List of Holidays in Delaware 2026

True to its role as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware’s holiday schedule may seem prosaic, but it is actually treated as something stable and intentional rather than decorative - the public calendar stays grounded to this belief. The result of this is a holiday lineup that feels orderly and predictable, with a few state-specific choices that nod to history, civic continuity, and long-established public-sector routines that haven’t been tampered with in decades.

Municipal governments align with the state calendar, signalling the closures of state offices, schools, and banks on those particular days.

The private sector can legally pick and choose based on industry norms and which holidays to close on. Whilst Delaware doesn’t overload its calendar, it does protect certain traditions that many larger states have quietly dropped over the years, and leaves the rest up to private sector undertakings to decide for themselves.

When holidays fall on weekends, Delaware state offices generally observe them on the nearest weekday, ensuring consistency across agencies.

FAQs

Why does Delaware still observe Good Friday as a state holiday?

Good Friday is a strong throwback to the state’s historical ties to early Christian traditions and its long-standing administrative practices. While not a federal holiday across the US, Delaware continues to recognize it for state government operations. This is the reason why it continues to be a staple in the state’s calendar for decades now.

Is Juneteenth a full public holiday in Delaware?

Juneteenth is recognised as an official state holiday in commemoration of the abolition of slavery. State offices close, aligning Delaware with the federal designation and formally acknowledging the historical importance of the day.

Do all Delaware towns follow this holiday list exactly?

Most towns do, but not always ever so perfectly. While state agencies and courts follow this calendar, individual municipalities may make small calibrations based on local contracts, school systems, or operational needs, and even local festivals, on occasion.

Are banks closed on Delaware holidays?

Banks generally follow the federal holiday schedule. This means that the holiday closures are in sync with major federal holidays, while religious holidays like Good Friday depend on each bank’s internal policy. Hence, banks can skip locally mandated holidays, if need be.

Do private employers in Delaware have to observe state holidays?

Private employers are not legally required to follow the state holiday calendar. Most observe federal holidays, but state-only holidays are typically optional unless specified in employment agreements and by HR policies.