Texas does not look at its holiday calendar as a symbol. It looks at the holiday calendar as an employment structure. This is an important difference. Although the demographics suggest a more cosmopolitan blend, the holidays don’t lean into that sentiment too much.
State holidays in this country are legislated by law and administrative regulations, first of all, in the context of structuring payroll and closure logistics. There are complete closure holidays. Some holidays are observed in pairs. Some holidays are combined. Some holidays exist on paper in the form of skeleton crew holidays.
The following is a list and description of holidays observed, during which state government offices are closed, based upon state calendars and verification that dates and days are accurate. Optional holidays, flexible leave days, and cultural observance are not included.
Official State Holidays in Texas (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Confederate Heroes Day | State |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Presidents’ Day | Federal |
| Apr 21 | Tuesday | San Jacinto Day | State |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| Jun 19 | Friday | Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) | State |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Nov 27 | Friday | Day after Thanksgiving | State |
| Dec 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | State |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
| Dec 28 | Monday | Day after Christmas | State |
How Holidays Work in Texas
Texas maintains one of the more complicated systems of state holidays in the United States, though the complication exists not in the closure list.
Certain holidays are combined when Congress passes a law. In 2026, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Confederate Heroes Day occur on the same Monday, making them a combined statewide closing day.
San Jacinto Day continues to be a holiday observed in Texas alone. State offices are closed as part of the state decree. It's not aligned with the format followed in the federal government.
In this regard, the holiday in question is known as Juneteenth, though in actuality, it is celebrated as "Emancipation Day" long before it was federally recognized. It has been observed as such in Texas, where it is related to the creation of the state.
Texas intentionally extends blocks of closure around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and the Day After Christmas are state holidays. Office closure is statewide, and agency calendars consider this beforehand.
Banking hours are governed by the federal banking calendar. Banks will not close on holidays that are unique specifically to the state of Texas, such as San Jacinto Day. In the case of private employers, they have the option to adhere to this list, but usually chop and change according to internal policy.
FAQs
1. Why does Texas combine Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Confederate Heroes Day?
State law pairs them when they fall on the same date, resulting in a single closure day.
2. Is Juneteenth a federal or state holiday in Texas?
In Texas, it is a state holiday called Emancipation Day, recognised decades before federal adoption.
3. Does Texas still observe San Jacinto Day?
Yes. State government offices close statewide on April 21.
4. Are Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas official holidays?
Yes. Both are designated state holidays with full office closures.
5. Do Texas courts follow this calendar?
Yes. State courts align with the official state government holiday schedule.