The holiday schedule in Nebraska reflects the actual workings of the state government, particularly its rural setting. The matter at hand is not symbolism; it is not representative government. It is coverage. When offices are closed, the issue is the availability of vital functions to be accessed in the counties where the distances are so great.
This is evident by looking at the calendar. Nebraska is closely following the federal calendar, but it is certainly not adopting all the federal holidays as an automatic policy. The state has always liked a short list to maintain the administrative beat, particularly concerning courts and county offices covering large areas.
You won't, however, find “ceremonial days” or “regional experimentation.” Either the day is on the list, and the state government closes down, or it isn't, and the day is observed in the office or through negotiated time off. This is about the only dividing line that is clearly maintained between the two cultures.
This is a list of holidays recognized by the State of Nebraska with a conservative standard of inclusion, according to date and day correlation.
Official State Holidays in Nebraska 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 |
| Apr 24 | Friday | Arbor Day | State |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| Jul 03 | Saturday | 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 Nebraska
State offices and courts enforce this list consistently. One unique feature is Arbor Day, which is still honored as a state holiday by the state of Nebraska. It is not merely there for show but is relevant to environmental stewardship and tree planting started by J Sterling Morton in 1872.
Independence Day is on a Saturday in the year 2026, and since Nebraska observes the holiday on the Friday before, Nebraska observes the holiday on Friday, July 3, since the Independence Day holiday is observed on the Friday before the actual holiday if it falls on a Saturday.
Banks observe the federal banking calendar, which overlaps extensively with the list above. The holiday schedule followed by private employers does not necessarily coincide with the Nebraska list, although many observe the federal list of holidays.
FAQs
1. Why does Nebraska observe Arbor Day as a public holiday?
Nebraska has historical ties to the origins of Arbor Day and continues to recognize it officially.
2. Is Columbus Day still observed in Nebraska?
Yes. It remains an official public holiday for state offices.
3. Why is Independence Day observed on July 3 in 2026?
July 4 falls on a Saturday, so the observed closure shifts to Friday.
4. Do private employers have to observe these holidays?
No. Holiday observance depends on employer policy.
5. Are courts closed on all listed holidays?
Yes. Nebraska courts follow the official state holiday calendar.