Taiwan Public Holidays 2025
Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Plan Your Trip
Taiwan’s public holidays offer a fascinating window into the island’s rich cultural traditions, religious customs, and modern national identity. With a mix of traditional Chinese festivals and official state commemorations, the holiday calendar reflects Taiwan’s unique heritage.
For travelers and locals alike, understanding when these holidays fall is key to planning around closures, crowds, and unique events.
The Chinese New Year, usually in late January or early February, is the most significant holiday in Taiwan. It’s followed by other major celebrations like Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day), Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Each of these holidays brings its own customs, such as grave visits, dragon boat races, or mooncake sharing under the full moon. These traditional events offer immersive experiences for visitors who want to connect with Taiwan’s living culture.
In addition to cultural festivals, Taiwan also observes national commemorations such as Peace Memorial Day and Double Ten Day , along with lesser-known but meaningful observances like Taiwan Retrocession Day and the Battle of Guningtou Memorial Day.
These events mark major milestones in the island’s political history and are often recognized with ceremonies, educational activities, and public displays. Constitution Day is also observed, coinciding with informal Christmas celebrations—making the end of the year both reflective and festive.
Many of these holidays result in extended weekends, making them popular for domestic travel and religious observances. Temples fill with worshippers, markets stay busy, and families come together for feasts and rituals.
Whether you’re a traveler hoping to attend a festival or a resident arranging time off, knowing the public holiday calendar in Taiwan ensures a smoother, more enriching experience. It’s also a chance to experience the island’s spirit at its most authentic and celebratory.
By timing your visit around Taiwan’s public holidays, you can enjoy the island at its most festive and authentic.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Book early during Lunar New Year and festival weeks, as transportation and accommodations fill up quickly.
Temple visits, local fairs, and traditional foods are best experienced during holidays like Dragon Boat and Mid-Autumn.
Avoid highways and intercity travel during the start and end of major holidays due to heavy congestion.
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day / Republic Day
Taiwan celebrates the start of the Gregorian calendar year on January 1, marked by fireworks, late-night countdowns, and public festivities the evening before. This day also commemorates the founding of the Republic of China in 1912, known as Republic Day, which symbolizes national identity and pride. While Republic Day is more symbolic now, both events are recognized nationwide.
Key Points:
Dual-purpose holiday: Western New Year + Republic of China foundation
Government offices, banks, and most workplaces are closed
Jan. 25 to Feb. 2 – Chinese New Year Holiday
The most significant holiday in Taiwan, Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is a time for family reunions, ancestor worship, and traditional blessings. People clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, exchange red envelopes, and feast on symbolic dishes. The atmosphere is festive with firecrackers, temple visits, and lion dances. Nearly all businesses close for at least 5 days, with the full holiday spanning 9 days in 2025.
Key Points:
9-day national holiday; includes Lunar New Year’s Eve (Jan 28)
Most businesses close; heavy domestic travel and temple activity
Feb. 28 – 228 Peace Memorial Day
This somber national holiday commemorates the 1947 February 28 Incident, a political uprising and violent suppression that marked a turning point in Taiwan’s modern history. The day is observed with ceremonies, public discussions, and visits to memorial parks and museums. It serves as a reminder of the importance of human rights and democratic development.
Key Points:
Honors victims of the 1947 tragedy; reflection on justice and democracy
Often used to create a long weekend for domestic travel
Apr. 3 – Children’s Day Holiday
This public holiday gives families time off to honor children and their importance to society. Schools and local governments may host events like performances, fairs, and fun competitions. It also marks the start of a long weekend with Qingming Festival following immediately.
Key Points:
Celebrates the rights and welfare of children
Opens a long family-oriented holiday period
Apr. 4 – Children’s Day
Although the official celebration of children continues, the real focus shifts to family-oriented events or travel. In schools, this day is often recognized with music, games, or storytelling. Many families use the combined time off for short vacations.
