New Year's Day in the Philippines

Regular Holiday

New Year's Day is a regular holiday under Republic Act No. 9492, marking the first day of the Gregorian year. Filipino families traditionally gather for Media Noche on December 31 and keep the celebration going through January 1.

December 31 is a special non-working day, so New Year usually delivers a multi-day break without filing leave.

New Year's Day dates

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Regular Holiday · Proclamation No. 1006, s. 2025

Part of a 4-day break if you file 1 leave day.

See all 2026 holidays →

Friday, January 1, 2027

Regular Holiday · Republic Act No. 9492 (annual dates) · date still tentative

Part of a 6-day break if you file 1 leave day.

See all 2027 holidays →

Holiday pay on New Year's Day

Regular holiday: covered employees receive 100% of their daily wage even when they do not work, and 200% for the first eight hours if they do. Working on a regular holiday that also falls on a rest day pays 260%.

Full regular vs special holiday pay guide →