New Year's Day 2026: Vietnam Official Holiday Guide

As we approach the final months of 2025, many people are getting curious about questions like the New Year's Day holiday schedule 2026, how many days left until New Year 2026, and when New Year's Day 2026 falls to plan their new year celebrations.

Although the New Year's Day holiday lasts only 1 day, it's a sacred moment marking the transition from the old year to the new year - the perfect time for family reunions and preparing mentally for bright plans ahead.

Read this article from CHUS to get the most accurate updates about the early 2026 holiday schedule, helping you plan early for the most meaningful first days of the year. If you're wondering how many days are left until New Year 2026, let's explore the detailed information below.

Get updated details on New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule in Vietnam to plan ahead!

When is New Year's Day 2026?

The question "What date is New Year's Day 2026" is of great interest to many people.

New Year's Day 2026 officially falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is important information for arranging your New Year holiday and new year celebration activities.

This means:

• December 31, 2025: Wednesday - Last day of 2025
• January 1, 2026: Thursday - Official New Year's Day
• January 2, 2026: Friday - First working day of the new year
• January 4-5, 2026: Saturday and Sunday - First weekend of 2026

New Year's Day, also called Western New Year, is always fixed on January 1st every year according to the Gregorian calendar.

Unlike Lunar New Year (Tet) which changes according to the lunar calendar, this makes understanding the New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule and planning travel and vacation much easier and more convenient. 

How many days off for New Year's Day 2026? Check the 2026 holiday schedule now!

How Many Days Off for New Year's Day 2026?

According to Article 112 of the Labor Code 2019, How many days off for New Year's Day 2026 has a clear answer: 1 official day (01/01/2026). This New Year's Day holiday announcement applies to all officials, civil servants, public employees, and workers.

Details of New Year's Day 2026 Holiday Schedule

• Official holiday: Thursday, 01/01/2026
• Return to work: Friday, 02/01/2026
• Total: 1 day of paid leave

New Year's Day 2026 holiday announcement: Officially 1 day, is there compensatory leave?

Is There Compensatory Leave for New Year's Day 2026?

No compensatory leave because New Year's Day 2026 falls on Thursday, not a weekend.

According to the Labor Code, compensatory leave is only given when holidays fall on Saturday/Sunday. Since January 1, 2026 is Thursday, it doesn't qualify.

How many days you'll actually get off:

• Companies with weekend off: 3 consecutive days (Thu → Sun)
• Only Sunday off: 2 days (Thu + Sun)
• Minimum: 1 day (01/01 only)

Companies May Arrange Additional Time Off

Some companies allow consecutive 2026 holidays from Thursday to Sunday (Jan 1-4), creating 4 days off, then making up the work later. In reality, the New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule at enterprises depends on each company's individual policy.

New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule for officials, civil servants, and workers in Vietnam.

Actual Holiday Scenarios from Labor Code

Since New Year's Day 2026 on 01/01/2026 falls on Thursday (not Saturday or Sunday), there is no compensatory leave according to regulations in clause 3, Article 111 of Labor Code 2019.

Actual holiday scenarios:

• If company has Saturday-Sunday off: 3 consecutive days off (Thursday 1/1 → Sunday 1/5)
• If company only has Sunday off: 2 consecutive days off (Thursday 1/1 → Sunday 1/5, not counting Saturday)
• Minimum: 1 day only (01/01/2026)

Specific Schedule for Each Group

1. Officials, civil servants, public employees:

• Off: Thursday 01/01/2026
• Return to work: Friday 02/01/2026
• Total: 1 official day off

2. Enterprise workers:

• Minimum: 1 day by law (01/01/2026)
• May get additional days: Subject to company agreement
• Common: 3-4 days (combined with weekend)

3. Students:

• Off: 1 day (01/01/2026) like everyone else
• No extended break: Since it's during semester I
• Return to school: From 02/01/2026

New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule for students - detailed updates!

Comparing New Year's Day 2026 and Lunar New Year 2026 Holiday Schedules

Special Thing About 2026: "Golden" Gap Between 2 New Years

New Year's Day: 01/01/2026 (Thursday) → Lunar New Year: 17/02/2026 (Tuesday) = Only 47 days apart - ideal time for:

Smart Financial Strategy:

• New Year's Day: Buy gifts at regular prices, avoid peak season
• January: Hunt for Tet sale items when shops clear inventory
• Before Lunar New Year: Already prepared, no price gouging

Travel Tips for Smart People:

• New Year's Day: Book Lunar New Year tours (prices haven't increased yet)
• January: Low customer period - flight tickets, hotels drastically reduced
• Strategy: Take leave in January instead of crowding during Tet

Work Advantages:

• 47 days = 7 weeks to complete Q1 KPIs
• Avoid being "swamped" with deadlines after 2 consecutive long breaks
• Have time to prepare big projects after Lunar New Year

Home Preparation Timeline:

• After New Year's Day: Buy Tet decorations (30-50% cheaper)
• Mid-January: Clean, repair house when workers are free
• Early February: Complete everything, just need "finishing touches"

Pro tip: 2026 is an "easy" year because the 2 New Years aren't too close together. With a reasonable New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule, you can totally take advantage of this time to prepare thoroughly instead of rushing! 

New Year's Day 2026 holiday time is 'comfortable' for thorough preparation.

Want to know how to optimize budget and time for Lunar New Year? Read the Lunar New Year 2026 Holiday Schedule now for specific strategies!

Important Dates to Remember

According to the latest updates, many people are interested in how many days left until New Year 2026 to prepare in time. Below is the specific timeline and New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule for your convenience.

