Try to determine what kind of holiday calendar exists for the state of New Hampshire by revealing how the lines between duty and celebration are drawn. There appears to be a preference for the straight shot - either the day alters the functioning of the government apparatus, or it does not.
Just such an approach is evident in the way the state observes January. New Hampshire is one of the states that honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day but calls it something different. New Hampshire observes Civil Rights Day instead. This is not an exercise of symbolism but of deliberation.
The balance of the calendar remains intact and compact. Fewer federal holidays are introduced. A few other closures are lifted because they still have been affecting courts, agencies, and public services throughout the state. It is intentional because what is left out is left out.
The following is the list of official holidays that offices of the government of the State of New Hampshire are observing.
Official State Holidays in New Hampshire for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Civil Rights Day | State |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Presidents' Day | Federal |
| Apr 03 | Friday | Good Friday | State |
| 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 New Hampshire
This is an implementation of the lists by state offices and court systems. Good Friday is an officially recognized state holiday, setting New Hampshire apart, as most states have abolished it.
Civil Rights Day is a substitute for the federal counterpart to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in title only, and not in purpose. Offices are closed and the day serves as a full holiday.
In case the Independence Day holiday occurs during the weekend, it is celebrated on the nearest weekday, and as such, the closure day in 2026 is fixed on Friday, July 3. The banking calendar, as followed by all the banks, is quite consistent with this federal list.
Private companies are not bound by the holidays observed by the government. Most businesses, however, follow the federal holiday schedule with some industry variations.
FAQs
1. Why does New Hampshire observe Civil Rights Day instead of MLK Day
The state chose to recognise the day under a broader civil rights designation while maintaining the same closure.
2. Is Good Friday an official public holiday in New Hampshire?
Yes. State offices close in observance of Good Friday.
3. Does New Hampshire observe all federal holidays?
No. The state adopts a selective set of federal holidays.
4. Are courts closed on these days?
Yes. New Hampshire courts follow the official state holiday calendar.
5. Do private companies have to follow this list?
No. Holiday observance is determined by employer policy.