The holiday schedule is information of particular interest to workers, students, and businesses so they can proactively plan their trips home or vacations. So, in 2026, how many days off will we have for the Gregorian New Year and the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse)? Let's look at the detailed official holiday schedule and proposed options in the article below.
New Year's Day holiday schedule 2026
New Year's Day 2026 (January 1st) falls on a Thursday. According to Article 112 of the 2019 Labor Code, employees are entitled to one day off with full pay on this day.
However, depending on the working arrangements of each unit, the holiday period may be longer:
- For civil servants, public employees, and workers with a 2-day/week rest schedule (Saturday and Sunday): Employees will only have Thursday (January 1, 2026) off. They will work as usual on the days before and after.
- For employees with a one-day-off-week schedule (Sunday): They will have only one day off, on Thursday.
Note: Some businesses may proactively allow employees to take Friday off and work on another day to create a four-day holiday, but this depends on individual agreements.
Lunar New Year holiday schedule for the year of the Horse 2026
2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. The first day of the Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, according to the Gregorian calendar.
Details of the Lunar New Year holiday schedule for the Year of the Horse 2026:
| Gregorian calendar date | Lunar Calendar Date | Rank | Event |
| 14/02/2026 | December 27th | Saturday | Tet holiday |
| 15/02/2026 | December 28th | Sunday | Tet holiday |
| 16/02/2026 | December 29th | Monday | New Year Eve |
| 17/02/2026 | Lunar New Year's Day | Tuesday | Officially in 2026 |
| 18/02/2026 | Second day of Tet | Wednesday | Second day of Tet |
| 19/02/2026 | Third day of Tet | Thursday | Third day of Tet |
| 20/02/2026 | Fourth day of Tet | Friday | Fourth day of Tet |
| 21/02/2026 | Fifth day of the Lunar New Year | Saturday | Tet holiday |
| 22/02/2026 | Sixth day of the Lunar New Year | Sunday | Tet holiday |
Based on proposals from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (usually approved by the Prime Minister), the Lunar New Year holiday typically lasts from 7 to 9 days. Specifically, the proposed options are as follows:
Option for Officials, Civil Servants, and Public Employees
The holiday is expected to last for 9 consecutive days, from the 28th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake (2015) to the 6th day of the 1st lunar month of the Year of the Horse (2016).
- Gregorian calendar: From Saturday (February 14, 2026) to Sunday (February 22, 2026).
- Details: 5 days off as per Labor Law and 4 days off per week (Saturday and Sunday).
Option for non-state employees
Employers can choose one of three Tet holiday options as stipulated by regulations:
- One day off at the end of the Year of the Snake (2015) and four days off at the beginning of the Year of the Horse (2016).
- We will have 2 days off at the end of the Year of the Snake (2015) and 3 days off at the beginning of the Year of the Horse (2016).
- We will have 3 days off at the end of the Year of the Snake (2015) and 2 days off at the beginning of the Year of the Horse (2016).
Most businesses nowadays choose to have two days off at the end of the year and three days off at the beginning of the new year to give employees time to prepare for Tet (Lunar New Year). If the holiday falls on a weekly rest day, employees will be given compensatory leave on the following workday.
Salary and bonus scheme for working during Tet holiday in 2026.
If, due to the nature of their work, employees have to work during the Tet holiday, their wages will be calculated according to Article 98 of the 2019 Labor Code as follows:
- Daytime work: At least 300% of the hourly wage or actual salary paid for the work performed (excluding paid holiday pay). In total, the employee receives 400% in salary.
- Working at night: Workers are paid at least 30% of their normal daily wage + 20% of their holiday/Tet (Lunar New Year) wage.
What preparations are needed before taking the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday?
For the holiday to go smoothly, both businesses and employees need to complete any outstanding tasks. This is especially important for the department... Accountant The following key issues need to be noted, especially for businesses and accounting departments:
- Settling salaries and Tet bonuses: This is a top priority. Accountants need to complete the January 2026 payroll and accurately calculate Tet bonuses (13th-month bonus, KPI bonus, etc.) to ensure timely payment to employees before the holiday.
- Handling invoices and taxes: Ensure all outgoing and incoming invoices for January and previous quarters have been fully accounted for. Pay attention to the deadlines for submitting quarterly/monthly VAT and personal income tax returns to avoid penalties for late submissions at the start of the new year.
- Accounts Reconciliation: Finalize accounts payable with suppliers and customers. Prioritize paying debts that are due to maintain credibility and good business relationships for the following year.
- Cash flow management: Forecast cash needs for year-end spending and ensure the business's bank account has sufficient balance for automated transactions during the holiday season.
- Record keeping: Organize and store accounting documents for the year 2025 in a systematic manner to be ready for the annual tax settlement.
Important notes for the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday.
To have a fulfilling, safe, and proactive Tet holiday, you need to pay attention to the following important issues:
- Book your tickets early: Due to the Lunar New Year holiday lasting 9 days, travel demand will be very high. You should proactively book train, bus, and plane tickets early (usually from October-November of the Lunar calendar).
- Work schedule: Businesses need to inform employees of the Tet holiday schedule at least 30 days in advance so that everyone can proactively arrange their personal affairs.
- Students: The holiday schedule for students will be decided by the Department of Education and Training of each province or city, or by the universities themselves, and will usually last from 12 to 14 days.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), MAN – Master Accountant Network wishes our esteemed readers and businesses abundant health, prosperity, family togetherness and happiness, and smooth and sustainable development in your work. Wishing you a bright, successful, and lucky new year!
Contact information MAN – Master Accountant Network
- Address: No. 19A, Street 43, Tan Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Mobile/Zalo: 0903 963 163 – 0903 428 622
- Email: man@man.net.vn
Content production by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO MAN – Master Accountant Network, Vietnamese CPA Auditor with over 30 years of experience in Accounting, Auditing and Financial Consulting.
Source: Law Library
