District of Columbia Public Holidays

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

The District of Columbia (D.C.), as the capital of the United States, is home to many federal government institutions and a diverse population. The public holidays celebrated in the District reflect both national observances and local traditions that commemorate the city’s role in the nation’s history. These holidays provide time for reflection, celebration, and community service, bringing together residents and visitors alike.

Federal Holidays in the District of Columbia

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year, and it is a holiday celebrated across the U.S. including in the District of Columbia. This day is marked with festivities like fireworks, parties, and other gatherings to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. As a federal holiday, New Year’s Day is recognized throughout the country, and many people use the day to rest and reflect on the year gone by, while making resolutions for the year ahead.

Observance:

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

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader. In D.C., where King led several key civil rights protests, the day is significant with parades, educational events, and community service activities. Schools and government offices are closed to observe this day of remembrance and activism.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open in some sectors but may operate on reduced hours.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is celebrated in honor of all U.S. presidents, but especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In the District of Columbia, the holiday is significant as Washington, D.C., is named after George Washington. The day is marked by events and educational programs, particularly at the National Mall and Presidential Memorials. The holiday is also associated with retail sales and promotions, and many government buildings and institutions close for the day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though many participate in sales events.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. In D.C., Memorial Day is observed with ceremonies at places like the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, and Arlington National Cemetery. The day is marked by parades, solemn observances, and moments of reflection on the sacrifices of the nation’s military personnel. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, with many D.C. residents enjoying picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may operate with reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is one of the most significant national holidays in the U.S., celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In Washington, D.C., the holiday is marked with grand fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and national events, including the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. The day attracts thousands of visitors to D.C., where they gather for various celebrations, culminating in the iconic fireworks display over the National Mall.

Observance:

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

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day is a federal holiday dedicated to the labor movement and the contributions of workers to the U.S. economy. In the District of Columbia, it is celebrated with parades, outdoor activities, and community gatherings. Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer, and many people take the long weekend for travel, family activities, and leisure. In the city, there are also discussions and events related to labor rights and workers’ contributions.

Observance:

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

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. In Washington, D.C., the day is observed with ceremonies and events, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The holiday is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifices made by U.S. veterans. It is also a day for veterans to gather for special programs and recognition events.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, though some host special events to recognize veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. In Washington, D.C., it is a major family holiday celebrated with large meals, often including turkey and traditional side dishes. Many people also use the holiday to volunteer and participate in charity events, helping the less fortunate. The holiday is followed by Black Friday, the start of the holiday shopping season.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some open later for Black Friday sales.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day is one of the most widely observed holidays in the U.S., celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In Washington, D.C., the holiday is marked by family gatherings, religious services, and festive events. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House and other public displays of holiday decorations make D.C. a popular destination for visitors during this time of year. While Christmas is primarily a Christian holiday, it is celebrated by people of various backgrounds in the city.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, particularly retail stores and government offices.

Local Holidays in the District of Columbia

In addition to the federal holidays observed in Washington, D.C., there are several unique holidays specific to the city, reflecting its historical importance, culture, and governance.

Emancipation Day (April 16)

Emancipation Day celebrates the day that President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed enslaved people in the District of Columbia on April 16, 1862. This holiday is significant in D.C. due to its historical connection to the abolition of slavery in the nation’s capital. Emancipation Day is marked by various community events, parades, and educational programs that reflect on the history of slavery and emancipation. The holiday also serves as a reminder of D.C.’s role in the fight for racial equality.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may observe events or educational programs.

Inauguration Day (Every Four Years, January 20)

Inauguration Day occurs every four years when the President of the United States is sworn into office. This day is of particular importance to Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital hosts the official ceremony and celebrations. The day is marked with the Presidential Inaugural Parade, special events at the National Mall, and various ceremonies across the city. Many government offices are closed, and it is a significant event for political engagement and celebration.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though many businesses close early or offer limited hours to accommodate the event.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities in Washington, D.C., reflecting the city’s diverse population and cultural makeup.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although not a public holiday in D.C., it is observed by many religious communities in the city, especially those in the Christian faith. Churches may hold services, and some businesses, particularly those in the religious sector, may operate on reduced hours.

Observance:

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

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is widely observed across Washington, D.C. Families attend church services, and many gather for festive meals and Easter egg hunts. Although Easter is not a public holiday, it is a significant day for many people in D.C., and some businesses may close or operate with reduced hours.

Observance:

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

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in the District of Columbia

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
Emancipation Day	April 16	Yes	Closed	Open
Inauguration Day	January 20 (Every Four Years)	Yes	Closed	Varies
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies