

Being an administrative state for a long time now, the holiday calendars in the state of Virginia are also determined by its role. This is because the list of holidays isn't long, but the significance associated with the list cannot be ignored either. The reason for a holiday being included in the list could be the fact that it has managed to evade the chopping board for many years of administrative changes.
But Virginia largely follows the federal structure, albeit in a selective manner. It has moved away from certain observances that once defined its calendar long ago, while retaining others that still match the state's administrative patterns. The result is a list that can be called settled and selective, rather than reactive.
Below is the officially recognized holiday schedule, during which Virginia state government offices are closed, based on state-published calendars and carefully checked for date–day alignment.
Official State Holidays in Virginia 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 | George Washington’s Birthday | Federal |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| June 19 | Friday | Juneteenth | Federal |
| 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 |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in Virginia
Virginia has a nearly completely federal day calendar. There have been fewer additions to the state’s list of holidays over time, having removed former state holidays in favor of closing.
This helps to ensure predictability with regard to agency operations.
The reason for Juneteenth being included is that it is a federally recognized holiday since 2021 now. Virginia did not, however, observe its own holiday on this occasion, although state offices are closed on this day by federal law.
When Independence Day falls on a weekend, the holiday is observed on the Friday closest to it in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the year 2026, Independence Day will be observed on Friday, the 3rd of July.
Banks observe the federal banking calendar. There is no mandatory observation of the state holiday list by private employers and local governments; many fall into line with the federal holiday observances.
FAQs
1. Does Virginia observe any state-only holidays?
No. Virginia’s current holiday calendar mirrors the federal list.
2. Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Virginia?
It is federal in origin and observed by the state through federal alignment.
3. Does Virginia observe Election Day as a holiday?
No. State offices remain open.
4. Are courts closed on these days?
Yes. Virginia courts follow the state government holiday calendar.
5. Do schools follow this list?
Not necessarily. School calendars are set independently and can vary from county to county.

