The holiday schedule in Utah remains conservative. This is because Utah remains in line with the federal system and does not add extra closures unless for a purpose related to administration. This exists due to the structure that the services in each state take in relation to staff and geography.
When a holiday shows up in Utah’s calendar, it means that state government offices are shut down. This includes courts, licensing offices, and deadlines. However, if it isn’t on the calendar, then that particular holiday will be marked by leave.
The table below indicates the observed holidays for the Utah state government offices.
Official State Holidays in Utah for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Washington & Lincoln Day | State |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| June 19 | Friday | Juneteenth | Federal |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| July 24 | Friday | Pioneer Day | State |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Oct 12 | Monday | Columbus Day | Federal |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in Utah
Utah is among the states that continue to observe a combined Washington & Lincoln Day on the third Monday of February. The holiday replaces the general ‘Presidents’ Day’ but is a full-day closure.
Pioneer Day (July 24th) is the most unique holiday celebrated in the state of Utah. It commemorates the first group of Mormon pioneers entering the valley-filled landscape in 1847 and is absorbed into state code itself. All state offices are closed on this day, whether it occurs in the middle of the week or on a weekend. For 2026, the holiday occurs on a Friday, July 24th, so there will not be a conflict with a weekend observance.
Juneteenth is highlighted since it is a federal holiday. Utah has not established another state holiday but follows this with its federal compliance.
The banking system follows the fed banking calendar. Private employers are not bound by the holidays of the state of Utah, although some follow the federal holidays.
FAQs
1. Is Pioneer Day an official state holiday?
Yes. Utah state government offices close statewide on July 24.
2. Why does Utah list Washington & Lincoln Day instead of Presidents’ Day?
Utah retains the combined state holiday name, though the function is similar.
3. Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Utah?
No. It is federal in origin and observed by the state through federal alignment.
4. Does Utah observe Election Day as a holiday?
No. State offices remain open.
5. Are courts closed on these days?
Yes. Utah courts follow the official state holiday calendar.