Key Points:
Typically observed with school-based activities and recognition
Part of a 3- or 4-day holiday when paired with Qingming Festival
Apr. 5 – Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
Qingming Festival is a traditional day to honor ancestors by cleaning gravesites, offering food, and burning incense. Families gather at cemeteries to sweep tombs and perform rituals. It’s a deeply rooted custom that blends remembrance with nature outings and spring picnics.
Key Points:
Ancestral worship and family reunions at gravesites
Blends solemn rituals with spring traditions and outdoor activities
May 1 – Labour Day
Labor Day in Taiwan is observed mainly by the private sector, especially unions and workers’ organizations. It’s a day to recognize the hard work of Taiwan’s labor force. Some demonstrations or labor awareness events may be held, though it’s not a national holiday for all sectors.
Key Points:
A public holiday for private sector employees
Not observed by all schools or government offices
May 30 – Dragon Boat Festival Holiday
The Friday before the actual festival day provides extra time off, giving families and workers a long weekend. This added day encourages travel and participation in pre-festival preparations like making zongzi or joining practice sessions for boat races.
Key Points:
Creates a long weekend for travel or cultural participation
Precedes one of Taiwan’s most vibrant traditional festivals
May 31 – Dragon Boat Festival
A major festival rooted in Chinese folklore, it commemorates poet Qu Yuan. The day is filled with thrilling dragon boat races held on rivers and lakes across Taiwan, while people eat zongzi, pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. It’s both a sporty and cultural celebration.
Key Points:
Features boat races and traditional food like zongzi
Widely attended cultural events and ceremonies
Oct. 6 – Mid-Autumn Festival
Also known as the Moon Festival, this holiday celebrates harvest, family unity, and the full moon. Families enjoy outdoor barbecues, give mooncakes as gifts, and appreciate moon-viewing traditions. The roundness of the moon symbolizes reunion and harmony.
Key Points:
Celebrated with BBQs, mooncakes, and lanterns
Offers a relaxing, family-focused break in early autumn
Oct. 10 – ROC National Day (Double Ten Day)
This is Taiwan’s official National Day, celebrating the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that led to the founding of the Republic of China. The day features patriotic events, including a military parade, flag-raising ceremony, and fireworks in major cities.
Key Points:
National pride day with parades and firework displays
Public holiday ideal for a 3-day weekend getaway
Oct. 25 – Taiwan Retrocession Day & Battle of Guningtou Memorial Day
October 25 is a historically significant day in Taiwan. It marks Taiwan’s retrocession from Japanese colonial rule back to the Republic of China in 1945, following World War II. The date also commemorates the Battle of Guningtou, a decisive 1949 military victory on Kinmen Island that prevented the Chinese Communist forces from invading Taiwan.
Though not a public holiday in the sense of a nationwide day off, this day is marked by official ceremonies, history exhibitions, and memorial services, particularly in educational and military circles.
Key Points:
Highlights Taiwan’s return to Chinese governance and a major military defense milestone
Events include patriotic ceremonies, military history exhibits, and educational programs
Dec. 25 – Constitution Day / Christmas
December 25 in Taiwan carries dual significance. Constitution Day honors the promulgation of the Republic of China’s Constitution in 1947, a landmark in Taiwan’s legal and democratic development.
While Christmas is not a national religious holiday, it is increasingly observed in a commercial and festive sense—especially in urban areas, shopping centers, and schools. Lights, decorations, and gift exchanges are common, giving the day a cheerful and seasonal vibe despite its limited official observance.
Key Points:
Constitution Day reflects Taiwan’s democratic foundation and legal history
Christmas is celebrated socially, but observance varies across schools and workplaces
Calendar: Taiwan Public Holidays 2025
Some holidays create long weekends, which are popular times for domestic travel, family gatherings, and temple visits. During these periods, it’s important to book transportation and accommodations early due to high demand.
Whether you’re exploring Taiwan’s temples, attending parades, or planning your business schedule, being aware of the public holiday calendar ensures a smoother experience. Many holidays are accompanied by vibrant local traditions, performances, and food stalls, making them ideal for cultural exploration.
