Macau Public Holidays & Opening Hours
Casinos never close, but plenty else does — here's what typically shuts on public holidays, and normal opening hours to expect elsewhere.
Always check current dates
Several Macau public holidays follow the Chinese lunar calendar and shift every year. This page gives you the general shape — confirm exact dates for your travel year on Macau's official government calendar before finalising plans.
Typical opening hours
| Type | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| Casinos | 24 hours, every day of the year, including public holidays |
| Resort malls | Roughly 11am–10pm, later on weekends |
| Government offices & museums | Roughly 9am/10am–5pm/6pm; many close one day a week (often Monday) — check specific sites |
| Restaurants | Varies widely; local eateries often close mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner service |
| Bakeries & food stalls (Senado Square area) | Roughly 9am–9pm, later on weekends |
| Banks | Weekdays only, roughly 9am–5pm, closed on public holidays |
Public holidays to know
| Holiday | Roughly when | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Government offices/banks closed; casinos and most attractions open as normal |
| Chinese New Year | Late Jan – mid Feb (varies) | Biggest holiday of the year — many local shops close for several days, though casino resorts stay fully open and very busy |
| Ching Ming Festival | Early April | A public holiday for tomb-sweeping; limited effect on tourist sites |
| Labour Day | 1 May (often extended into a "Golden Week") | Very busy with mainland visitors; book hotels ahead |
| Tung Ng Festival (Dragon Boat) | May/June (lunar calendar) | Minimal effect on attractions; dragon boat races sometimes held locally |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September (lunar calendar) | Some shops close for a day; otherwise minimal effect on tourism |
| Chinese National Day | 1 October (often extended into a "Golden Week") | Very busy with mainland day-trippers and holidaymakers; book well ahead |
| Macau SAR Establishment Day | 20 December | Government offices closed; minimal effect on tourist sites |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Government offices/banks closed; casino resorts often add festive decorations and events |
The one thing that matters most
For nearly all visitors, the practical question isn't "will things be closed" — it's "will things be crowded." Chinese New Year and the two Golden Weeks (Labour Day, National Day) are the periods to plan around if you'd rather avoid peak crowds and higher hotel prices; see our best time to visit guide.
FAQ
Do casinos close on public holidays in Macau?
No — casino resorts operate 24/7 year-round, including on public holidays.
What's the busiest holiday period in Macau?
Chinese New Year, followed closely by the Labour Day and National Day "Golden Week" periods — all bring large numbers of mainland Chinese visitors.
Are museums open on public holidays?
It varies by site — some close on major holidays, others stay open with adjusted hours. Check the specific attraction before visiting on a holiday.