The holiday schedule as maintained by the state of Minnesota is quite sensible. There is a great emphasis on federalism, a great public sector union influence, and nothing at all related to symbolic holidays that would not affect how these offices operate.
There is consistency in the recognition of holidays within the state with a minimum amount of ambiguity. There is coordination between schools, courts, and the state. This is significant within a state that has winter as enough disruption to the schedule.
Minnesota does not pack too many observations that are exclusive within a state setting. This is largely aligned and attuned to federal holidays, banking systems, and agreements pertaining to labor that account for unaccounted days, even if they’re qualified within a celebration context.
The following are the official holidays as recognized by the State of Minnesota for state government offices and institutions:
Official State Holidays in Minnesota 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 | Monday | Presidents' Day | Federal |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| Jul 04 | Saturday | Independence Day | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Oct 12 | Monday | Columbus Day | Federal / State |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in Minnesota
State government agencies and courts abide by this list consistently. Public schools come close to adhering to this list, but districts impose weather adjustment holidays and holidays beyond this list. The federal banking calendar almost follows this state list, and banks also abide by it.
There are no legal requirements for private entities to follow holidays corresponding to the states, so as a consequence, many private entities follow the federal holidays, especially those industries governed by collective bargaining agreements.
One quiet reality in this situation is that the winter weather itself usually ends up having a bigger effect on the closures than the actual date. Should the weather turn out to be severe enough, then the actual holidays take a secondary role.
FAQs
1. Does Minnesota have any unique state-only holidays?
No major statewide holidays exist outside the federal framework.
2. Are state offices closed on Columbus Day?
Yes, Minnesota continues to observe it as a public holiday.
3. Do private companies have to follow this holiday list?
No. Holiday observance depends on employer policy or labor agreements.
4. Are schools closed on all these days?
Public schools usually close on these holidays, but district calendars vary.
5. What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?
Observed days are typically shifted to the nearest weekday.