While federal holidays apply to government employees nationwide, each US state sets its own holiday calendar for state workers — and these calendars often include holidays that go beyond the federal list. In 2026, some states observe up to 15 public holidays, while others stick to the federal minimum.
For multi-state employers, understanding state holiday variations is essential for payroll compliance and employee expectations. This guide maps the key differences across all 50 states.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays (11 per year) apply to federal employees and government operations
- Each state sets its own holiday calendar for state employees
- States commonly add 2-5 holidays beyond the federal list
- Private sector employers are not required to observe any holidays, but most follow their state’s calendar
- Multi-state employers need state-specific holiday policies
Federal Holidays Recap (2026)
| Holiday | Date | Observed Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January (Thursday) | 1 January |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January (Monday) | 19 January |
| Presidents’ Day | 16 February (Monday) | 16 February |
| Memorial Day | 25 May (Monday) | 25 May |
| Juneteenth | 19 June (Friday) | 19 June |
| Independence Day | 4 July (Saturday) | 3 July (Friday) |
| Labor Day | 7 September (Monday) | 7 September |
| Columbus Day | 12 October (Monday) | 12 October |
| Veterans Day | 11 November (Wednesday) | 11 November |
| Thanksgiving Day | 26 November (Thursday) | 26 November |
| Christmas Day | 25 December (Friday) | 25 December |
States That Add Holidays Beyond Federal
States with the Most Additional Holidays
| State | Additional Holidays | Total Days |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Election Day, Lincoln’s Birthday | 13 |
| Massachusetts | Patriots’ Day, Evacuation Day | 13 |
| Missouri | Truman Day, Election Day | 13 |
| New York | Lincoln’s Birthday, Election Day, Columbus Day (state) | 13 |
| Texas | Confederate Heroes Day, Texas Independence Day, Lyndon B. Johnson Day | 14 |
States with 1-2 Additional Holidays
| State | Additional Holidays |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Confederate Memorial Day, Jefferson Davis Birthday |
| Alaska | Seward’s Day, Alaska Day |
| Arizona | No official state holidays beyond federal |
| California | No official state holidays beyond federal (but many employers observe César Chávez Day) |
| Colorado | No additional holidays |
| Connecticut | No additional holidays |
| Delaware | No additional holidays |
| Florida | No additional holidays |
| Georgia | Robert E. Lee’s Birthday, Confederate Memorial Day |
| Hawaii | Prince Kūhiō Day, King Kamehameha Day |
| Idaho | Idaho Human Rights Day |
| Indiana | No additional holidays |
| Iowa | No additional holidays |
| Kansas | No additional holidays |
| Kentucky | No additional holidays |
| Louisiana | Mardi Gras, Confederate Memorial Day |
| Maine | No additional holidays |
| Maryland | No additional holidays |
| Michigan | No additional holidays |
| Minnesota | No additional holidays |
| Mississippi | Confederate Memorial Day, Washington’s Birthday |
| Montana | No additional holidays |
| Nebraska | No additional holidays |
| Nevada | Nevada Day, Family Day |
| New Hampshire | No additional holidays |
| New Jersey | No additional holidays |
| New Mexico | No additional holidays |
| North Carolina | No additional holidays |
| North Dakota | No additional holidays |
| Ohio | No additional holidays |
| Oklahoma | No additional holidays |
| Oregon | No additional holidays |
| Pennsylvania | No additional holidays |
| Rhode Island | No additional holidays |
| South Carolina | Confederate Memorial Day |
| South Dakota | No additional holidays |
| Tennessee | No additional holidays |
| Utah | Pioneer Day |
| Vermont | No additional holidays |
| Virginia | Lee-Jackson Day |
| Washington | No additional holidays |
| West Virginia | No additional holidays |
| Wisconsin | No additional holidays |
| Wyoming | No additional holidays |
States That Don’t Observe All Federal Holidays
Some states do not observe certain federal holidays for state employees:
| Holiday | States That Don’t Observe |
|---|---|
| Columbus Day | Most states (only ~6 observe it) |
| Veterans Day | Some states (but most observe it) |
| Washington’s Birthday / Presidents’ Day | Not all states use this name |
Day After Thanksgiving
A significant number of states grant the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday, even though it is not a federal holiday:
- States that observe it: California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and others
- States that don’t: Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, Vermont
How State Holidays Affect Private Employers
No Legal Requirement
There is no federal law requiring private employers to observe any holidays — federal or state. However:
- Most private employers observe at least the major federal holidays
- Employment contracts may specify which holidays are observed
- Collective bargaining agreements may guarantee specific holidays
State-Specific Obligations
Some states have specific requirements:
- New York: Employees who work on certain holidays must be paid premium rates
- Louisiana: Mardi Gras is a state holiday, and many businesses close
- Massachusetts: Patriots’ Day is widely observed
Multi-State Compliance
If you operate in multiple states, your holiday policy should:
- Specify which holidays the company observes at each location
- Address state-specific premium pay requirements
- Account for state-specific replacement day rules
- Be communicated clearly to all employees
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private employers have to observe state holidays?
No. Private employers are not legally required to observe state holidays. Entitlements depend on employment contracts, company policy, or collective bargaining agreements.
What is the most common additional state holiday?
The day after Thanksgiving is the most widely observed additional holiday. Many states grant it even though it is not a federal holiday.
Can a state add a holiday that overrides federal law?
No. States cannot override federal law. However, states can add holidays for state employees and private sector workers within their jurisdiction.
Do I need separate holiday policies for each state?
Yes, if you operate in multiple states. Each state’s holiday calendar and any premium pay requirements should be reflected in your state-specific policies.
What about local holidays?
Some cities and counties observe additional holidays (e.g., local election days, cultural celebrations). These typically apply only to local government employees, not private sector.