Illinois Public Holidays

Illinois State Holidays

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

Illinois, located in the heart of the United States, is a state rich in history, culture, and diversity. Its public holidays reflect both national traditions and state-specific celebrations that highlight the state’s unique historical and cultural identity. Whether honoring the past, celebrating local traditions, or recognizing important national events, Illinois’ public holidays provide residents and visitors with opportunities for reflection, commemoration, and community involvement.

Federal Holidays in Illinois

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is widely celebrated across Illinois. The day is typically filled with celebrations, fireworks, parties, and gatherings of family and friends. For many, New Year’s Day is a time for rest, reflection, and resolutions for the upcoming year. In cities like Chicago, large public events such as fireworks displays or festive activities in parks often take place. Illinoisans also use the day for quiet reflection or enjoying the natural beauty of the state’s parks.

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 legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a central figure in the American civil rights movement. In Illinois, the day is celebrated with educational programs, community service events, and parades, particularly in Chicago, where the day is marked by a large march and speeches. The holiday encourages reflection on Dr. King’s teachings of equality, justice, and nonviolent protest.

Observance:

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

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday falls on February 12. Lincoln, Illinois’ most famous president, is especially honored throughout the state. Educational programs, historical reenactments, and events focus on the contributions of U.S. presidents to the nation’s development. It is also a day when retailers hold sales, and many people take the day for leisure or family activities.

Observance:

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

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who have died in service to their country. In Illinois, this day is marked by ceremonies at veterans’ memorials, parades, and moments of reflection. Chicago hosts one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the U.S., and many small towns in Illinois hold similar events to honor local veterans. The day also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many people enjoying barbecues, outdoor activities, and family gatherings.

Observance:

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

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is one of the most significant holidays in Illinois, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This day is marked by fireworks, parades, picnics, and outdoor activities across the state. The largest celebrations take place in Chicago, where a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan is a highlight. Many people across the state also take part in community events, barbecues, and outdoor adventures.

Observance:

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

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the nation’s economy. It is a day to reflect on the rights of workers and their contributions to the growth and prosperity of the country. In Illinois, the holiday is marked by parades, family gatherings, and outdoor events. It also marks the unofficial end of summer, with many people using the long weekend to travel or participate in local festivals and outdoor activities.

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 Illinois, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and educational programs to recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans. The day is especially significant in cities like Chicago and Springfield, where major events are held to honor Illinois’ veteran population. Many schools and community organizations participate in events to teach about the contributions of veterans to the state and country.

Observance:

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

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Illinois. It is a time for people to give thanks for the blessings of the past year, and it is typically celebrated with family gatherings, large meals, and community service. Illinois residents enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many people also volunteer their time to help those less fortunate, especially in large urban areas like Chicago.

Observance:

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Illinois. People gather with their families, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. Many cities in Illinois, particularly Chicago, host special holiday events, including Christmas markets, ice skating, and light displays. While Christmas has strong religious significance, it is also a widely celebrated cultural holiday in the state, with many families enjoying festive meals and spending time together.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Illinois

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

Illinois Statehood Day (December 3)

Illinois Statehood Day commemorates the day Illinois became the 21st state to join the United States, on December 3, 1818. While not an official holiday for all residents, it is observed by state government offices and schools, and many educational programs and events focus on Illinois’ history. The holiday marks the state’s rich history and its role in the development of the nation.

Observance:

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

Emancipation Day (August 1)

Emancipation Day celebrates the abolition of slavery in Illinois. Although Illinois was a free state, Emancipation Day is still observed to reflect on the broader struggle for freedom across the United States. The day is marked by educational events, ceremonies, and reflections on Illinois’ role in the fight for civil rights and equality. While it is not an official public holiday, many community organizations and schools celebrate it with programs and discussions.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays in Illinois are observed by specific religious or cultural groups.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not a public holiday in Illinois, it is observed by many Christian communities through religious services and rituals. Some businesses, particularly those in religious or 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 Illinois, particularly in Christian communities. People attend church services, enjoy family meals, and participate in festive activities such as Easter egg hunts. While it is not a public holiday, Easter Sunday is an important religious and cultural celebration for many Illinoisans.

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 United States, specifically marking the day in 1865 when the news of their freedom finally reached Texas. While Juneteenth was historically recognized in Illinois by African American communities, it has gained official status as a state holiday in recent years. The day is marked by celebrations, cultural events, and educational programs focused on African American history and heritage.

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 Illinois

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
Illinois Statehood Day	December 3	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Emancipation Day	August 1	Not observed	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies