Washington state observes 11 paid holidays for state employees in 2026, plus additional days that may affect private employers. The Evergreen State has specific holiday rules, including unique observances and strict premium pay requirements in certain industries.
Here’s your complete guide to Washington state holidays in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Washington observes 11 paid holidays for state employees in 2026
- Washington has unique holidays like Patriots’ Day and Native American Heritage Day
- Private employers are not required to close but must follow company policy on holiday pay
- Washington’s minimum wage increases annually and affects holiday pay calculations
- Seattle and other cities may have additional local requirements
Washington State Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Patriots’ Day | April 20 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Independence Day | July 3 | Friday (observed) |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Native American Heritage Day | November 27 | Friday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Washington observes Patriots’ Day (same day as Massachusetts) and Native American Heritage Day (the day after Thanksgiving) as state holidays. These are not observed by most other states.
Employer Obligations for Washington Holidays
State Employees
Washington state employees receive paid time off for all 11 holidays listed above. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed. When it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.
Private Employers
Washington law does not require private employers to close on holidays or pay premium rates for holiday work. However:
- Company policy — If your handbook promises holiday pay, you must honor it
- Collective bargaining agreements — CBAs may require holiday premiums
- Seattle — Has additional paid sick and safe time requirements that interact with holidays
- Washington minimum wage — Annual increases affect holiday pay calculations for hourly workers
Washington’s Paid Sick Leave and Holidays
Washington’s Paid Sick Leave law requires employers to provide paid sick leave that accrues based on hours worked. Holidays do not count as hours worked for sick leave accrual purposes, but you cannot deduct sick leave for holiday closures.
Washington-Specific Holidays
Patriots’ Day
Washington observes Patriots’ Day on the same date as Massachusetts (third Monday in April). This holiday commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord. State offices close, and many employers follow suit.
Native American Heritage Day
Native American Heritage Day (the day after Thanksgiving) is observed as a state holiday in Washington. State offices close, and many employers observe it. This is a more recent addition to the state calendar.
Common Mistakes Washington Employers Make
- Forgetting Native American Heritage Day — This holiday catches many multi-state employers off guard
- Ignoring Seattle requirements — Seattle has additional local regulations
- Misapplying minimum wage — Washington’s annual minimum wage increase affects holiday pay
- Not tracking sick leave accrual — Holidays don’t count for sick leave accrual
- Confusing Patriots’ Day with Memorial Day — They are separate holidays in Washington
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment attorney for guidance specific to your situation.