Taiwan public holidays shape the rhythm of life for every Filipino worker here, and I learned that lesson the hard way during my first Lunar New Year rush. One minute I was lining up at Taoyuan Airport, the next I was scrambling to explain a missed makeup Saturday to my supervisor.
Since then I keep a color-coded calendar taped above my dorm desk, and it has turned each long weekend into a chance to explore mountain temples, cheer dragon boat racers, or simply video call home without watching the clock. If you plan to work, travel, or top up your savings this year, knowing which dates come with paid rest, or sudden crowds, will save both money and stress.
Quick Take
Planning around Taiwan public holidays lets me:
- stretch my leave,
- grab cheap tickets, and
- join local events.
Below is the calendar, stories, and tips I use each year.
| Holiday | 2025 Date * | How Long Off | What I Usually Do |
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan (Wed) | 1 day | Fireworks at Taipei 101 |
| Lunar New Year | 27 Jan Mon – 2 Feb Sun | Up to 10 days | Home‑stay or slow travel |
| 228 Peace Memorial Day | 28 Feb (Fri) | 1 day | Visit museum, reflect |
| Children’s & Tomb‑Sweeping Day | 3 – 4 Apr (Thu–Fri) | 2 days | Clean graves with friends |
| Labor Day | 1 May (Thu) | 1 day | Picnic, short hike |
| Dragon Boat Festival | 30 May (Fri) | 1 day | Cheer races, eat zongzi |
| Mid‑Autumn Festival | 6 Oct (Mon) | 1 day | Moon‑view BBQ |
| National Day | 10 Oct (Fri) | 1 day | Watch Double Ten parade |
| Retrocession Day † | 25 Oct (Sat) | 1 day (Mon off) | Historic walking tour |
| Constitution Day † | 25 Dec (Thu) | 1 day | Year‑end rest |
* Dates follow Taiwan’s 2025 work calendar. Deferred days off apply when a holiday falls on a weekend.
†Added by the 2025 Act on Commemorative Days and Holidays.
Why I Track These Holidays
When contracts give only a few vacation days, every public break counts. Knowing the calendar early lets me:
- Pair leave with long weekends for budget trips
- Time visits home when airfare dips
- Avoid surprise make‑up workdays that happen after big holidays
Personal note: My first year, I booked a flight the day after Lunar New Year ended. I did not know we had a make‑up Saturday. I lost a day’s pay. Never again!
Taiwan Major Holidays
New Year’s Day – 1 January
City streets glow with fireworks and free concerts. I grab an easy day trip because trains run light.
Lunar New Year – late January to early February
Families reunite, shops close, ticket prices soar. I book buses two months ahead or just stay put and enjoy quiet Taipei streets.
Pro tip: Stock snacks before the break; supermarkets shorten hours.
228 Peace Memorial Day – 28 February
A solemn day that remembers 1947’s victims. I visit the park exhibit to deepen my grasp of Taiwan’s road to democracy.
Children’s Day plus Tomb‑Sweeping Day – early April
Two holidays merge into a four‑day weekend. Friends invite me to sweep ancestors’ graves. It is a heartfelt way to learn local customs.
Labor Day – 1 May
Under the new law, public‑sector staff finally share this rest day. I treat it like a mini‑vacation without crowds.
Dragon Boat Festival – late May or June
Rivers buzz with racing drums. I join coworkers to taste sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Mid‑Autumn Festival – September or October
Families grill meats under the full moon. Rooftop barbecues fill the air with sweet smoke. I bring mooncakes for my dorm mates.
National Day – 10 October
Parades, jet flyovers, and fireworks mark the ROC’s birthday. I reach the parade route by dawn for a clear view.
Retrocession Day – 25 October
Newly reinstated, this holiday honors the end of Japanese rule in 1945. Museums host free tours on Taiwan’s modern history.
Constitution Day – 25 December
Quieter than Christmas, yet still a paid break. Perfect for last‑minute gift shopping or a mountain hot‑spring soak.
Planning Tips I Swear By
- Check make‑up days early. HR posts them each December.
- Lock flights for Lunar New Year by October. Prices double by November.
- Use local events to bond. Sharing zongzi or mooncakes builds trust at work.
- Carry cash. ATMs sometimes run empty during long breaks.
- Verify your sector. Some factories still rotate shifts on holidays.
What Recent Law Changes Mean for Us
The 2025 Act restored Retrocession Day, Constitution Day, and Confucius’ Birthday, and it made Labor Day universal. Lawmakers said the move balances culture and worker rights. Always read the annual notice because rules can shift again.
Video: Taiwanese Workers to Get Four More Public Holidays｜TaiwanPlus News
Taiwan’s lawmakers passed a new law giving workers four extra days of rest each year.
For the first time, public sector employees will enjoy Labor Day as a day off.
The move sparked online debate, as some questioned the historical links tied to the chosen holidays.
Many workers responded positively, highlighting how more rest uplifts their well-being and energy.
This change reflects how Taiwan is rethinking its approach to work-life balance and collective care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lunar New Year always a week off?
The official break is six to seven days, but many firms add days on either side.
Do I get paid extra for working on a holiday?
Yes. Overtime pay is at least double under the Labor Standards Act.
What are make‑up workdays?
When a holiday stretches over a weekend, the government may set a Saturday as a workday to balance total days off.
Can I refuse make‑up workdays?
Not usually. Plan leave instead so you are not caught short.
Final Thoughts
Marking Taiwan public holidays on my phone at the start of each year saves money and stress. More than that, joining local festivals helps me feel less like a visitor and more like a neighbor. Plan ahead, stay curious, and each break will turn into a memory worth keeping.