Last Working Day Before New Year 2026

• 31/12/2025 (Wednesday): Last working day of 2025
• 01/01/2026 (Thursday): New Year's Day - official holiday

First Working Day of New Year

• Workers: 02/01/2026 (Friday)
• Students: 02/01/2026 (continue semester I)

Preparation Timeline to Note

• Mid-December 2025: Complete KPIs, 2025 reports
• 25-30/12/2025: Prepare plans, goals for 2026
• 31/12/2025: Year-end party, family gathering
• 01/01/2026: Official New Year's Day holiday

Note: If you're wondering how many days left until New Year 2026, you can count from now until 01/01/2026 to make the most suitable preparation plans.

Enjoy the short New Year's Day 2026 holiday with meaningful activities.

Activity Suggestions for New Year's Day 2026 Holiday

Short Trips, Family Gatherings

Having understood that the New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule only has 1 official day off, making effective use of time becomes extremely important. This is a great opportunity to:

• Family gatherings: Organize warm first meals of the year, exchange good wishes and share new year plans. The reunion atmosphere will bring positive energy to the whole family.
• Nearby travel: Explore destinations around the city for 2-3 days, enjoy fresh air and rest after a hard year of work.
• Meaningful activities: Clean house, decorate living space, prepare mentally for new challenges and opportunities in 2026.

Suggestions for Early Tet Gift Shopping

New Year's Day is also an ideal time to prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year:

Traditional cookies and candies: Familiar flavors carrying sweet wishes, creating warm atmosphere for the approaching spring.

Candied Coconut With Cane Sugar - Nhà Hoa Lá

170,000 ₫

Natural Soft Dried Mango 200g, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa Specialties

99,000 ₫

Da Lat Dried Specialties, 500g, Sweet And Savory Delights, Dried Persimmons, Chewy Sweet Potato, Healthy Snacks, Vietnamese Specialties, Dried Fruits

250,000 ₫

Traditional Coconut Candy, Specialty Of Ben Tre, Ben Tre Coconut Candy, Casual Snack, Served With Tea, Fragrant And Rich Coconut Candy

49,500 ₫

Specialty gift sets: Culinary essence of three regions in elegant gift boxes, showing appreciation for recipients.

Mộc Truly Huế Gift Box, Set 2, Specialty Gift Set, Vietnamese Gift, Lotus Flower Tea, Thanh Tra Preserves, Hue Ginger Preserves, Phu Linh Cake, Corporate Gift

630,000 ₫

"Flavors Box" Gift Set, Identity Conveyed Through Each Gift, Gift Set With Magnet, Macadamia Nuts & Fruit Specialties, Vietnamese Gift For Foreigner

605,000 ₫

"Great Fortune" Gift Box, Bringing Luck & Peace, 4-Flavored Fruit Roll Set, Vietnamese Specialty, Elegant Gift Box, Vietnamese Souvenir, Snack Gift

486,000 ₫

"Pure Vietnam" Gift Set, Essence Of Vietnamese Agriculture, Candy & Lotus Tea Gift Box, Vietnamese Specialty, Corporate Gift, Vietnam Gift For Foreigners

484,000 ₫

Premium Tet gift boxes: For businesses wanting to send thanks to customers and partners on special occasions.

Artichoke Gift Box Combo 7, Express Sincerity With A Sophisticated Gift, Gift Set With Snacks, Honey & Artichoke Products, Corporate Gifts

586,000 ₫

Du Gift Box, Health Gift Box, Gift For Women, Gift For Her, Gift For Girlfriend, Floral Tea, Almond Snack, Honey

748,000 ₫

Moc Truly Hue’s 2025 Tet Taste Gift Box, Gift From Ancient Town, Hue Specialty, Vietnamese Elements, Artistic Hand-painted Gift Box, Corporate Gift

285,000 ₫

Hue Royal Herbal Tea Gift Set, 5 Organic Herbal Teas, Luxury Herbal Tea Gift Box, Exclusive Gift Box For Family, Corporate Gift, Vietnamese Gift

2,550,000 ₫

25%

1,920,000 ₫

Early preparation not only gives you more choices but also helps avoid price increases and product shortages during peak periods.

Early shopping & gifts for the early 2026 holiday season.

>>> EXPLORE THE TET 2026 GIFT COLLECTION <<<

Wrap it up

Although New Year's Day 2026 only has 1 official day off, it carries special meaning for us to welcome the new year, temporarily set aside fatigue and look toward a bright future.

How many days left until New Year 2026 is not as important as preparing mentally and making thorough plans. Take advantage of the New Year's Day holiday time for family reunions and smart planning for New Year 2026 - both Western and Lunar New Year.

CHUS hopes this information about the New Year's Day 2026 holiday schedule is helpful for you.

If you want to buy unique, timely Tet 2026 gifts, don't forget to visit the gift universe for all occasions on CHUS!

Toby

Cultural storyteller

15:46 18/09/2025

As a Gen Z - Living that hustle life like any other young person, but sometimes just loves to slow down and view traditional values through a Gen Z eyes. He believes that Vietnamese culture isn't foreign to his generation at all - it just needs the right way to be told and shared naturally, without forcing it."

All articles by Toby

FAQs

• How many days off do we have for New Year 2026?
  According to the 2019 Labor Code, employees will have one official day off on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This paid holiday applies to all government officials, public employees, and workers nationwide, giving everyone a chance to welcome the new year with family and loved ones.
• If New Year 2026 falls on a weekend, will there be a compensatory day off?
  Yes. If January 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, employees will have a compensatory day off on the following working day. However, in 2026, New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, so there will be no compensatory day. Workers will only have one official day off.
• How long do students get off for New Year 2026?
  Students will also follow the general schedule with a day off on January 1, 2026. Since this is only a one-day holiday during the week, they will return to school as usual on January 2, 2026. This short break does not significantly affect the first semester’s timetable.