As Christmas, the final public holiday of 2026, approaches, attention is turning to year-end vacation planning. This year, Christmas falls on Friday, December 25, forming a three-day holiday that extends through the weekend. By using one day of annual or monthly leave, up to four consecutive days of rest are possible, making it a great schedule for planning a year-end trip.

■ Three-Day Holiday Without Using Leave… One Day Creates a '4-Day' Break

The 2026 Christmas holiday runs from Friday, December 25 to Sunday, December 27. A key feature is that you can enjoy three days of rest without using any separate vacation days.

Using annual leave widens your options even further.

• Using annual leave on December 24 (Thursday) → a four-day holiday from the 24th to the 27th • Using annual leave on December 28 (Monday) → four days of rest from the 25th to the 28th

■ Travel Strategies by Leave Date

Travel plans can vary depending on when you take your leave. If you take leave on the 24th, you can start your trip the day before Christmas. It is worth considering an itinerary to domestic destinations or nearby overseas cities where you can enjoy the year-end atmosphere.

If you use annual leave on the 28th, you can plan a trip that starts on Christmas Day and returns on Monday.

■ Healing and Cultural Activities Instead of Travel

If you prefer shorter breaks over long-distance travel, you can use the three-day holiday to rest at a hot spring or accommodation facility, or visit the winter sea. Spending time with family or attending year-end performances and exhibitions is another way to enjoy the Christmas holiday.

■ Check Bookings and Costs in Advance

If you are planning a trip, it is advisable to check availability of accommodations and transportation in advance. In particular, lodging rates and transportation costs around Christmas may vary depending on travel demand, so it is necessary to compare costs by itinerary.

For office workers who can use annual leave, it may help to review which date—the 24th or the 28th—better suits your personal schedule. However, actual leave usage may depend on work schedules and company vacation policies.

Christmas, the last public holiday of the year, is meaningful in that it falls on a Friday followed by the weekend. Depending on how you use one day of annual leave, the three-day holiday can be extended to four days, making it worthwhile to plan your year-end travel and rest in advance.

[Some AI assistance was used in producing this article. Travel itineraries and costs may vary depending on individual circumstances and booking timing.]