Travel Planning

2025 Philippines Official National Holidays

Plan your 2025 Cebu vacation with the official Philippine holidays. Regular holidays, special days, and local celebrations.

ByTourismCebu.com
2025 Philippines Official National Holidays

Planning your 2025 trips to Cebu? Here's the official list of Philippine holidays to help you schedule your vacation days and experience the best of Cebu's festivals and attractions.

Regular Holidays

These are non-working days throughout the Philippines with corresponding holiday pay regulations as mandated by the Department of Labor and Employment.

EventDate
New Year's DayJanuary 1 (Wed)
Eid'l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan)April 1 (Tue)
Araw ng KagitinganApril 9 (Wed)
Maundy ThursdayApril 17 (Thu)
Good FridayApril 18 (Fri)
Labor DayMay 1 (Thu)
Eidul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)June 6 (Fri)
Independence DayJune 12 (Thu)
National Heroes DayAugust 25 (Mon)
Bonifacio DayNovember 30 (Sun)
Christmas DayDecember 25 (Thu)
Rizal DayDecember 30 (Tue)

Special Non-Working Holidays

Special non-working days throughout the Philippines with special pay rules as governed by labor regulations.

EventDate
Chinese New YearJanuary 29 (Wed)
Black SaturdayApril 19 (Sat)
National and Local ElectionsMay 12 (Mon)
Ninoy Aquino DayAugust 21 (Thu)
All Saints' Day EveOctober 31 (Fri)
All Saints' DayNovember 1 (Sat)
Feast of the Immaculate ConceptionDecember 8 (Mon)
Christmas EveDecember 24 (Wed)
Last Day of the YearDecember 31 (Wed)

Special Working Holidays

These are special days of national observance, but work and classes continue as normal.

EventDate
EDSA People Power Revolution AnniversaryFebruary 25 (Tue)

Holiday Planning Tips for Cebu Visitors

Travel Tips

  • Book accommodations and flights early for holiday periods
  • Expect higher hotel rates during long weekends
  • Consider mid-week travel to avoid holiday crowds
  • Plan for traffic congestion during major holidays

Best Long Weekends

  • Easter Weekend: April 17-20 (4 days)
  • Labor Day Weekend: May 1-4 (4 days with 1 leave day)
  • Independence Day Weekend: June 12-15 (4 days with 1 leave day)
  • Christmas to New Year: Dec 24, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 (9 days with 3 leave days)

Holiday Practices in Cebu

During major holidays like Holy Week, Christmas, and New Year, many businesses in Cebu may operate on limited hours or close entirely. Tourist attractions remain open during most holidays, but transportation services might follow reduced schedules. It's advisable to check operating hours in advance when planning holiday visits.

Cebu-Specific Celebrations

In addition to national holidays, Cebu has its own special celebrations that may affect your travel plans:

Sinulog Festival

Date: Third Sunday of January (January 19, 2025)

Cebu's biggest festival honoring Santo Niño. Expect heavy crowds, street closures, and fully booked accommodations a week before and during the event.

Cebu City Charter Day

Date: February 24, 2025

Anniversary of Cebu City's charter. Citywide celebrations and some closures of government offices.

Kadaugan sa Mactan

Date: April 27, 2025

Commemoration of the Battle of Mactan. Historical reenactments and festivities in Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu Provincial Charter Day

Date: August 6, 2025

Marks the founding of Cebu Province. Provincial-wide holiday with cultural activities and government programs.

Mandaue City Charter Day

Date: August 30, 2025

Commemoration of Mandaue's city charter. Local holiday in Mandaue with parades, cultural events, and trade fairs.

Sources

  • Proclamation No. 727, s. 2024 - Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
  • Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Guidelines on Holiday Pay
  • Cebu City Tourism Office - Local Celebrations Calendar

Note: This list is subject to change based on government proclamations. Last updated: May 22, 2025.

Related Topics

Cebu tourismPhilippine holidaystravel planningfestivals2025 holidayslong weekends Philippines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regular holidays in the Philippines for 2025?

The 2025 regular holidays include New Year's Day, Eid'l Fitr, Araw ng Kagitingan, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Labor Day, Eid'l Adha, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day, and Rizal Day.

When is Sinulog Festival 2025?

Sinulog Festival 2025 is celebrated on January 19, 2025 in Cebu City.

What are the best long weekends for travel in 2025?

The best long weekends are Easter Weekend (April 17-20, 4 days) and Christmas to New Year (December 24 to January 1, up to 9 days with strategic leaves).

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