There are tightly woven public-facing governments in the State of Illinois, and the holiday schedule speaks about that. The State of Illinois does not observe holidays casually. When Illinois is closing offices, there are reasons that are either legal, operationally driven, or are embedded in State law.
Like other states, Illinois follows the federal holidays. Where it is unique is concerning its observation of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday and Election Day as authorized state holidays. These are not token in nature. State offices will be closed. The courts will adjust their schedules and force deadlines to take notice.
Lincoln's Birthday takes on an importance that pertains to the history of Illinois and Lincoln's relation to it. Election Day closing, on the other hand, traces back to the importance of participation and voting rights.
Below is the list of holidays during which the offices of the state government in the state of Illinois are closed, in order of dates:
Official State Holidays in Illinois 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 | Thursday | Lincoln’s Birthday | State |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Washington’s Birthday | Federal |
| Mar 02 | Monday | Casimir Pulaski 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 03 | Tuesday | Election Day | State |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in Illinois
On these dates, the Illinois state agencies close completely. Courts do not hold sessions and all public counters are closed. If a holiday coincides with the date of any filing or regulatory deadline, such a deadline automatically extends to the next available business day.
One of the most consequential differences is Election Day in Illinois. Although it is not a federally recognized day as a holiday, offices close to support voter participation in elections.
Casimir Pulaski Day remains, principally, a state holiday because of statutory legacy. It is uniformly observed throughout the state for government operations, with a public footprint that is small. The cause aims to recognize the contributions of Casimir Pulaski - a Polish military commander and nobleman who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
Banks follow the federal banking calendar and remain open on the above-listed dates, except for Lincoln's Birthday, Pulaski Day, and Election Day. Private employers may or may not observe any of these holidays and usually stick to the federal list.
FAQs
1. Is Election Day a public holiday in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois state government offices are closed to encourage voter participation and celebrate the festival of democracy.
2. Why does Illinois observe Lincoln’s Birthday?
It is a state-sanctioned holiday reflecting Illinois’s historical connection to President Abraham Lincoln.
3. Is Casimir Pulaski Day still a state holiday?
Yes. State government offices do close on that day to commemorate the war hero.
4. Is Juneteenth a state or federal holiday in Illinois?
It is federally designated and observed by the state.
5. Do schools close on all these days?
Not always. School calendars may differ from the state government holiday list.