Public holidays in Tonga in 2025 reflect the nation’s rich cultural heritage, deep-rooted religious beliefs, and strong royal traditions. Each holiday offers Tongans a chance to honor their history, connect with family, and celebrate their unique identity. Public holidays in Tonga in 2025 include a mix of religious observances, royal birthdays, and national commemorations, each with its own significance and traditions. From New Year’s Day to Christmas, these holidays foster unity, gratitude, and cultural pride. Knowing these holidays helps one to appreciate better the values and rituals that define Tonga’s way of life, so stressing a country that values faith, freedom, and family.
Public Holidays in Tonga in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Tonga in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| ANZAC Day | Apr 25, 2025 | Friday |
| Emancipation Day | Jun 02, 2025 | Monday |
| King Tupou VI’s Birthday | Jul 04, 2025 | Friday |
| Birthday of Crown PrinceTupouto’a ‘Ulukalala | Sep 17, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Tonga National Day | Nov 03, 2025 | Monday |
| King Tupou I Day | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Togo in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day in Tonga marks the beginning of a new calendar year. Celebrated on January 1, this holiday is a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one. Traditional Tongan customs play an important role, with families attending church services to give thanks and seek blessings for the year ahead. Festive gatherings, feasts, and cultural performances are common, blending Tongan traditions with modern celebrations. Since this day is a public holiday, everyone has an opportunity to honor the beginning of a promising new year.
Good Friday
Good Friday is an important religious holiday in Tonga, observed by Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Falling on the Friday before Easter, it’s a solemn day marked by prayer, fasting, and church services. Many Tongans attend special services to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal. The day encourages people to pause and consider the significance of faith and redemption in their lives. Good Friday is one of the most sacred days in Tonga, with the day typically observed quietly, focusing on the importance of humility, reflection, and prayer.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday in Tonga follows Easter Sunday and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day extends the joyful Easter celebrations, with people attending church services and spending time with family. It is a day to reflect on themes of hope, rebirth, and renewal, marking the end of the holy Easter weekend. Families often enjoy gatherings and meals together, taking part in traditional customs and sharing festive foods. Easter Monday serves as a reminder of faith and the belief in new beginnings, adding an extra day to the Easter festivities for both spiritual and communal bonding.
ANZAC Day
Celebrated on April 25, ANZAC Day in Tonga marks the bravery of Australian and New Zealand soldiers engaged in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. Although ANZAC Day primarily commemorates soldiers from Australia and New Zealand, Tonga observes it as a mark of solidarity and respect. Services, parades, and gatherings take place to honor the sacrifices of those who served, focusing on themes of courage, sacrifice, and unity. The holiday also serves as a reminder of the shared history and close ties between Tonga, Australia, and New Zealand, fostering a sense of regional community.
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day in Tonga commemorates the abolition of serfdom in the nation, celebrating freedom and equality. This day reflects Tonga’s commitment to human rights and dignity, marking the moment when Tongans were freed from servitude in the 19th century. Observed with speeches, community gatherings, and events that honor the journey to freedom, Emancipation Day is a significant occasion for Tongans to reflect on their history and the values of respect and equality that shape their society. The day reminds citizens of the importance of freedom and the shared responsibility to protect and honor it.
King Tupou VI’s Birthday
The birthday of King Tupou VI, the reigning monarch of Tonga, is a national holiday celebrated with much joy and respect. On this day, Tongans come together to honor the king with events, including church services, parades, and cultural displays. The king’s birthday is an occasion to celebrate Tongan culture and heritage, showing loyalty and respect to the monarchy. Festivities also often feature traditional music, dance, and feasting, which bring people from all parts of the country together. King Tupou VI’s birthday highlights Tonga’s enduring respect for the royal family and its deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Birthday of Crown Prince
The Birthday of the Crown Prince in Tonga celebrates the future of the monarchy, as Tongans honor the heir to the throne. This day is filled with festivities, including parades, cultural performances, and community gatherings that underscore national pride and the continuity of the monarchy. The event is celebrated with reverence and excitement, with citizens showing respect to the Crown Prince as the future leader. It serves as a reminder of Tonga’s royal heritage and the strength of its traditional values, which play a significant role in shaping Tongan identity and unity.
Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala
The holiday Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala honors the title of the heir apparent to the Tongan throne, celebrating the royal lineage and Tonga’s respect for its monarchy. Observed with parades, ceremonies, and traditional performances, it’s an opportunity for Tongans to express loyalty to the royal family and show appreciation for their leadership. The titleholder often participates in public events, symbolizing the strength and continuity of Tongan culture. This festival reminds people of the need for cultural preservation and pride in their heritage as it supports the solidarity and respect Tongans have for their monarchy.
Tonga National Day
Tonga National Day is a celebration of Tonga’s independence and cultural heritage, marking its autonomy as a unique and sovereign Pacific nation. The holiday is celebrated with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances showcasing Tongan traditions. It’s a day when Tongans reflect on their national identity, express pride in their history, and celebrate the nation’s achievements. Tonga National Day serves as a reminder of the country’s resilience, independence, and the shared values that bring its people together. It’s a time for both celebration and reflection, emphasizing unity and national pride.
King Tupou I Day
King Tupou I Day celebrates the legacy of King George Tupou I, who united the islands of Tonga and established the Tongan monarchy in the 19th century. Known for his leadership and vision, he played a key role in shaping Tonga’s government and legal system. The day is marked by ceremonies, speeches, and cultural performances that honor his contribution to Tongan sovereignty and nationhood. This holiday is a tribute to King Tupou I’s enduring influence and is celebrated with a sense of respect and pride, highlighting Tonga’s unique status as the only Polynesian monarchy.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Tonga is a deeply religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed on December 25, it is marked by church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Tongans place great emphasis on the spiritual aspects of Christmas, attending special church services that focus on peace, joy, and gratitude. The holiday also involves sharing meals and gifts with family and friends, symbolizing love and unity. Christmas in Tonga combines religious devotion with joyful family traditions, making it one of the most anticipated holidays of the year and a time of togetherness and giving.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, observed on December 26, is a day for relaxation and extending the Christmas celebrations in Tonga. Traditionally, it’s a time for charitable giving, where people share with those in need. Tongans often use this day to spend more time with family, engage in community gatherings, and attend sporting events or recreational activities. While less formal than Christmas, Boxing Day continues the spirit of goodwill and is a chance to reflect on generosity and gratitude. The holiday fosters a sense of community as families and friends come together to enjoy a peaceful and joyous day.