The List of Holidays in the United States
The United States has many different holiday calendars, which are state-specific. There’s a federally sanctioned structure underneath everything, but once you move into states, counties, and private employers as well, the picture becomes more uneven and subjective, yet pertinent and practical too.
Federal Holidays
At the centre are the federal holidays sanctioned by the U.S. Senate. Days like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are recognised nationwide and apply to all federal offices, courts, and institutions uniformly.
Most states follow these days closely, which is why they tend to feel "standardized” across the country.
State-Sanctioned Holidays
Beyond that, things start to diverge. States have the power to decide whether to observe certain federal holidays or not, how they’re named, and whether additional state-specific holidays are added to the federal stockpile.
Presidents’ Day, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Patriots’ Day, César Chávez Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday- these appear in some states and not in others, depending on their history, politics, and long-standing practices that were formed due to the religious or cultural observances of the communities living there.
How Holidays Are Treated Differently
Even when the holiday name is the same when it is observed, it can differ. A day that closes state offices in one state might be treated as an optional observance in another.
Some states even move holidays when they fall on weekends to the nearest weekday, while others don’t. Election Day is a full public holiday in a few states and a normal workday in many others. The degree of adherence or observance can vary depending on the state.
Local Administrative Sanctions
Another layer sits below the state calendar - and this is where things get interesting. Counties, school districts, courts, and municipalities are also allowed to follow their own schedules.
Banks also follow federal banking holidays, which don’t always line up with state closures. Private employers set policies independently. The safe bet is usually to observe the major federal holidays and choose selectively beyond that.
The state-by-state pages that follow reflect these myriad differences. Each one shows how holidays are actually handled in that state and not an idealised national list, but the working calendar people plan around.
FAQs
1. Is there a single holiday calendar across the U.S.?
It is not that simple. Federal holidays are there, but states may choose what they want to observe beyond that. Local governments and private employers may differ again.
2. What makes a holiday “federal” versus “state”?
Federal holidays apply to federal (or Union government) institutions. States may observe them, rename them, or opt out. States can also add their own holidays based on localised celebrations or commemorations.
3. Why is Election Day a holiday in some states but not others?
This is because states decide how they prioritise civic participation, and there is no national requirement to treat Election Day as a public holiday.
4. Do banks follow state holiday calendars?
Definitely not. Banks follow federal banking holidays, which don’t always align with state office closures.
5. Are private employers required to observe public holidays?
Most private employers observe major federal holidays and choose selectively beyond that.
