

Public holidays in Maryland are almost the same as the federal ones, reflecting the state’s close alignment with national government operations and policies legislated by it. It is familiar nationwide holidays that are mostly observed, which keeps scheduling somewhat gaugable across courts, state agencies, and public services. The state does recognise a small number of observances that go beyond the federal list however, based on long-standing practices.
One of the most notable is Presidents’ Day, which Maryland observes as Washington’s Birthday, consistent with federal naming. Maryland also formally observes Election Day for state government operations, a choice that reflects the state’s emphasis on maintaining access to civic processes rather than expanding symbolic holidays.
The holiday calendar matters only with respect to the holidays observed apart from a few locally observed holidays that municipal administrations can order executively to be followed depending on what is culturally or otherwise, relevant to that part of Maryland.
List of National and State Holidays in Maryland 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 16 | Tuesday | Presidents' Day | Federal |
| 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 03 | Tuesday | General Election Day | State |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
Maryland state offices generally observe holidays that fall on weekends on the nearest weekday, in line with standard state practice.
For Those Living or Working in Maryland
State government offices, courts, and many public institutions observe the official holiday calendar of the state of Maryland. Most local governments are in step with the state, but the school districts and municipalities often set their schedule a little differently. Banks and other financial institutions do not follow the state-specified holidays, instead adhere to the federal holiday calendar, and exclude state-only observances such as Election Day.
Private employers determine their own holiday policy. Most follow the main federal holidays, and those more optional depend on state recognition, unless otherwise provided by an employment contract or workplace policy.
FAQs
1. Does Maryland observe any holidays that are not federal holidays?
Maryland observes Election Day as a state holiday for government operations which is probably the lone single one apart from the main federal list.
2. Are all state offices closed on Maryland holidays?
All holidays listed on the state calendar apply to executive branch offices and courts, though essential services may continue operating, so, yes.
3. Do banks close on Maryland state holidays?
Banks follow the federal holiday calendar and do not automatically close on state-only holidays such as Election Day. Some privately run banks may differ in operations based on their personal calendars
4. Are private employers required to follow Maryland’s holiday calendar?
Private employers are not legally required to observe state holidays and they determine their own holiday policies as is the nationwide practice.

