Alaska Public Holidays
Alaska State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Alaska? Most public holidays in Alaska are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Alaska employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Alaska and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Alaska, with its unique geography and history, celebrates several public holidays that honor its cultural heritage, historical events, and notable individuals. While some of these holidays are nationwide observances, many of them are specific to the state, reflecting its distinct place in the United States. From the recognition of historical events to honoring the state’s native peoples, Alaska’s public holidays are diverse and rich in meaning.
Federal Public Holidays in Alaska
In Alaska, as in the rest of the United States, several public holidays are recognized at the federal level. These holidays are mandated by the U.S. government and are observed throughout the state. While these holidays are generally recognized by the public sector, private businesses may choose whether or not to close.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description:
New Year’s Day is a celebration of the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It’s a time for reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the year ahead. In Alaska, this holiday is observed with various festivities, from fireworks to family gatherings.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Description:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of the influential civil rights leader. Dr. King played a critical role in the American Civil Rights Movement and was instrumental in ending racial segregation and discrimination. The day is a time for remembrance, education, and reflection on the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and many private businesses.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Description:
Presidents’ Day was originally created to honor George Washington’s birthday, but it now serves as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents. The holiday has become an opportunity to reflect on the leadership and history of the United States, while many people enjoy retail sales and other promotions.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Description:
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In Alaska, many people observe the holiday by visiting military cemeteries, attending memorial services, or participating in parades.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Independence Day (July 4)
Description:
Independence Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the United States’ independence from Great Britain. The holiday is celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and gatherings across Alaska, often in large outdoor festivals.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses (though some businesses may remain open with reduced hours).
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Description:
Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country’s development. It’s often seen as the unofficial end of summer and is marked by barbecues, parades, and outdoor activities in Alaska’s often mild weather.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Description:
Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to recognize the sacrifices made by service members and is celebrated through ceremonies, events, and moments of reflection across Alaska.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and some businesses. Some businesses may remain open.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Description:
Thanksgiving Day is a time for giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. In Alaska, as in the rest of the United States, families gather to enjoy large meals, often centered around turkey, stuffing, and pies.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses (though some businesses may remain open).
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description:
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. In Alaska, this day is marked by religious observances, family gatherings, and the giving of gifts. The holiday is especially festive with winter activities like sledding and skiing.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses (some retail and hospitality businesses may remain open).
State-Specific Holidays in Alaska
In addition to the federal holidays, Alaska recognizes several state-specific holidays that celebrate the state’s history, culture, and unique events. These holidays are particular to Alaska and may not be observed elsewhere in the United States.
Alaska Day (October 18)
Description:
Alaska Day commemorates the anniversary of the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States on October 18, 1867. This event is considered one of the most significant milestones in the state’s history. Alaska Day celebrates the state’s entry into the U.S. and its subsequent development. The holiday is especially celebrated in Juneau, the state capital, where historical events surrounding the transfer are commemorated.
Day off for:
State employees, and it is especially recognized in Juneau, but not a mandatory holiday for schools or private businesses.
Seward’s Day (Last Monday in March)
Description:
Seward’s Day celebrates the signing of the Alaska Purchase in 1867, where U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated the acquisition of Alaska from Russia. This event marked a pivotal moment in Alaska’s history and the beginning of its integration into the United States. The holiday is celebrated with parades and educational events across the state.
Day off for:
State employees, and it may be recognized in some schools and communities.
Indigenous Peoples Day (Second Monday in October)
Description:
Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and honors the Native Alaskan communities and their contributions to the history and culture of the state. The day is a celebration of the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, including the Inuit, Aleut, and many other native groups. It is observed with cultural events, educational programs, and community gatherings.
Day off for:
State employees and schools may observe the day, depending on local policies.
Religious Holidays in Alaska
Although not officially recognized as public holidays, there are several religious observances in Alaska that are widely observed by certain religious communities.
Easter Sunday (Date varies in March or April)
Description:
Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although not an official public holiday in Alaska, many Christian communities in the state observe the day with church services and family gatherings.
Day off for:
Primarily religious groups. Many schools and businesses may remain open, but churches and related activities are closed.
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
Description:
Good Friday is observed as a day of mourning in the Christian faith, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Though not an official holiday in Alaska, it is observed by many Christians with religious services and reflection.
Day off for:
Primarily religious groups, but some businesses or schools may close for observance.
Other Notable Observances in Alaska
Alaska also celebrates several other cultural, historical, and seasonal observances that may not be official public holidays but are important to local communities.
Fur Rendezvous (Late February to Early March)
Description:
Fur Rendezvous, also known as “The Fur Rondy,” is a major winter festival in Anchorage, Alaska. While not an official state holiday, this celebration includes parades, dog sled races, ice sculptures, and cultural events. The festival is a significant part of Alaska’s winter traditions.
Day off for:
Not an official holiday, but many schools and businesses in Anchorage may observe certain events.
Public Holiday Table in Alaska
Below is a table showing the various public holidays in Alaska and which groups typically observe these days off:
| Holiday | Date | Federal Employees | State Employees | Schools | Private Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alaska Day | October 18 | No | Yes | No | No |
| Seward’s Day | Last Monday in March | No | Yes | No | No |
| Indigenous Peoples Day | Second Monday in October | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Easter Sunday | Date varies (March or April) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fur Rendezvous | Late February to Early March | No | No | No | Yes |
