U.S. Federal Holidays 2026: Dates, Observed Dates and Employer Guide

July 23, 2025 • 33 min read •

By Kate Vodopian

Quick answer: There are 11 U.S. federal holidays in 2026. Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, so for most federal employees it is observed on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Last reviewed: 20 May 2026.

Public holidays in the United States affect work schedules, staffing, payroll, PTO policies, and employee planning. For small business owners and HR managers, it is important to understand the difference between federal holidays, state holidays, and company holiday policies.

Federal holidays are established for federal employees. Private employers are generally not required by federal law to provide paid time off for public holidays, but many choose to do so as part of their leave policy.

Federal Public Holidays in 2026

These are the 11 federal holidays established under U.S. law for federal employees. Many states and private employers follow the same dates, but state holiday calendars and company holiday policies can vary.

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most federal employees observe it on the preceding Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, they usually observe it on the following Monday.

Holiday observance can vary by state, locality, and employer policy, so always check official state sources before finalizing company policy.

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State-Specific Public Holidays in 2026

Federal holidays are observed by federal government offices, but individual states can also designate their own public holidays. These may include regional, cultural, historical, or election-related dates.

The sections below are collapsed to keep the page easier to scan. Open the state you need to see the holiday list.

State holidays can apply differently to public-sector and private-sector employers, so always check the official state calendar before finalizing company policy.

Are Public Holidays Included in PTO?

Public Holidays and PTO Policies

In the United States, employers are not legally required to offer paid time off for public holidays. Whether public holidays are included in PTO depends on the employer’s policy. Here are the common scenarios:

1. Paid Public Holidays Many employers choose to offer public holidays as paid leave to boost employee morale. This is separate from PTO allocations.
2. Public Holidays Deducted from PTO Some employers count public holidays as part of an employee’s annual PTO allowance, reducing the available days for personal leave.
3. Unpaid Public Holidays Other companies may observe public holidays without offering pay, especially for part-time or hourly employees.

Employers should clearly outline their policies in the employee handbook to ensure transparency.

Are Employers Legally Required to Observe Public Holidays?

Private employers in the United States are not legally obligated to give employees paid time off for public holidays. However, there are a few exceptions and best practices to consider:

1. Federal Contractors Some federal contractors may have holiday-related requirements depending on their contract terms.
2. Religious and Cultural Observances Employers must reasonably accommodate employees who wish to observe religious or cultural holidays unless it creates undue hardship for the business.
3. State-Specific Mandates Certain states may have specific requirements for public holidays. For example, some states mandate time off for Election Day.

Overtime and Holiday Pay

If employees work on a public holiday, there is no federal requirement for extra pay (e.g., time and a half). However, some states and employers voluntarily provide holiday pay as a benefit.

Clear Communication

To avoid confusion, ensure your team knows whether your company observes public holidays as paid days off, unpaid leave, or part of PTO. Make your policy clear in employment contracts and onboarding documents.

Key Considerations for Employers

• Plan Ahead: Include public holidays in your staffing and project schedules to prevent disruptions.
• Be Flexible: Allow employees to swap public holidays with other leave days to accommodate personal or cultural preferences.
• Automate leave management: Use absence management software to track PTO, vacations, sick leave, public holidays, and other leave types.

Further Reading

1. U.S. Office of Personnel Management — Federal Holidays
2. U.S. Department of Labor — Holiday Pay
3. U.S. Department of Commerce — Holidays
4. TimeandDate.com — U.S. holidays calendar 2026