Public Holidays in Tonga 2026 – National & Christian Holidays
Tonga observes national, Christian, and commemorative public holidays that reflect its monarchy, religion, and historical milestones. The Public Holidays Act outlines fixed observances, many of which are “Monday-ised” when they fall on weekends.
Explore more: Compare with Public Holidays in Timor-Leste.
Overview of Public Holidays in Tonga
Public holidays in Tonga include royal birthdays, constitutional observances, and major Christian holidays such as Good Friday and Christmas. When a holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday (“Day off for”) is commonly declared.
List of Public Holidays in Tonga (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Start of the new year. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Day after Easter Sunday. |
| ANZAC Day | April 25 | Saturday | Commemoration of Australian and New Zealand service in WWI. |
| Day off for Emancipation Day | June 5 | Friday | Substitute observance if required. |
| Emancipation Day | June 4 | Thursday | Marks the abolition of slavery in Tonga. |
| King Tupou VI’s Birthday | July 4 | Saturday | Birthday of the reigning monarch. |
| Birthday of Crown Prince Tupouto’a-‘Ulukalala | September 17 | Thursday | Official celebration of the Crown Prince’s birthday. |
| Constitution Day | November 4 | Wednesday | Anniversary of Tonga’s constitution. |
| Anniversary of the Coronation of King Tupou I | December 4 | Friday | Commemoration of Tonga’s coronation legacy. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday | Holiday following Christmas. |
List of Public Holidays in Tonga (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the new year. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Day after Easter Sunday. |
| ANZAC Day | April 25 | Friday | Commemoration of Australian and New Zealand service in WWI. |
| Day off for Emancipation Day | June 2 | Monday | Substitute observance of Emancipation Day. |
| Emancipation Day | June 4 | Wednesday | Marks the abolition of slavery in Tonga. |
| King Tupou VI’s Birthday | July 4 | Friday | Birthday of the reigning monarch. |
| Birthday of Crown Prince Tupouto’a-‘Ulukalala | September 17 | Wednesday | Official celebration of the Crown Prince’s birthday. |
| Day off for Constitution Day | November 3 | Monday | Substitute holiday for Constitution Day. |
| Constitution Day | November 4 | Tuesday | Anniversary of Tonga’s constitution. |
| Anniversary of the Coronation of King Tupou I | December 4 | Thursday | Commemoration of Tonga’s coronation legacy. |
| Day off for Coronation Anniversary | December 8 | Monday | Substitute day for Coronation Anniversary. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Friday | Holiday following Christmas. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Tonga’s public holidays blend deep Christian traditions with royal and constitutional milestones. Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Christmas are widely observed, while royal birthdays and Constitution Day emphasize the monarchy’s enduring role in national identity.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, schools, and most businesses close on public holidays. When holidays fall on weekends, substitute weekdays are often declared so the public does not lose the observance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Tonga have in 2026?
Tonga is expected to observe around 12 to 13 public holidays in 2026, depending on substitute days.
What does “Day off for” mean?
It means a substitute weekday is declared when a public holiday falls on a weekend.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Tonga celebrate faith, monarchy, and national pride. Through Christian observances and royal traditions, these holidays provide meaningful moments for reflection and celebration across the islands.
