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HK Statutory Holiday 2024: An Overview of Official Public Holidays

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Published on
May 15, 2024

Explore Hong Kong's 2024 statutory holidays, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. From the iconic Chinese New Year to the solemn National Day, each public holiday highlights Hong Kong's traditions and urban life. 

In 2024, you can expect to enjoy a line-up of statutory holidays in Hong Kong that acknowledge traditional celebrations, international observances, and notable anniversaries in the region’s history. These holidays are designed to provide you with rest and the opportunity to honor cultural and historic events alongside family and community. The Labour Department of Hong Kong ensures that workers are entitled to these days off, underscoring their commitment to work-life balance and cultural inclusivity.

This article offers an overview of these official holidays, helping you plan to enjoy the festivities or take a well-deserved break in this dynamic city.

Complete List of HK Statutory Holidays 2024

In 2024, you can look forward to various statutory holidays in Hong Kong. The following table details each holiday with its corresponding date and day of the week, so you can effectively plan your year.

Complete List of HK Statutory Holidays 2024

*If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the government typically grants a substitution holiday on the subsequent following weekday. Please confirm closer to the date for official arrangements.

This set of days off is established under the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance, and it provides you with time to rest and celebrate with family and friends. Ensure that you are aware of these dates as employers across Hong Kong recognize them and have implications for work and pay according to local labor laws.

Check China Holidays 2024 in this detailed guide.

Hong Kong HK Statutory Holidays 2024

In 2024, 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

New Year's Day hk holiday 2024
  • Date: 1 January 2024 (Monday)
  • You'll celebrate the beginning of the year with a day off on the first day of January.

2. Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year HK public holiday
  • Dates:some text
    • Lunar New Year's Day: 10 February 2024 (Saturday)
    • The third day of the Lunar New Year: 12 February 2024 (Monday)
    • The fourth day of the Lunar New Year: 13 February 2024 (Tuesday)
  • The Lunar New Year period is marked by multiple days off, providing time to participate in festive traditions.

3. Ching Ming Festival

Ching Ming Festival
  • Date: 4 April 2024 (Thursday)
  • This festival is a day for you to honor your ancestors, commonly spent visiting graves and paying respects.

4. Labour Day

Labour Day
  • Date: 1 May 2024 (Wednesday)
  • As a worker, you're entitled to a rest on Labour Day, which honors laborers and the working classes.

5. Tuen Ng Festival

  • Date: 12 June 2024 (Wednesday)
  • Also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, this holiday has you enjoying dragon boat races and zongzi (rice dumplings).

6. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
  • Date: 1 July 2024 (Monday)
  • This holiday marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

7. Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival
  • Date: 17 September 2024 (Tuesday)
  • Here, you'll enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival, where mooncakes are the hallmark treat alongside lantern displays.

8. National Day

Hong Kong National Day
  • Date: 1 October 2024 (Tuesday)
  • National Day offers a time off to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

9. Chung Yeung Festival

Chung Yeung Festival
  • Date: 14 October 2024 (Monday)
  • Much like Ching Ming, the Chung Yeung Festival is a time for ancestor worship and hiking excursions.

10. Chinese Winter Solstice

Chinese Winter Solstice
  • Date: 22 December 2024 (Sunday)
  • The Winter Solstice is a time for family gatherings and eating of traditional foods; a central part of your cultural heritage.

11. Christmas Day

HK Christmas Day
  • Dates:some text
    • Christmas Day: 25 December 2024 (Wednesday)
    • 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:

statutory holidays planning table

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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