Tonga Public Holidays 2025
Tonga has 11 public holidays and 0 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 25 Apr | Fri | ANZAC Day | public |
| 4 Jun | Wed | Emancipation Day | public |
| 4 Jul | Fri | Official Birthday of His Majesty King Tupou VI | public |
| 17 Sep | Wed | Birthday of His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupotoʻa-ʻUlukalala | public |
| 4 Nov | Tue | Constitutional Day | public |
| 8 Dec | Mon | Tupou I Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Tonga's Holidays
Tonga marks its nationhood with big public celebrations like Independence Day and Constitution Day. These are formal holidays with ceremonies, flags, speeches, and a strong sense of pride that brings communities together across the islands.
The royal family is central to national life. The king or queen has a public birthday that people celebrate with parades, cultural shows, and official events. These royal holidays are widely observed and bring out traditional dress and music.
Christian festivals are very important. Easter and Christmas are major holidays filled with church services, family meals, and gift giving. The Heilala Festival showcases Tongan culture with dance, singing, craft markets, and welcoming ceremonies for visitors.
Holiday Traditions
In Tonga holidays mix Christian and island traditions. People attend church services where singing and prayer are important. Villages decorate with mats and tapa cloth. Respect for elders and chiefs guides behavior, with formal greetings and sharing of food.
Families gather to prepare feasts with roasted pork, fish, root crops and sweet treats. Cooking is often done together on earth ovens. Food is a way to show love and status. Everyone brings dishes and no guest leaves hungry or ignored.
Public celebrations include dances, music and speeches. Men perform kailao and other strong dances while women sing and perform sipa or slow dances. Markets and streets fill with color. Community bonds are reinforced through gift giving and shared joy.
Travel Tips
Holiday periods in Tonga mean many government offices, banks, and some shops close for a few days. Tourist services and smaller shops in towns may stay open, but expect limited hours. Plan essentials like cash and documents before the break.
Transport can be slower and crowded. Domestic flights and ferries may sell out or run on reduced schedules. Book inter island travel and airport transfers early. Roads in towns can be busy around church and family events.
Peak times are around major holidays and long weekends. Pack snacks, water, and a light first aid kit. Respect local customs, dress modestly for church, and keep flexible plans in case schedules change.