

Connecticut’s holiday schedule is what can be referred to as very self-aware and respectful to the personal traditions that its citizens have been following for eons.
There’s a strong New England practicality to it, which means being orderly, consistent, and grounded in long-standing civic traditions rather than symbolic excess. The calendar leans heavily on federal observances, but the way those days are treated says a lot about Connecticut’s emphasis on public institutions, courts, and continuity. The state also uniquely includes Good Friday, which is not a commonly observed Christian holiday across the United States.
For residents, these holidays are most visible when state offices, courts, and public schools shut their doors. Municipal offices generally follow the state calendar, while private employers take a more flexible approach, often observing only the larger federal holidays and ignoring the regional ones based on employee demographics and private choice. What you won’t find here is an overstuffed list of state-only days - Connecticut prefers a tighter, more predictable structure.
List of National and State Holidays in Connecticut for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| Feb 12 | Thurday | Lincoln's Birthday | State |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Washington's Day | Federal |
| Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | State |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| Jun 19 | Friday | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Federal |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Oct 12 | Monday | Columbus Day | Federal |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
As per Connecticut state policy, when a holiday falls on a weekend, it is typically observed on the nearest weekday for state employees.
FAQs
Why does Connecticut still observe Good Friday as a state holiday?
Connecticut has a deep connection with Good Friday, right from the colonial-era traditions of Christian religious observances that have stayed with it into modern times. While it’s not a federal holiday, the state continues to recognise it for its own operational convenience.
Is Juneteenth treated as a full public holiday in Connecticut?
All offices are closed on the Day of Juneteenth as it is a widely recognised official state holiday. Its inclusion reflects both federal law and Connecticut’s formal acknowledgment of the historical importance of the abolition of slavery in the United States.
Do all towns and cities in Connecticut follow this exact holiday list?
Not always, no - while most municipalities align closely with the state calendar, some local governments vary observances based on local contracts, school calendars, or even administrative needs. You can check the Connecticut government’s official calendar for the latest on the same.
Are banks closed on Connecticut holidays?
Banks generally default to the federal holiday calendar, not state-only observances. This means closures usually line up with major federal holidays, while days like Good Friday depend on individual bank policies that are a reflection of their company leave policies.
Do private employers have to follow these holidays strictly?
Private employers in Connecticut are not legally required to follow the state holiday calendar. Many choose to observe major federal holidays, but state-specific days are typically optional unless included in employment contracts. So the answer would be no.

