Michigan Public Holidays

Michigan State Holidays

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

Michigan, a state located in the Great Lakes region, is known for its vibrant cities, rich industrial history, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Public holidays in Michigan are a mix of federal observances and state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s diverse culture and history. From nationwide celebrations like Independence Day and Labor Day to Michigan-specific holidays that honor local traditions, these public holidays provide opportunities for Michigan residents to reflect, celebrate, and participate in community gatherings.

Federal Holidays in Michigan

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is celebrated across Michigan. It is a time for reflection on the past year and for setting goals for the upcoming one. In cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, people gather for parties, fireworks displays, and special events. The day is often marked by a mixture of quiet family time and festive community gatherings. Many Michiganders also take advantage of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating during this time.

Observance:

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

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 key figure in the American civil rights movement. In Michigan, this day is observed with parades, community service projects, and educational programs that focus on Dr. King’s work for racial equality and justice. Detroit hosts one of the largest MLK Day parades in the U.S., and other cities in Michigan also hold events and educational programs to promote his vision of nonviolent protest and social change.

Observance:

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

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Michigan, this holiday is typically observed with educational events, especially in schools and museums. The day is also an opportunity for many Michiganders to enjoy a long weekend, with retail businesses holding sales and special promotions. Many communities host events that reflect on the contributions of U.S. presidents to the nation’s history.

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 their country. In Michigan, the day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and services at war memorials, particularly in larger cities like Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many Michigan residents enjoying barbecues, outdoor activities, and time spent at lakes and parks.

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. Michigan celebrates this day with fireworks displays, parades, and public events. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other cities across Michigan host large fireworks shows and family-friendly activities. Many people gather for outdoor barbecues, picnics, and enjoy Michigan’s lakes and beaches. The day is a time for reflecting on American history and celebrating the country’s independence.

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 honors the American workforce and the labor movement, recognizing the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy. In Michigan, the day is observed with parades, festivals, and community events that celebrate workers’ rights and achievements. Many families use this long weekend to enjoy the last days of summer with outdoor activities, picnics, and trips to Michigan’s many parks and beaches.

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 military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Michigan, the day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and community events that recognize the contributions and sacrifices of veterans. Detroit, Lansing, and other cities host events that highlight veterans’ service and reflect on the importance of their sacrifices. Schools across Michigan may have special programs to educate students about the significance of the day.

Observance:

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

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Michigan, where large meals are shared with family and friends. Many people also take part in charity events, volunteering at food banks or shelters to help those in need. Following Thanksgiving Day is Black Friday, which marks the start of the holiday shopping season, particularly in Michigan’s retail-heavy cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor.

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 Michigan. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. Michigan’s cities, including Detroit and Grand Rapids, are known for their elaborate Christmas lights and public holiday events. Many Michigan residents also take part in holiday traditions like ice skating, holiday shopping, and visiting family members. It is a time for reflection, generosity, and spending time with loved ones.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Michigan

In addition to the federal holidays, Michigan observes several state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s history, culture, and values.

Michigan Day (January 26)

Michigan Day commemorates the day Michigan officially became the 26th state of the United States, joining the Union on January 26, 1837. While not an official state holiday, Michigan Day is a time for reflection on the state’s history, culture, and contributions to the development of the nation. Educational programs, historical exhibits, and community events are often held to celebrate Michigan’s statehood.

Observance:

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

Emancipation Day (January 1)

Emancipation Day celebrates the abolition of slavery in Michigan. While the state had already been a free state prior to the Civil War, this day is important in recognizing the role Michigan played in the abolitionist movement. The holiday is marked by reflection, educational programs, and events that honor those who fought for freedom and equality. Michigan also observes this day as part of the broader civil rights movement and the ongoing quest for social justice.

Observance:

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

Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)

Arbor Day celebrates the importance of trees and the environment. Michigan observes this day with tree-planting events, educational programs, and community clean-up activities. Many schools, especially in cities like Lansing and Ann Arbor, teach students about environmental conservation, and local communities participate in initiatives to improve the state’s natural spaces.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed as a public holiday.
• Schools: Observed with educational activities.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific religious or cultural groups in Michigan, 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 in Michigan, it is observed by many Christian communities. Church services, processions, and religious observances are common in cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit. 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 across Michigan, particularly in Christian communities. While not a public holiday, Easter Sunday is marked by church services, family gatherings, and various cultural activities. Many Michiganders celebrate with family meals, religious observances, and outdoor activities like Easter egg hunts.

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, specifically the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Michigan, like other states, observes Juneteenth with cultural events, educational programs, and celebrations of African American history. The day is marked by parades, music, and public gatherings, especially in cities like Detroit.

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 Michigan

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
Michigan Day	January 26	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Emancipation Day	January 1	Varies	Varies	Open
Arbor Day	Last Friday in April	Not observed	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies