List of Holidays in New York 2026

The closing days in the New York state calendar illustrate how the concept of layered governance operates in a state that moves at multiple speeds concurrently. What is closed and how it is closed are functions of Albany, but it impacts different entities in different ways including in the City That Never Sleeps. Closing of the state is not arbitrary. There is functionality on days of closure.

Unlike many states, the state of New York has a more extensive number of public holidays. Many of them are based on federal laws. Others are state-initiated, and the reason they are still observed is that it would be more chaotic than clear if they were eliminated. Taken in its entirety, the holiday pattern looks packed but actually has a rational consistency to it.

What is relevant in this case is not how widely a holiday is generally marked, but whether it causes a statewide administration shutdown. If so, it is on the list. Otherwise, observance is administered via leave, not closure.

Below is the list of officially recognized public holidays observed by the offices of the government of the state of New York.

Official State Holidays in New York for 2026

How Holidays Work in New York

New York State offices, courts, and most public agencies observe this list completely and faithfully. Lincoln’s Birthday continues to be a state holiday here, even though it has been dropped in most other states. Election Day is also a full state holiday and it continues to affect court schedules and administrative timelines across the state. This classification is rarer across the country.

Juneteenth is listed as a federal holiday, and New York State government offices have become in alignment with that federal designation (which is incidentally only as new as 2021). The classification reflects legal origin, not observance discretion.

If at all Independence Day falls on a weekend, New York observes it on the nearest weekday. In 2026, the official closure is on Friday, July 3. Banks follow the federal banking calendar, which overlaps closely but does not include every state-only holiday listed above.

Private employers are not required to and also do not strictly follow the New York State holiday calendar. Many align with federal holidays for simplicity, while others adjust operations depending on workforce expectations.

FAQs

1. Why does New York still observe Lincoln’s Birthday?

It remains a state-created holiday and continues to result in statewide office closure.

2. Is Election Day a public holiday in New York?

Yes. New York State offices close on Election Day.

3. Is Juneteenth a state or federal holiday?

It is a federal holiday. New York State observes it by closing state offices.

4. Does New York observe Columbus Day?

Yes. It remains an official state holiday.

5. Are courts closed on these holidays?

Yes. New York courts follow the official state holiday calendar.