2026 HK Public Holiday: Guide to Maximize Your Annual Leave

📅 The 2026 HK public holiday calendar is out! With 17 public holidays on the calendar, a bit of smart annual leave planning can turn them into several long breaks — perfect for a relaxing getaway. HK Express has compiled the best destinations for seasonal breaks like Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas. ✈️ Explore the best leave combos and destination picks below and get ahead by booking your days off early!
 

January Holiday Guide: Taipei — New Year’s Day Celebrations × Countdown Fireworks
(New Year’s Day | 1–4 January | Take 1 day of leave for 4 days off)
Kick off the New Year with a quick getaway to Taipei! Join the thrilling countdown at Taipei 101 and welcome the year with its iconic fireworks display. You can also add a blessing visit at Longshan Temple, browse festive New Year markets, and savour night-market favourites — even a short trip is enough to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant holiday spirit and rich cultural charm.

February Holiday Guide: Sendai + Tokyo — Snow Festival Highlights × Zao’s Ice Monsters
(Lunar New Year | 14–22 February | Take 2 days of leave for 9 days off)
The extended Lunar New Year long holiday is the perfect chance for an immersive winter escape! Begin in Sendai to marvel at the otherworldly Zao “ice monsters” and hit the slopes for some snowy fun, then catch the limited-time winter illumination in Shirakawa-go.

Round off your trip in Tokyo with shopping and great food or escape to a soothing hot spring retreat in Karuizawa — the ideal blend of snow scenery and onsen relaxation to deeply rejuvenate body and mind.

April Holiday Guide: Osaka + Kyoto — Romantic Cherry Blossom Viewing × Strolling Through Floral Landscapes
(Easter + Ching Ming Festival | 3–12 April | Take 3 days of leave for 10 days off)
With a 10-day holiday by taking just 3 days of leave over Easter and the Ching Ming Festival, it’s the perfect opportunity for a mesmerizing cherry-blossom getaway. Visit the magnificent Osaka Castle Park, one of the city’s most beloved hanami spots, then head to Kyoto’s Miidera Temple to experience its enchanting, ethereal night-time sakura — a highlight not to be missed.

May Holiday Guide: Yiwu + Ningbo — Cultural Markets × Scenic Nature Retreat
(Buddha’s Birthday | 23–31 May | Take 4 days of leave for 9 days off)
Early summer is the best time to experience nature with culture in one relaxing getaway. Begin your journey in Ningbo with visits to the historic Tianyi Pavilion, Laowaitan, and Dongqian Lake, where tranquil lakeside views and a slower city pace set the tone. 
Then head to Yiwu to explore its creative markets and warm, bustling local vibe. Enjoy a fulfilling 9-day twin-city journey where scenic landscapes and vibrant urban life beautifully interweave.

December Holiday Guide: Daegu + Busan — Frozen Waterfall Wonders × Tranquil Snowy Landscapes
(Christmas | 19–27 December | Take 4 days of leave for 9 days off)
If you’re a fan of snowy landscapes, December is absolutely the ideal time to explore the wonders of Daegu and Busan. Marvel at the enchanting, majestic frozen waterfall in Daegu’s Biseulsan Ice Valley, then drift through Busan’s icy gorge on a fairytale-like canoe ride — a serene winter escape that will help you completely unwind far from the city’s relentless hustle and bustle.

Don't wait any longer! Take advantage of these smart leave-planning combos and book early to secure your preferred peak-season flights and sought-after hotels! Whether you’re taking 2 days for 9 off or 3 days for 10 off, HK Express has the best-value fares for your 2026 public holiday. Gotta Go~