.
With five long weekends in 2025, holidays like Lunar New Year, Ching Ming Festival, Easter, the Birthday of the Buddha, and Christmas create ample chances for relaxation and family time or short getaways.
Here’s an overview of Hong Kong’s public holiday schedule for 2025, along with insights for employers and employees on how to plan ahead.
Official General Holidays for 2025
Hong Kong’s general holidays apply to businesses, schools, and government offices across the city. While these holidays are distinct from statutory holidays, they serve as key benchmarks for public observance. Below is the complete schedule of general holidays for 2025:
Name | Date | Type |
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 Day | 1 July | Tuesday |
National Day | 1 October | Wednesday |
The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Fest | 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
Employers should ensure that employees are informed about the holiday schedule in advance to avoid misunderstandings or disruptions.
When general holidays fall on Sundays or rest days, employers should clarify whether substitute days off will be granted, especially in industries with irregular work schedules.
Holiday Pay Compliance
Under the Employment Ordinance, statutory holidays carry specific pay requirements. While general holidays are not legally mandated for all employees, aligning policies with statutory holiday pay practices helps maintain equity in the workplace.
Operational Impact
Businesses, particularly in hospitality, retail, and essential services, should plan for possible disruptions during holiday periods. Advance preparation for staffing and workload distribution is key to minimizing operational challenges.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Hong Kong’s public holidays reflect its unique cultural identity, blending Chinese traditions with Western influences:
Lunar New Year: Celebrates the start of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Good Friday and Easter Monday: Reflect Christian traditions in Hong Kong.
The Birthday of the Buddha: Highlights Buddhist heritage.
Mid-Autumn and Chung Yeung Festivals: Tied to Chinese customs of ancestor veneration and folklore.
Long Weekends in 2025
To maximize holiday time, employees and employers should note the following long weekends:
Lunar New Year: 29–31 January (Wednesday to Friday).
Ching Ming Festival: 4 April (Friday).
Easter: 18–21 April (Friday to Monday).
Birthday of the Buddha: 3–5 May (Saturday to Monday).
Christmas: 25–26 December (Thursday and Friday).
Planning for 2025
Employers and employees alike should use this calendar to:
Plan vacations and personal activities.
Ensure compliance with labor laws related to holidays.
Avoid scheduling conflicts that may disrupt workflows.
By proactively managing holiday schedules, businesses can foster a positive and fair work environment, while individuals can maximize their time for rest and celebration.
Hong Kong’s diverse and culturally rich holiday calendar offers ample opportunities to balance work and leisure in 2025.
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