The federal government sets 11 holidays per year, but nearly every US state observes additional holidays that don’t appear on the federal calendar. From Confederate Memorial Day in the South to Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, from Cesar Chavez Day in California to Pioneer Day in Utah, state holidays reflect regional history, culture, and values. If you manage a multi-state workforce, you need to track both federal and state-specific days.
This complete guide covers every significant US state holiday for 2026, organized by category and state.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organization.
Key Takeaways
- The federal government recognizes 11 holidays; most states add 1–5 more
- State holidays vary from widely observed (Cesar Chavez Day in California) to niche (Pioneer Day in Utah)
- Some states replace federal holidays with state-specific alternatives
- Remote workers are entitled to state holidays where they physically work
- A multi-state holiday calendar prevents payroll errors
Federal Holidays Reference (2026)
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | 16 February | Monday |
| Memorial Day | 25 May | Monday |
| Juneteenth | 19 June | Friday |
| Independence Day | 4 July | Saturday |
| Labor Day | 7 September | Monday |
| Columbus Day | 12 October | Monday |
| Veterans Day | 11 November | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | 26 November | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
State Holidays by Category
Heritage and Cultural Days
| Holiday | State(s) | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Confederate Memorial Day | Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina | Late April |
| Robert E. Lee Day | Alabama, Mississippi | Third Monday in January |
| Confederate Heroes Day | Texas | 19 January |
| Pascua Florida Day | Florida | 2 April |
Founders’ and Admission Days
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Independence Day | Texas | 2 March |
| Texas Heroes Day | Texas | March (varies) |
| Hawaii Admission Day | Hawaii | Third Friday in August |
| Alaska Day | Alaska | 18 October |
| Nevada Day | Nevada | Last Friday in October |
| Louisiana Purchase Day | Louisiana | 30 April |
| Maine Day | Maine | Last Monday in August |
| Delaware Day | Delaware | 7 December (not a state holiday) |
Indigenous and Native American Days
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | California, Colorado, DC, Minnesota, Vermont, and others | Second Monday in October |
| American Indian Heritage Day | Montana, Alabama | Day after Thanksgiving |
| Native American Day | South Dakota | Fourth Friday in November |
| Native American Day | California | Fourth Friday in September |
Religious and Cultural Observances
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cesar Chavez Day | California, Texas, Colorado | 31 March |
| Patriot’s Day | Massachusetts, Maine | Third Monday in April |
| Evacuation Day | Suffolk County, MA | 17 March |
| King Kamehameha Day | Hawaii | 11 June |
| Emancipation Day | DC, Florida, Texas | Various |
Harvest and Seasonal Days
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Day | Utah | 24 July |
| Arbor Day | Nebraska | Last Friday in April |
| State Holiday | Georgia | Various |
| Frank Holiday | Alabama | December (varies) |
States with the Most Unique Holidays
Hawaii: 14 State Holidays
Hawaii has the most unique state holidays, including:
- Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day (26 March)
- King Kamehameha Day (11 June)
- Hawaii Admission Day (Third Friday in August)
- Statehood Day
Alaska: 10+ Unique Days
Alaska observes several holidays not found elsewhere:
- Alaska Day (18 October)
- Seward’s Day (Last Monday in March)
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)
Texas: 5+ Unique Days
Texas has one of the richest state holiday calendars:
- Texas Independence Day (2 March)
- Texas Heroes Day (March)
- Confederate Heroes Day (19 January)
- Texas Rangers Day (2 January)
California: Progressive Holidays
California has adopted several forward-looking holidays:
- Cesar Chavez Day (31 March)
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)
- John Muir Day (24 April)
State Holiday Calendar at a Glance
| State | Total Federal | State-Only | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 11 | 4 | 15 |
| Texas | 11 | 4 | 15 |
| California | 11 | 3 | 14 |
| Alaska | 11 | 3 | 14 |
| Illinois | 11 | 2 | 13 |
| New York | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| Florida | 11 | 2 | 13 |
| Massachusetts | 11 | 2 | 13 |
Remote Work and State Holidays
When an employee works remotely from a different state, the state where they physically work determines which holidays apply:
- A California employee working remotely must be offered Cesar Chavez Day
- An Illinois employee working from home must be offered Pulaski Day
- A New York company cannot force a remote worker in Utah to skip Pioneer Day
Document your policy and apply it consistently across all remote worker locations.
Payroll Implications
State Government Employees
State holidays are mandatory for state government employees. Missing a state holiday can result in compliance violations.
Private Sector Employers
Private employers are not legally required to observe state holidays in most states. However, not observing widely expected state holidays risks employee dissatisfaction.
Holiday Pay Calculations
When a state holiday falls on a workday and you observe it, salaried employees receive regular pay. Hourly employees may receive holiday pay or a compensatory day off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private employers have to observe state holidays?
In most states, no. State holidays are mandatory for state government employees but not for private employers. However, if your employment contract promises state holidays, you must honor them.
Which state’s holidays apply to remote workers?
Generally, the state where the employee physically works. If a remote worker in Colorado expects Colorado state holidays, you should provide them regardless of your company’s location.
Can I require employees to work on a state holiday?
If you’re a private employer, usually yes. State government employers have stricter rules. Check your state’s labor laws.
How do I handle employees in multiple states?
Maintain a per-state holiday calendar. Map each employee to their state’s holidays. Use leave management software that supports multi-state calendars.