Holiday List in Massachusetts 2026

Massachusetts uses holidays more as an operating manual than a cultural commentary. This is a state that revolves around courts of law, institutions of higher learning, hospitals, and administrative structures that do not shut down easily. The reason a holiday is declared is that enough of the machinery has slowed down that it would be foolish not to acknowledge the fact.

The state generally adheres to the holiday pattern set by the federal government, although some relevant additions seem fruitful. For example, Patriots’ Day is definitely no symbolic holiday. This holiday changes schedules in eastern Massachusetts. Schools are closed. Trials recess. Traffic flow alters. Even the private sector changes its plans since disregard creates friction rather than allows observation.

But what Massachusetts does not have is a lot on the calendar. There are no unnecessary additions to celebrate, and few holidays are in name only. So when a date is on the list, there is no mistaking the impact it will have – on offices, on workers, and on whoever is trying to get something done.

The list represents holidays observed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, relating to state offices.

Official List of Holidays in Massachusetts for 2026

How Holidays Work in Massachusetts

Government offices, courts, and schools adhere to it. Municipalities, as a rule, observe the same holidays, but there may be slight variations. Banks and banking institutions, as stated, follow the banking calendar, which is almost the same but not identical.

There is no mandate for private employers to observe state holidays. Many of these holidays coincide with the federal holidays, except that they always include Patriots’ Day if it falls within the Greater Boston area.

FAQs

1. Why is Patriots’ Day a state holiday, while it is not a federal holiday?

The initial fighting in the American Revolution took place in Massachusetts, and that's what the monument intends to memorialize.

2. Are schools closed on all state holidays?

Public schools are usually closed on public and federal holidays. But depending on the need, the district may decide otherwise.

3. Are these holidays mandatory for private institutions as well?

No. Observance of the holiday is determined by company policy.

4. Are the courts closed on these days?

Yes. The state holidays observed in Massachusetts are followed in court.

5. What if the holiday occurs on a weekend?

The holiday is usually celebrated by the state on the nearest weekday.