Setting your opening hours for Singapore public holidays

Singapore's public holidays include New Year's Day, Chinese New Year (two days), Good Friday, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Haji, National Day, Deepavali and Christmas Day. Several move each year with the lunar and religious calendars. For a service business, each holiday is a decision: open, close or open with reduced hours.

Decide early, once

When the official dates for the coming year are published, sit down with your team and decide what you will do on each holiday. Some businesses close on every public holiday; others, especially in malls, open because holidays are their busiest days. Writing the plan once avoids last-minute confusion.

Block what you close

Block each day you will be closed so clients cannot book it. If you open for half a day, block only the hours you are away. Clients then see the holiday as unavailable and choose another time.

Sundays and the day after

When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday in Singapore. Many businesses forget this and find themselves with bookings on a day staff expected to have off. Check each year's list for these Monday holidays and block them if you close.

Staff leave around holidays

Long weekends are popular for leave and short trips. If each team member has their own calendar, set their days off there, so the booking page only shows people who are actually working. Clients who choose a particular person will see their real availability.

Tell your clients

Mention your holiday hours in your booking page description in the weeks before each holiday. For major holidays like Chinese New Year, an email to clients who ticked to hear from you is a helpful reminder to book before you close.

Repeat bookings on holidays

Weekly or fortnightly regulars may have repeat bookings that land on a holiday. Check these before each holiday and move them to another day, so the client receives an updated confirmation rather than turning up to a closed door.

• Decide opening plans for the whole year at once.
• Block closed days and partial days in advance.
• Watch for Monday holidays after a Sunday.
• Set each team member's leave in their own calendar.
• Move repeat bookings that land on a closed day.

Public holidays are predictable, which makes them easy to handle well. A little planning in January saves a lot of apologising later in the year.

Opening on a holiday

If you choose to open on a public holiday, treat it as a special day. Clients who are off work may want longer services they cannot fit in during the week, so consider adding a few longer slots. Make sure the team members working that day have their hours set, and let clients know you are open in your booking page description.

Eve of a holiday

The day before a major holiday is often busier than the holiday itself, as clients prepare. Many businesses also close early on the eve of Chinese New Year. If you do, block the afternoon in advance rather than turning clients away on the day.

Mall rules

If you are in a shopping mall, check the mall's own opening hours for each holiday. Some malls open later or close earlier on certain days, and your booking page should match the hours clients can actually reach you.

When your plan for the year is in place, review it once more each quarter. Dates for some holidays are confirmed later, and new events, such as an extra public holiday announced for a national occasion, can appear. A quick check every few months keeps your booking page accurate and your clients confident that what they see is right.