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 in its observance of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, the day after Thanksgiving, and Election Day as authorized state holidays. These are not token in nature. State offices close, and courts adjust their schedules around them.
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.
The tables below show the days Illinois state government offices close in 2027 and 2026, based on the official state holiday schedule published by Illinois Central Management Services (CMS).
List of National and State Holidays in Illinois for 2027
| S.No. | Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|
| 1 | Jan 01 | Friday | New Year’s Day | Federal |
| 2 | Jan 18 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| 3 | Feb 12 | Friday | Lincoln’s Birthday | State |
| 4 | Feb 15 | Monday | Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Federal |
| 5 | May 31 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| 6 | Jun 18 | Friday | Juneteenth (Observed) | Federal |
| 7 | Jul 05 | Monday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| 8 | Sep 06 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| 9 | Oct 11 | Monday | Columbus Day | Federal |
| 10 | Nov 11 | Thursday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| 11 | Nov 25 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| 12 | Nov 26 | Friday | Day After Thanksgiving | State |
| 13 | Dec 24 | Friday | Christmas Day (Observed) | Federal |
The official 2027 Illinois schedule moves Juneteenth to Friday, June 18, and Christmas Day to Friday, December 24, because both fall on a Saturday. Independence Day falls on a Sunday, so it is observed on Monday, July 5. There is no general election in 2027, so there is no Election Day closure. New Year’s Day 2028 falls on a Saturday, and its observed date will be set in the state’s 2028 schedule.
Official State Holidays in Illinois 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 12 | Thursday | Lincoln’s Birthday | State |
| 4 | Feb 16 | Monday | Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Federal |
| 5 | May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| 6 | Jun 19 | Friday | Juneteenth | Federal |
| 7 | Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| 8 | Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| 9 | Oct 12 | Monday | Columbus Day | Federal |
| 10 | Nov 03 | Tuesday | Election Day | State |
| 11 | Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| 12 | Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| 13 | Nov 27 | Friday | Day After Thanksgiving | State |
| 14 | 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 federal holiday, state offices close on general election days in even-numbered years to support voter participation.
Casimir Pulaski Day, the first Monday in March, remains a commemorative day under state law. It honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish military commander and nobleman who fought in the American Revolutionary War. State offices stay open on it, though some schools close.
Banks follow the federal banking calendar, so they stay open on Lincoln’s Birthday, the day after Thanksgiving, 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, in even-numbered years. Illinois state government offices close on general election days 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?
No. It is a commemorative day, and state government offices stay open.
4. Is Juneteenth a state or federal holiday in Illinois?
It is a federal holiday that Illinois also observes, so state government offices close.
5. Do schools close on all these days?
Not always. School calendars may differ from the state government holiday list.
