Colorado Public Holidays

Colorado State Holidays

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

Colorado, a state known for its scenic beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and historical significance, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays range from federal observances to state-specific holidays, reflecting the state’s diverse culture and history.

Federal Holidays in Colorado

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the new year. This holiday is observed throughout Colorado, with most people taking the day off to spend time with family or reflect on the past year while making resolutions for the future. Public celebrations are common in cities such as Denver and Boulder, where fireworks and other community events are organized. As a federal holiday, this day is recognized by both government institutions and private sectors, though businesses often operate on reduced hours.

Observance:

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

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the influential civil rights leader. This holiday is observed across Colorado with ceremonies, community service events, and educational programs. King’s advocacy for racial equality, justice, and nonviolent protest is celebrated, and many schools and government organizations take part in community service efforts in his honor.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Varies by company, some may remain open.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day, originally intended to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, now honors all U.S. presidents. This day is widely observed in Colorado with educational events that highlight the country’s leadership history. Many businesses hold sales, and various public and private organizations may host events to commemorate the contributions of U.S. presidents.

Observance:

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

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. It is a day of reflection, ceremonies, and celebrations, with many Coloradans participating in memorial services or visiting veterans’ cemeteries. The holiday is also considered the unofficial start of summer, with many people taking the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, including barbecues and picnics.

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 a major celebration across the United States, and Colorado is no exception. People gather for fireworks displays, barbecues, parades, and public festivals to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Cities like Denver host large events, including parades, concerts, and family-friendly festivities, making it one of the most significant holidays in the state.

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 American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country’s economy. It marks the end of summer and is celebrated with picnics, barbecues, and outdoor events throughout Colorado. Many people use the long weekend to go hiking, camping, or attend local festivals, while others take part in events that recognize labor unions and workers’ rights.

Observance:

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

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is especially significant in Colorado, where many veterans reside, and is observed with ceremonies, parades, and educational events. Memorials and veteran groups across the state hold special events to recognize the sacrifices made by military personnel.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Open, although many places host special events for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Colorado. It is a time for families to gather and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. Most Coloradans celebrate with large meals, including turkey and traditional side dishes, and participate in activities such as watching football and volunteering for charity events. The holiday also marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with Black Friday following the day after.

Observance:

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day is celebrated throughout Colorado as both a religious and cultural holiday, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Coloradoans celebrate with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and religious services. The holiday is widely observed, with many cities organizing Christmas markets, light displays, and other festive events. In more rural areas, people may spend the day in quiet reflection or enjoying outdoor activities.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Colorado

While many of Colorado’s public holidays are federal observances, the state also celebrates several holidays unique to its history and culture.

Colorado Day (August 1)

Colorado Day commemorates the day Colorado became the 38th state in the Union, on August 1, 1876. It’s a time for Coloradans to celebrate their state’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Though it is not a public holiday for most workers, the day is marked by local celebrations, historical events, and festivals that highlight Colorado’s rich heritage.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed in some schools.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Cesar Chavez Day (March 31)

Cesar Chavez Day honors the life and work of labor leader Cesar Chavez, who fought for the rights of farm workers and promoted nonviolent protest. Colorado is one of several states that recognizes this day. It is a time for reflection on Chavez’s legacy and for advocating social justice and labor rights. Events across Colorado may include marches, educational programs, and community gatherings.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Typically closed.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed in Colorado to honor the Native American tribes who lived in the state before European colonization. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the cultures and contributions of indigenous peoples, as well as the challenges they have faced. Cities like Denver hold events that include educational programs, art displays, and cultural performances.

Observance:

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

Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)

Arbor Day is a state-specific holiday dedicated to planting trees and promoting environmental sustainability. In Colorado, Arbor Day is recognized by tree-planting events and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of trees to the environment. The day is often marked by local tree-planting ceremonies and environmental groups holding events to protect and enhance natural landscapes.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some areas.
• Schools: Typically observed with tree-planting activities.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Certain Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific sectors or communities in Colorado. These holidays may be recognized by specific cultural, ethnic, or religious groups.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not a public holiday in Colorado, some businesses and religious organizations close or operate with reduced hours. Religious services, processions, and community events are common in more religiously active regions.

Observance:

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

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While not a public holiday, it is widely celebrated in Colorado, especially in Christian communities. Many families attend church services and partake in traditional activities like Easter egg hunts. It is a day for reflection and celebration of religious faith.

Observance:

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

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Colorado

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
Colorado Day	August 1	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Cesar Chavez Day	March 31	Yes	Closed	Open
Indigenous Peoples’ Day	Second Monday in October	Yes	Varies	Open
Arbor Day	Last Friday in April	Yes (in some areas)	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies