Maryland Public Holidays

Maryland State Holidays

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

Maryland, a state rich in historical significance, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays, both federal and state-specific, offer an opportunity for Marylanders to come together, reflect on their history, and celebrate their shared values. From the widely recognized observances like Independence Day to Maryland’s own historical holidays, the state’s public holidays are a time for both solemn reflection and community celebration.

Federal Holidays in Maryland

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is widely celebrated across Maryland. It is a time for individuals to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the upcoming one. In cities like Baltimore, there are public celebrations, fireworks displays, and events that celebrate the beginning of a new year. For many, New Year’s Day is also a time for family gatherings and enjoying traditional foods like black-eyed peas and collard greens, which are believed to bring good luck.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, although some tourist attractions may remain open.

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. Maryland, like much of the United States, observes this day with community service projects, educational events, and public celebrations. In Baltimore, there are parades, speeches, and educational programs that focus on Dr. King’s teachings about equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. It is also a day of reflection on the ongoing fight for civil rights.

Observance:

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

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that honors the birthdays of U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Maryland, this holiday is observed with educational events about U.S. history, focusing on the leadership of these two presidents and their contributions to the founding and development of the nation. Many schools hold programs that teach about the history of the United States, while retailers often use the day to promote sales.

Observance:

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

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a solemn holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who have died in service to the country. In Maryland, it is observed with ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection at war memorials, particularly at sites like the Baltimore National Cemetery and the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Many Maryland communities, including Annapolis and Baltimore, hold parades to honor fallen soldiers, and families often gather for barbecues and outdoor activities, marking the unofficial start of the summer season.

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 celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Maryland, like the rest of the United States, celebrates this day with fireworks, parades, and public gatherings. Baltimore, one of Maryland’s largest cities, is known for its spectacular fireworks display over the Inner Harbor. Many residents across the state celebrate with family barbecues, outdoor activities, and visits to historic sites such as the Maryland State House. The day is a time to reflect on the birth of the nation and its ongoing commitment to freedom and democracy.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist areas remain open.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the American workforce and the contributions of labor unions. Maryland observes this day with parades, festivals, and various public events that recognize the importance of workers’ rights. The holiday also serves as the unofficial end of summer, with many Marylanders using the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, beach trips, and family gatherings.

Observance:

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

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. Maryland, with its strong military presence, observes this day with ceremonies, parades, and educational programs that highlight the sacrifices made by veterans. In Baltimore and other Maryland cities, events at local veterans’ memorials and military museums are common, and many schools participate in programs that teach students about the importance of veterans’ service to the nation.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some businesses may host special events for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely observed holidays in Maryland. It is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. The holiday is marked by large meals, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, as well as a focus on community service. Many people in Maryland volunteer at local food banks or shelters. The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, which is significant for many Maryland retail businesses.

Observance:

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Maryland. People gather with family, exchange gifts, attend religious services, and share festive meals. Maryland cities, particularly Baltimore, are known for their Christmas markets and holiday light displays. Christmas is a time for reflection, charity, and celebration, with many people participating in volunteer work to assist those in need during the holiday season.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Maryland

In addition to the federal holidays, Maryland observes several state-specific holidays that reflect its history, culture, and traditions.

Maryland Day (March 25)

Maryland Day commemorates the landing of the first English settlers in the colony of Maryland on March 25, 1634. The day is celebrated with educational programs, historical reenactments, and public events that teach about the early history of the state. Maryland Day is particularly observed in the city of St. Mary’s, where the first settlement took place. It is an opportunity for Marylanders to reflect on their state’s founding and its role in American history.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed with educational activities.
• Private businesses: Open.

Emancipation Day (November 1)

Emancipation Day celebrates the abolition of slavery in Maryland, which took place on November 1, 1864, when the state’s constitution was amended to free enslaved individuals. While not as widely recognized as a public holiday, it is an important day of reflection on Maryland’s role in the fight for freedom and equality. The day is observed with educational programs, community service, and events at historical sites like the Maryland State House.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays in Maryland are celebrated by specific communities or cultural groups, reflecting the state’s diversity.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not an official public holiday, it is widely observed by Christian communities across Maryland, especially in the Catholic and Protestant traditions. Church services, processions, and religious observances are common. Some businesses, particularly in the religious and educational sectors, may close or operate with reduced hours.

Observance:

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

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely observed by Christians in Maryland. It is a time for religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. While Easter is not a public holiday, it holds great significance, especially in Maryland’s Catholic and Protestant communities.

Observance:

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

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved individuals in Texas were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Maryland, with its significant African American population, observes Juneteenth with cultural events, educational programs, and celebrations of African American history and heritage. Many Maryland cities, including Baltimore, host parades, festivals, and educational events.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some businesses host Juneteenth events.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Maryland

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
Maryland Day	March 25	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Emancipation Day	November 1	Varies	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies