California is large, diverse, and administratively complex as a state. Its demographics are also multi-cultural, and it is host to an ethno-linguistic cultural melting pot that is uncommon in most other states in the USA. Its public holidays largely reflect that identity. While it follows the core U.S. federal holiday framework, California also recognises a few additional holidays that are specific to its political history, labour movements, and civil rights legacy.
For most, holidays matter mainly in terms of state offices, courts, and public services, which follow the official state calendar. Private employers are not required to close, though many align their schedules with major federal holidays, especially in corporate and public-facing sectors. Some holidays also reflect regional cultural influences, and hence, they add to the tapestry of state-specific changes to the holiday schedule.
What stands out in California is not the number of holidays, but which ones are elevated to official status, particularly those tied to civil rights (Juneteenth National Independence Day) and organised labour (Cesar Chavez Day).
List of National and State Holidays in California for 2026
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Federal |
| 2 | Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| 3 | Feb 16 | Monday | Presidents' Day | Federal |
| 4 | Mar 31 | Tuesday | César Chávez Day | State |
| 5 | May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| 6 | Jun 19 | Friday | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Federal |
| 7 | Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| 8 | Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| 9 | Oct 12 | Monday | Indigenous Peoples' Day | State |
| 10 | Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| 11 | Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| 12 | Nov 27 | Friday | Day After Thanksgiving | State |
| 13 | Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
It is standard practice that when holidays fall on weekends, California generally observes them on the nearest weekday for state operations.
FAQs
Does California observe more holidays than other states?
By a few days more, yes. California follows all federal holidays and adds a small number of state-specific observances, most notably César Chávez Day and the Day After Thanksgiving.
What is the significance of César Chávez Day in California?
César Chávez was a central figure in the farm labour movement (and the co-founder of United Farm Workers (UFW)), and has deep historical ties to California. The state recognises his birthday as an official state holiday to reflect that legacy and honour his contribution to non-violent activism.
Is Juneteenth observed in California? Why is it so important?
Yes. Juneteenth is recognised both as a federal holiday and as a California state holiday, meaning state offices are closed. It is a day celebrated to recognise the formal abolishment of slavery in the US.
Are banks closed on California holidays?
Banks generally close on federal holidays. State-only holidays, such as César Chávez Day or the Day After Thanksgiving, may not apply unless a bank chooses to observe them.
Do private companies follow the same holiday list as the state?
Negative- private employers set their own holiday policies. Many observe federal holidays, but state-only holidays are less consistently followed outside government and public institutions and are usually considered optional for them.