California Public Holidays

California State Holidays

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

California, the most populous state in the U.S., is known for its cultural diversity, rich history, and commitment to social justice. This diversity is reflected in the public holidays celebrated throughout the year. Many of these holidays are observed nationwide, while others are unique to the state or have special significance in California’s history.

Federal Holidays in California

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the new year and is one of the most universally celebrated holidays in California and the United States. It is a federal holiday, meaning that most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. The day is marked by celebrations, including fireworks displays, parties, and gatherings. While New Year’s Eve is often the most festive occasion, New Year’s Day itself is a time for rest, reflection, and resolutions.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically 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 civil rights leader’s birthday, which falls on January 15. The holiday serves as a time for reflection on King’s legacy and contributions to the civil rights movement. In California, this day is significant as it marks the state’s commitment to racial equality and justice. Schools and government organizations often organize events such as parades, educational programs, and community service activities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically closed.
• Private businesses: Many are open, but some may close or operate with reduced hours.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday celebrated in honor of all U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It is observed across California with events that focus on honoring the achievements and leadership of past presidents. The day is often marked by retail sales, public ceremonies, and educational programs about the nation’s history.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Many retail stores participate in sales events, while other businesses may remain open.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a solemn holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering U.S. military personnel who have died in service to the country. In California, the day is marked by military ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection at veterans’ cemeteries. It is also an unofficial start of the summer season, with many people enjoying barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.

Observance:

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

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is a major holiday in California, where people enjoy parades, fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor celebrations. The holiday is particularly vibrant in large cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where fireworks shows and public gatherings take place. Many Californians also take advantage of the long weekend to travel.

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 honors the contributions of American workers and marks the unofficial end of summer. In California, Labor Day is celebrated with parades, barbecues, and other events that highlight the labor movement and the importance of fair working conditions. Many people take the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, while others use the day to relax before the fall season.

Observance:

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

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In California, where a large number of veterans reside, the day is observed with parades, ceremonies, and community events. The holiday is significant in recognizing the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve in the military.

Observance:

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

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in California, where families gather for large meals, share in the spirit of gratitude, and spend time together. Many people take part in community events, volunteer work, and share their resources with those less fortunate.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, with some retail and grocery stores open for reduced hours.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across California. People spend time with their families, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. For many, it is a time of reflection, charity, and joy. In California, Christmas is marked by holiday lights, festive decorations, and special events in cities and towns across the state.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in California

In addition to the federal holidays, California has several state-specific holidays that hold particular significance to its residents, celebrating the state’s history, culture, and social justice movements.

California Admission Day (September 9)

California Admission Day commemorates the day California became the 31st state of the United States on September 9, 1850. The day is often marked by events that celebrate California’s statehood, history, and cultural diversity. It is a public holiday in California, although its observance is not as widespread as other holidays.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically observed in schools, though not universally.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Cesar Chavez Day (March 31)

Cesar Chavez Day celebrates the life and legacy of labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Chavez is most known for his efforts to organize farm workers and improve their working conditions. The holiday is significant in California, where the United Farm Workers movement was largely based. The day is observed with community events, marches, and educational programs.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in many school districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas.

Native American Day (Fourth Friday in September)

Native American Day is a California state holiday that recognizes the contributions and cultures of Native American tribes and communities in the state. The holiday is an opportunity for Californians to learn about the state’s indigenous peoples and their history. Events often include powwows, cultural exhibits, and educational programs.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Some school districts observe the holiday.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas.

Lincoln Day (February 12)

Lincoln Day celebrates the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. The day is especially significant in California, where the state holds events to honor Lincoln’s role in preserving the Union and abolishing slavery. The holiday is not as widely celebrated as others but is recognized in some areas.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some counties.
• Schools: Varies.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Holidays Observed by Certain Groups

In addition to the holidays listed above, some holidays are observed by specific sectors of the population or certain communities in California.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Though not a public holiday in California, Good Friday is observed by many Christian denominations as the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In California, some businesses, particularly in the religious and educational sectors, may close or have reduced hours to observe the day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Varies by district.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the end of the Christian season of Lent. It is widely observed across California, and many people participate in religious services, family gatherings, and community events. Like Good Friday, Easter Sunday is not a public holiday but is widely celebrated.

Observance:

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

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in California

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
California Admission Day	September 9	Yes	Varies	Open
Cesar Chavez Day	March 31	Yes	Closed	Open
Native American Day	Fourth Friday in September	Yes	Varies	Open
Lincoln Day	February 12	Yes (in some counties)	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies