Alabama Public Holidays
Alabama State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Alabama? Most public holidays in Alabama are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Alabama employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Alabama and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Alabama, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and scenic beauty, observes a variety of public holidays that reflect the state’s traditions, history, and significant events. These holidays encompass national, state-specific, and local observances that allow residents to celebrate important figures, historical events, and cultural milestones.
Federal Public Holidays in Alabama
Federal holidays are recognized across the United States, and Alabama follows the same schedule for these holidays. These holidays honor significant national events, historical figures, and important milestones in the history of the United States. Below is a list of federal public holidays that are recognized and observed in Alabama.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description:
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and various festivities across the country, including in Alabama. People use this day to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the year ahead.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Private businesses are not required to close, but many do.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Description:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the legacy of Dr. King, who was one of the most influential leaders in the American Civil Rights Movement. This day serves as a reminder of his efforts to fight racial segregation and inequality, and it is a day to reflect on progress in civil rights. Dr. King’s roots are in Alabama, making this holiday especially significant to the state.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Many communities hold events like marches and community service projects.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Description:
Presidents’ Day originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday, but over time, it has come to honor all U.S. presidents. It is observed on the third Monday of February and is a day to reflect on the leadership and history of the nation. This holiday also coincides with a variety of sales events and promotions.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Some businesses may remain open, but many offer discounts for the holiday.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Description:
Memorial Day honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a day of remembrance, with ceremonies held at military cemeteries, flag displays, and parades. In Alabama, Memorial Day is also a time to remember the sacrifices made in various conflicts, particularly the Civil War, as the state has a deep connection to that part of American history.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Many businesses close in observance of the day, while others operate on reduced hours.
Independence Day (July 4)
Description:
Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This holiday is one of the most widely celebrated across the country, and Alabama is no exception. Parades, fireworks displays, barbecues, and family gatherings are common ways that Alabamians celebrate the nation’s independence.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. While some businesses close, many remain open, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Description:
Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country’s prosperity and development. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of the American workforce and is often seen as the unofficial end of summer. In Alabama, Labor Day is marked by community events, picnics, and parades.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Many businesses, including retail stores, remain open with special promotions and sales.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Description:
Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers those who have died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all living veterans. In Alabama, the day is observed with parades, ceremonies, and special events to honor veterans for their service.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and some businesses. Some businesses remain open, but many offer discounts or other recognition for veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Description:
Thanksgiving Day is a time to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It has its roots in early American history, with the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. In Alabama, families gather for large meals, often featuring turkey, stuffing, and various side dishes, while also reflecting on the things they are thankful for.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Most businesses close, but some retail and hospitality establishments may remain open.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description:
Christmas Day is a religious and cultural holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed worldwide, and in Alabama, it is marked by family gatherings, gift-giving, and religious services. Many people in Alabama celebrate Christmas with festive decorations, holiday meals, and traditions unique to the state.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. While many businesses close, some retail establishments may remain open.
State-Specific Holidays in Alabama
In addition to the federal holidays, Alabama observes a few state-specific holidays that commemorate important events and figures in the state’s history. These holidays reflect the state’s unique cultural and historical heritage.
Alabama Day (March 2)
Description:
Alabama Day celebrates the anniversary of Alabama’s admission to the Union on March 2, 1819. It is a day to reflect on Alabama’s history, culture, and the significance of the state’s role in the United States. While it is a recognized holiday, it is not widely observed with closures or events, except by state employees and educational institutions.
Day off for:
State employees and schools.
Confederate Memorial Day (Last Monday in April)
Description:
Confederate Memorial Day honors the soldiers of the Confederate States of America who fought in the Civil War. It is a day of remembrance and reflection, particularly in the southern states, which played a significant role in the conflict. While controversial, this holiday is recognized in Alabama and is a time to reflect on the state’s history during the Civil War.
Day off for:
State employees. Many local governments and schools may observe the day, but private businesses are not required to do so.
Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)
Description:
Thanksgiving Day, observed on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to come together, share a meal, and reflect on the blessings of the past year. While it is a federal holiday, it is also a significant cultural observance in Alabama, where families traditionally celebrate with gatherings, parades, and feasts.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses. Many businesses close, but some remain open for sales or special events.
National Freedom Day (February 1)
Description:
National Freedom Day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States. It is a day of remembrance and celebration of freedom and civil rights. In Alabama, this holiday is recognized primarily through educational events and ceremonies.
Day off for:
State employees and some local events or observances.
Religious Holidays in Alabama
Though not official public holidays, certain religious observances are recognized in Alabama and are widely observed by the state’s Christian community.
Easter Sunday (Date varies in March or April)
Description:
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a fundamental event in Christianity. While it is not an official public holiday in Alabama, many Christian communities in the state observe the day with religious services and family gatherings.
Day off for:
Primarily religious groups. Many businesses may remain open, but churches and related activities are generally closed.
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
Description:
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed by many in Alabama through religious services and reflection. While not an official state holiday, it is still observed by various Christian denominations.
Day off for:
Primarily religious groups, though some schools and businesses may observe this day.
Other Notable Observances in Alabama
In addition to the public holidays, Alabama also observes various other cultural and historical events that are celebrated by specific groups within the state. These observances may not be recognized as official public holidays, but they are important to certain communities and may result in local celebrations or educational activities.
Mardi Gras (February or March)
Description:
Mardi Gras, while primarily associated with New Orleans, is also celebrated in Mobile, Alabama, which is considered the birthplace of the American Mardi Gras celebration. The holiday involves parades, masquerades, and festive events, with many communities in Alabama observing the season.
Day off for:
Not an official public holiday, but celebrations and events are observed in Mobile and other parts of the state.
Public Holiday Table in Alabama
Below is a table showing the various public holidays in Alabama 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 |
| Alabama Day | March 2 | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Confederate Memorial Day | Last Monday in April | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| National Freedom Day | February 1 | No | Yes | No | No |
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Easter Sunday | Date varies (March or April) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mardi Gras | February or March | No | No | No | Yes |
