The federal government sets 11 holidays per year, but most US states observe additional state-specific days that don’t appear on the federal calendar. If you manage a multi-state workforce, the federal holiday list tells you less than half the story. State holidays range from Confederate Memorial Day in parts of the South to Pulaski Day in Illinois, and they directly affect when your employees expect time off.
This guide covers the key state-specific holidays for 2026, why they matter for payroll, and how to stay compliant across state lines.
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 dramatically — some are widely observed, others are niche
- Employers must honor state holidays for employees working in those states
- Remote workers may be entitled to state holidays where they physically work
- A multi-state holiday calendar prevents payroll errors and employee complaints
Federal Holidays (All States)
For reference, here are the 11 federal holidays observed in 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 |
Federal holidays apply to federal employees and DC government workers. Private employers are not required to observe them, but most do. State holidays, however, apply to state government employees and often signal expectations for private employers in that state.
State-Specific 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 |
| Pulaski Day | Illinois | First Monday in March |
| Casimir Pulaski Day | Indiana | March |
| Hawaii Admission Day | Hawaii | Third Friday in August |
| Alaska Day | Alaska | October 18 |
These holidays reflect regional history and culture. Some, like Confederate Memorial Day, are controversial. Regardless of the politics, employers in these states must account for them.
State Founders’ Days and Admission Days
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Independence Day | Texas | March 2 |
| Texas Heroes Day | Texas | March (varies) |
| Louisiana Purchase Day | Louisiana | April 30 |
| Hawaii Statehood Day | Hawaii | Third Friday in August |
| Nevada Day | Nevada | Last Friday in October |
| Delaware Day | December 7 | Not a state holiday but observed |
These days celebrate state history and are typically observed as state government holidays. Private sector observance varies.
Indigenous and Native American Days
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | California, Colorado, DC, Minnesota, Vermont, and others | Second Monday in October (replaces Columbus Day) |
| American Indian Heritage Day | Montana, Alabama | Day after Thanksgiving |
| Native American Day | South Dakota | Fourth Friday in November |
The trend toward Indigenous Peoples’ Day is accelerating. Several states have officially replaced Columbus Day, while others observe both. Check your state’s current status annually.
Religious and Cultural Observances
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pascua Florida Day | Florida | April 2 |
| Patriot’s Day | Massachusetts, Maine | Third Monday in April |
| Evacuation Day | Suffolk County, MA | March 17 |
| King Kamehameha Day | Hawaii | June 11 |
| Emancipation Day | DC, Florida, Texas | Various dates |
Hawaii stands out with the most unique state holidays, reflecting its distinct cultural heritage. King Kamehameha Day, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day, and Hawaii Statehood Day are all specific to the islands.
Harvest and Seasonal Days
| Holiday | State | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cesar Chavez Day | California, Texas, Colorado | March 31 |
| Arbor Day | Nebraska and others | Last Friday in April |
| Frank Holiday | Alabama | December (varies) |
Cesar Chavez Day is observed in several western states and is a significant day off for state employees.
States with the Most Unique Holidays
Hawaii: 14 State Holidays
Hawaii leads the nation with 14 state holidays, many unique to the islands. In addition to all federal holidays, Hawaii observes:
- Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day (March 26)
- King Kamehameha Day (June 11)
- Hawaii Admission Day (Third Friday in August)
- Hawaii Statehood Day
Hawaiian employers must account for these unique days.
Alaska: 10+ Unique Days
Alaska observes several holidays not found elsewhere:
- Alaska Day (October 18)
- Seward’s Day (Last Monday in March)
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)
Illinois: Pulaski Day and More
Illinois is one of the few states to observe Pulaski Day as a state holiday, honoring the Polish-American hero.
Remote Work Complications
When an employee works remotely from a different state, which state’s holidays apply? This question has no universal answer, but the general principle is:
- The state where the employee physically works determines which holidays apply
- A California employee working remotely from home must be offered California state holidays
- An employer headquartered in New York cannot force a remote worker in Illinois to skip Pulaski Day
This creates real compliance challenges for distributed teams. Document your policy and apply it consistently.
Payroll Implications
State Government Employees
State holidays are mandatory for state government employees. Missing a state holiday can result in compliance violations and employee grievances.
Private Sector Employers
Private employers in most states are not legally required to observe state holidays. However, if you don’t observe a widely expected state holiday, you risk:
- Employee dissatisfaction and retention issues
- Competitive disadvantage in hiring
- Potential claims of discrimination if you observe some cultural holidays but not others
Holiday Pay Calculations
When a state holiday falls on a workday and you observe it:
- Salaried employees receive their regular pay
- Hourly employees may receive holiday pay or a compensatory day off
- Some states require premium pay for work on state holidays
Common Mistakes
1. Using Only the Federal Calendar
Many employers maintain only the 11 federal holidays. If you have employees in states with additional holidays, you’re missing days they expect off.
2. Ignoring Remote Worker Locations
An employee working from Austin, Texas needs March 2 (Texas Independence Day) off, even if your headquarters is in New York.
3. Confusing State Holidays with Federal Holidays
Some holidays exist at both levels but on different dates. Memorial Day is federal, but Texas Independence Day is state-only.
4. Not Updating for Legislative Changes
States add and remove holidays periodically. Several states recently added Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Set an annual review.
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 or handbook 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 where your company is headquartered.
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.
Are state holidays paid?
For state government employees, yes. For private sector employees, it depends on your company policy. There is no federal mandate for private employers to pay for state holidays.
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 to avoid manual tracking.