Taiwan Public Holidays 2026
Taiwan’s 2026 public holiday calendar reflects a blend of cultural heritage, traditional festivals, and national commemorations. These holidays are not only moments for rest and celebration but also key to understanding the island’s identity.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each holiday, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day / Republic Day
Taiwan celebrates January 1 as both New Year’s Day and Republic Day, commemorating the founding of the Republic of China in 1912. While most people associate this day with the Western New Year, the ROC anniversary gives it added political and historical meaning.
Across Taiwan, major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung host grand countdown events, fireworks displays, and public concerts on the night of December 31. On January 1, government offices, schools, and many businesses close, allowing families and friends to rest or go out for the first outing of the year.
Though Republic Day is not widely emphasized in modern celebrations, it remains a key part of Taiwan’s political identity.
Highlights:
Fireworks shows, late-night concerts, and festive gatherings
Banks, schools, and most offices are closed nationwide
Feb. 16–20 – Chinese New Year Holiday
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is Taiwan’s most important and longest holiday, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. In 2026, the public holiday spans five days from Monday to Friday, but festivities begin as early as the weekend before. On New Year’s Eve (February 15), families gather for a large reunion dinner featuring symbolic foods like fish, dumplings, and longevity noodles.
Over the following days, people visit relatives, give red envelopes to children, clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, and offer incense at temples. Many shops and businesses close, and transport hubs become crowded as millions travel across the island to reunite with loved ones.
Temples host large-scale ceremonies and fairs, making this the best time for visitors to witness Taiwan’s spiritual and festive atmosphere.
Highlights:
Family reunions, red envelopes (紅包), and temple blessings
Extremely busy travel season—book trains, buses, and hotels early
February 27 (Friday) – Peace Memorial Day (Observed)
Peace Memorial Day honors the victims of the tragic February 28 Incident of 1947, when government forces brutally suppressed anti-government protests, leading to thousands of deaths. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Saturday, so the official day off is moved to Friday, February 27 to allow for a long weekend.
This solemn holiday is marked by remembrance ceremonies at monuments and parks, especially at the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei. Museums and schools often hold educational programs that explore Taiwan’s post-war political history and its transition to democracy.
Although it is a quiet holiday, it remains one of the most politically and culturally important commemorations on the Taiwanese calendar.
Highlights:
Reflective ceremonies promoting human rights and democracy
Museums and public offices may host educational events
April 3 (Friday) – Children’s Day (Observed)
Children’s Day in Taiwan celebrates the joy and importance of youth, with a focus on children’s well-being, education, and happiness. Though it officially falls on April 4, in 2026 the holiday is observed on Friday, April 3 to create a four-day weekend. Schools across Taiwan often host special performances, talent shows, and games for students in the days leading up to the break.
Families may use this time for short trips or bonding activities. While the holiday is not religious, it is cherished culturally, as it aligns with Taiwan’s values around family and child development. This day sets the stage for the next major tradition—Qingming Festival.
Highlights:
Activities in schools and local parks focused on children
Forms part of a rare 4-day long weekend in 2026
April 4–6 (Saturday to Monday) – Children’s Day & Qingming Festival
The extended April holiday includes Children’s Day on Saturday and the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) from Sunday to Monday. Qingming is a deeply traditional Chinese holiday where families visit the graves of ancestors to clean the tombstones, burn incense and joss paper, and present offerings of food.
This ritual is a way to show filial piety and keep ancestral connections strong. Many Taiwanese use this long weekend for family outings to the countryside or natural parks, making it one of the busiest domestic travel periods of spring.
For visitors, it’s an excellent chance to observe local customs and explore scenic rural areas where these rituals take place.
Highlights:
Visit to ancestral cemeteries and family rituals
Parks, hiking trails, and highways are busier than usual
May 1 (Friday) – Labor Day
Labor Day in Taiwan is officially recognized for private-sector workers and union members, though it’s not a public holiday for government employees or schools. It is a day to honor the rights and contributions of the working class. Labor unions often use the occasion to organize parades or press for labor reforms.
