The list of holidays in Georgia has much greater historical significance than in most other states, and it definitely reflects that. This list is short, but it is a curated list nevertheless. The state obeys federal sanctions in closing state offices, which happens in most states, but it also still observes a handful of holidays that have historical significance to Georgia instead of purely symbolic significance.
Almost all state departments, courts, and licensing authorities operate on a calendar system that is very much in sync with the federal system of operations. This makes the entire system work in a predictable manner, especially the nature of the state itself being large in size with interdepartmental coordination of all sorts being accomplished on a daily basis by the state’s departments with the concerned federal departments.
Where Georgia is different is in its ongoing observation of Confederate Memorial Day as a state holiday. The state offices are closed on this day throughout. It is observed to commemorate the soldiers from Confederate States who fought in the American Civil War. It is no accident that this holiday was put into law decades ago, as its purpose, while still observing the holiday, is confined to the closing of state offices.
The following table represents the occasions on Georgia’s official list of observed holidays:
Official State Holidays in Georgia for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Washington’s Birthday | Federal |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Confederate Memorial Day | State |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| June 19 | Friday | Juneteenth | Federal |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in Georgia
During this time, state offices are closed. Courts waive hearing schedules. Deadlines in regulatory matters become rolled forward. Licensing and public services counters remain closed.
There are no closed offices in Georgia on Election Day. Nor does the state observe a state day of recognition in lieu of federal holidays. The schedule aims to keep disruptions to a bare minimum, leaving in place some traditional closed dates.
Banks observe the federal banking calendar and do not close for Confederate Memorial Day. Private employers are not required to observe the state holiday and have their own calendar.
FAQs
1. Is Confederate Memorial Day a public holiday in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia state government offices are closed statewide.
2. Does Georgia observe Election Day as a holiday?
No. State offices remain open.
3. Is Juneteenth a state or federal holiday in Georgia?
It is federally designated and observed by the state through federal alignment.
4. Are courts closed on these holidays?
Yes. Georgia courts follow the state government holiday calendar.
5. Do counties follow the same list?
Not always. This list applies to state government offices; local governments may vary.