Considerations of remoteness seem to have been influential in deciding the holiday schedule of the state of Montana. When offices are closed on one side of the border, it is not just a matter of personal preference but may actually redistribute an entire week on the other side of the border that is primarily dependent upon those facilities.
The holiday pattern ordained by the federal government is followed to a great extent by the state, although the impact feels somewhat different compared to other states that have cities. Time taken to travel, climate, and the fact that the holiday could extend into the winter because of the available infrastructure, and not necessarily because of the calendar, play significant roles in this case.
The state of Montana does not have a tradition of placing symbolism on its calendar. If a holiday does appear, it’s because the state wants the offices to shut down evenly. Any observance of a different kind happens in a closed manner.
The following is a list of official holidays observed by the State of Montana, as far as state government institutions are concerned.
Official State Holidays in Montana 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 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | 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 Montana
State and court offices abide by this list at all times, but the effects can differ from place to place. In some small towns, there may be some services that share the same office and human resources.
Still, the state of Montana marks Columbus Day as a holiday, making it different from other states that have eliminated or renamed it. Additionally, the state marks July 3 as a holiday because July 4th is on a Saturday during the year 2026.
Banks are also governed by the federal banking calendar, which is very much in line with the above list. Private companies are not bound by any state holiday, although some tend to match the federal holiday schedule.
FAQs
1. Does Montana observe Columbus Day?
Yes. It remains an official public holiday for state offices.
2. Why is Independence Day observed on July 3 in 2026?
July 4 falls on a Saturday, so the observed closure shifts to Friday.
3. Does Montana have state-only holidays?
No major statewide holidays exist outside the federal framework.
4. Are courts closed on these days?
Yes. Montana courts follow the official state holiday calendar.
5. Do private employers have to observe these holidays?
No. Holiday observance depends on employer policy.