While the holiday is relatively low-key compared to others, many employees enjoy a day off, especially in manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectors. For travelers, it’s a good day to explore local life, as the streets and shops are generally quieter, but public transport continues running as usual.
Highlights:
Observed by most private businesses; schools usually stay open
May be used as a personal travel or rest day
June 19 (Friday) – Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Jie, is one of Taiwan’s most exciting and competitive holidays. It commemorates the loyal poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against corruption. Legend says villagers raced boats and threw rice dumplings into the river to save or honor him, which evolved into the modern dragon boat races and the tradition of eating zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves).
Races are held along rivers in Taipei, Hualien, and Kaohsiung, attracting huge crowds and media coverage. It’s a one-day public holiday filled with vibrant energy, traditional music, and festive food—an ideal day for cultural sightseeing.
Highlights:
Dragon boat races and cultural performances along rivers
Try traditional zongzi from local markets or handmade by families
September 25 (Friday) – Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time of family reunions, moon-viewing, and celebrating the fall harvest. Families exchange mooncakes, light lanterns, and hold outdoor barbecues—a uniquely Taiwanese way of marking the full moon. Parks, balconies, and riversides come alive with people grilling meats and sharing food late into the evening.
The full moon symbolizes unity, making this a heartfelt holiday filled with warmth and appreciation. Mooncakes, often filled with lotus seed paste or salted egg yolk, are sold weeks in advance. The holiday falls on a Friday in 2026, creating another ideal long weekend for travel and festivities.
Highlights:
Lanterns, mooncakes, and outdoor BBQs
Best enjoyed in scenic areas or with local families
October 9–10 (Friday–Saturday) – National Day (Double Ten Day)
Taiwan’s National Day, known as Double Ten Day, commemorates the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 1911, which led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. It’s the most patriotic day of the year, with a large-scale military parade, flag-raising ceremony, and fireworks show in Taipei.
In 2026, a public holiday is granted on Friday, October 9, creating a long weekend. The Presidential Office opens its doors for public tours, and flags are raised all over the country. For visitors, this is a rare chance to witness national pride and large-scale civic participation at its peak.
Highlights:
National celebrations, especially in Taipei
Parade at the Presidential Office and fireworks in major cities
October 25 (Sunday) – Taiwan Retrocession Day & Battle of Guningtou Memorial Day
October 25 is a historically significant day in Taiwan that marks Taiwan Retrocession Day, when the island was returned to Chinese governance from Japanese rule in 1945 after World War II. Though not an official public holiday with a day off, it holds symbolic weight in historical and military education.
On the same date, Taiwan also commemorates the Battle of Guningtou (1949), a pivotal military conflict in which Republic of China (ROC) forces successfully defended Kinmen Island from a communist invasion. This battle is credited with preventing the mainland Chinese forces from advancing further into Taiwan.
Memorial events, educational programs, and ceremonies are often held in Kinmen and military academies, focusing on national resilience and patriotism.
Highlights:
Honoring Taiwan’s return from Japanese colonial rule in 1945
Commemorating a key ROC military victory in post-war history
December 25 (Friday) – Constitution Day / Christmas
Though many associate December 25 with Christmas, in Taiwan it is also Constitution Day, marking the 1947 adoption of the Republic of China’s Constitution. Constitution Day is an official observance but not a national holiday with time off, and is mainly recognized through legal, political, and academic events.
On the cultural side, Christmas is growing in popularity, particularly in urban areas where malls, cafes, and schools embrace festive lights, decorations, and holiday music. While it is not a traditional or religious holiday for most Taiwanese, its commercial appeal brings seasonal cheer and themed displays throughout December.
Schools may hold holiday events, but government offices and businesses typically remain open.
Highlights:
Constitution Day honors Taiwan’s legal foundation and democratic history
Christmas is informally celebrated, especially in commercial and social settings
Calendar: Taiwan Public Holidays 2026
