Arizona Public Holidays

Arizona State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in Arizona? Most public holidays in Arizona are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Arizona employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Arizona and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Arizona, like most U.S. states, celebrates a combination of federal and state-specific holidays throughout the year. These holidays provide an opportunity for residents to observe national celebrations and commemorate local traditions. Some holidays in Arizona are universally observed, while others may only apply to specific sectors or groups, such as government employees, schools, or private businesses.

Federal Holidays in Arizona

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Arizona and across the United States. The first day of January marks the beginning of the New Year and is recognized as a federal holiday. People celebrate with family gatherings, fireworks, and various community events.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Most schools are closed.
• Private businesses: Vary by employer but may close or reduce hours.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

This holiday is a federal observance honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. It is celebrated across the country, including in Arizona, with events and activities aimed at promoting equality, justice, and community service.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically closed.
• Private businesses: May remain open.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It is a federal holiday observed nationwide, with a focus on celebrating all U.S. presidents. The day is marked by educational events, sales, and reflection on the contributions of past presidents.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though many retail stores hold sales.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a solemn holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring military personnel who have died in service to their country. In Arizona, as in the rest of the U.S., people observe this day by attending ceremonies, visiting veterans’ cemeteries, and participating in parades.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically closed.
• Private businesses: Open but some may observe reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is a major national holiday in the United States, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The holiday is celebrated with fireworks, parades, family barbecues, and public events. Arizona has its own unique way of celebrating, often with fireworks shows and outdoor festivities in the desert.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Typically open but may close early.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day is dedicated to honoring the American workforce and their contributions to the nation’s economy. It also marks the unofficial end of summer. Arizona hosts several community events, barbecues, and outdoor activities on this day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday recognizing military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Arizona, many veterans’ organizations hold special ceremonies, and some schools and businesses may host events to honor veterans.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Open.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving is a holiday to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. Arizona residents celebrate with family gatherings, large meals, and various forms of community service. The long weekend is often marked by travel and retail sales.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed or have reduced hours.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is widely celebrated in Arizona, where people gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and engage in various religious services. Although its religious significance is paramount, it has also become a major cultural holiday.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Many businesses close, especially retail and government services.

State Holidays in Arizona

In addition to federal holidays, Arizona observes several state-specific holidays that celebrate the state’s history, culture, and people.

Arizona Statehood Day (February 14)

Arizona Statehood Day commemorates the day Arizona became the 48th state in the Union on February 14, 1912. The day is marked by educational programs, historical exhibits, and cultural celebrations reflecting the state’s heritage.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Observed in some school districts.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Native American Day (Fourth Friday in September)

Native American Day is a day to honor the contributions and cultures of Native American communities, many of which are present in Arizona. The state recognizes the importance of Native American history through events, ceremonies, and educational activities on this day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Observed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Open.

Cesar Chavez Day (March 31)

Cesar Chavez Day celebrates the life and work of Cesar Chavez, a labor leader and civil rights activist. Chavez is particularly remembered for his efforts in advocating for the rights of farm workers. Arizona observes this day with events that highlight the struggles and achievements of the farm worker movement.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically closed.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas.

Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)

While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it is controversial, especially in Arizona, where many Native American groups oppose its celebration. The day marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, but for many, it is a reminder of the colonization and the impact on indigenous populations.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Arizona Veterans Day (Date Varies)

Arizona celebrates a special Arizona Veterans Day to honor the state’s own veterans. This holiday is often observed with special ceremonies in communities throughout the state, focusing on local veterans’ contributions.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Observed in some schools.
• Private businesses: Open in many areas.

Holidays Observed by Certain Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific sectors of the population in Arizona. These include religious holidays, holidays of cultural significance, and other days that are recognized in certain industries.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

While not a public holiday in the state, many businesses, especially in the religious and educational sectors, close on Good Friday to observe the Christian tradition. The day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not typically observed.
• Schools: May close.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday is a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed with religious services and family gatherings. Although it is not a public holiday, many businesses close for the day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Arizona

Holiday	Date	Government Employees	Schools	Private Businesses
New Year’s Day	January 1	Yes	Closed	Varies
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Third Monday in January	Yes	Closed	Varies
Presidents’ Day	Third Monday in February	Yes	Closed	Varies
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Yes	Closed	Varies
Independence Day	July 4	Yes	Closed	Varies
Labor Day	First Monday in September	Yes	Closed	Varies
Veterans Day	November 11	Yes	Varies	Open
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November	Yes	Closed	Varies
Christmas Day	December 25	Yes	Closed	Varies
Arizona Statehood Day	February 14	Yes	Varies	Open
Native American Day	Fourth Friday in September	Yes	Varies	Open
Cesar Chavez Day	March 31	Yes	Closed	Open
Columbus Day	Second Monday in October	Yes	Closed	Open
Arizona Veterans Day	Varies	Yes	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies