The holiday schedule in West Virginia has a distinct regional flavor to it. It imitates the federal system to a great extent, but at the same time, it retains one date that is important at the local level in a way that it isn’t at the national level. This status has remained so for a long time.
By definition, an off-day is a holiday. This means that state offices are closed. The courts are shut down. The timeline moves - a holiday for any other reason would be considered unnecessary.Following is the list of holidays recognized by the state of West Virginia, verified for accuracy regarding the dates and days:
Official State Holidays in West 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 |
| June 22 | Monday | West Virginia Day (Observed) | State |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Nov 03 | Tuesday | Election Day | State |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in West Virginia
West Virginia Day is the defining state holiday which not only marks statehood, but it is also observed throughout the state. June 20, 2026 falls on a Saturday and subsequently, the official closure moves to the following Monday, which is June 22.
Election Day remains a full state holiday where state offices close, and administrative calendars are built around it.
The rest of the calendar follows the federal framework. Juneteenth is observed because of federal designation, not because the state created a separate holiday. Independence Day as usual, is followed on the weekday closest - Friday - preceding the weekend holiday in 2026.
FAQs
1. Is West Virginia Day a full state holiday?
Yes. State government offices close statewide.
2. Does West Virginia close offices on Election Day?
Yes. Election Day is a state holiday.
3. Is Juneteenth a state holiday here?
No. It is federal in origin and observed through alignment.
4. Do courts follow this list?
Yes. Courts align with state government closures.
5. Are local governments required to follow it?
No. Local calendars may differ.