Texas State Holidays 2026: Employer Guide

Texas recognizes 14 state holidays in 2026, more than most US states, including several unique observances that private employers should understand. From Confederate Heroes Day to Texas Independence Day, the Lone Star State has a distinct holiday calendar that affects payroll, scheduling, and compliance.

Here’s everything you need to know about Texas state holidays in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Texas observes 14 state holidays for state employees in 2026
• Private employers are not required to close or pay premium rates for holiday work
• Texas has unique holidays like Confederate Heroes Day and Texas Independence Day
• Some cities (Austin, San Antonio) observe additional local holidays
• Clear holiday policies help avoid scheduling conflicts and employee confusion

Texas State Holiday Calendar 2026

Note: Confederate Heroes Day (January 19) is a state holiday but not a federal holiday. Good Friday is observed as a state holiday in Texas. State offices close on Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving.

Employer Obligations for Texas Holidays

State Employees

Texas state employees receive paid time off for all 14 holidays listed above. When a holiday falls on a weekend, the governor typically designates the observed day. State employees required to work on holidays receive compensatory time off.

Private Employers

Texas law does not require private employers to close on any holiday or pay premium rates for holiday work. However:

• Company policy — If your handbook guarantees holiday pay, you must honor it
• Collective bargaining agreements — CBAs may require holiday premiums
• Contract obligations — Client or vendor contracts may specify holiday work rules
• Texas Payday Law — If you promise holiday pay, it must be paid on time

The Confederate Heroes Day Question

Confederate Heroes Day (January 19, shared with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026) is controversial. Many Texas employers choose not to observe it and instead observe MLK Day. State law does not require private employers to close on Confederate Heroes Day. Some cities like Austin and San Antonio have opted not to observe it.

Local Holiday Variations in Texas

Several Texas cities observe additional holidays that state law does not require:

• Austin — Cesar Chavez Day, Day of the Dead (observed)
• San Antonio — Fiesta San Antonio (varies by year)
• Houston — Juneteenth observed as a city holiday
• Dallas — Martin Luther King Jr. Day with additional city events

If you operate in multiple Texas cities, check local ordinances for additional holiday requirements.

Common Mistakes Texas Employers Make

1. Confusing Confederate Heroes Day with MLK Day — Both fall on January 19 in 2026, but they are separate holidays
2. Assuming all holidays are mandatory — Texas private employers have no holiday closure requirements
3. Forgetting Good Friday — Texas observes Good Friday as a state holiday, which many employers overlook
4. Ignoring local holidays — Cities may observe holidays the state does not
5. Not having a written holiday policy — Verbal promises about holiday pay can create legal obligations

How to Set Up a Texas Holiday Policy

Your holiday policy should clearly state which holidays your organization observes, whether employees receive paid time off, how holiday pay is calculated for hourly workers, and what happens when holidays fall on weekends. Put it in writing and distribute it to all employees.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment attorney for guidance specific to your situation.