Connecticut Public Holidays

Connecticut State Holidays

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

Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, boasts a rich history steeped in colonial traditions, maritime culture, and modern-day progress. The state celebrates various public holidays that reflect its diverse heritage and values. These holidays include both federal observances and state-specific celebrations that highlight Connecticut’s unique culture and history.

Federal Holidays in Connecticut

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Connecticut, marking the first day of the year. It is observed with family gatherings, fireworks, and celebrations across the state. New Year’s Eve festivities lead into the day, and many Connecticut residents spend time reflecting on the past year while making resolutions for the year ahead. As a federal holiday, New Year’s Day is observed nationwide, including in Connecticut.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed or operate with 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 civil rights leader who fought for racial equality and justice. This federal holiday is observed throughout Connecticut with community service events, educational programs, and various activities promoting diversity and inclusion. Many people use this day to reflect on King’s work and take part in volunteer efforts to help local communities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Some may remain open, but it is less common.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that honors all U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It is widely celebrated in Connecticut with educational events focusing on the nation’s history and the achievements of its leaders. Many people take advantage of the long weekend for leisure or travel, while others participate in events or visit historical sites around the state.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Many retail stores host sales, while other businesses may 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 somber occasion marked by ceremonies, parades, and visits to veterans’ cemeteries. Connecticut holds special events to honor fallen soldiers, with many towns and cities hosting memorial services. It is also the unofficial start of summer, with barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities common across the state.

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 one of the most celebrated holidays in Connecticut. The Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is marked by fireworks displays, parades, and picnics. In Connecticut, various cities like Hartford and New Haven host grand celebrations, with fireworks shows over the Long Island Sound and concerts celebrating American freedom and patriotism.

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 is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of American workers. In Connecticut, it is marked by parades, community events, and outdoor activities. It is also considered the unofficial end of summer, with many people enjoying their final summer vacations, going to the beach, or attending festivals. Labor Day is a time for reflection on the rights of workers and their importance to the state’s economy.

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 is a federal holiday to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Connecticut holds various ceremonies, parades, and educational programs throughout the state to recognize veterans’ contributions. The day is marked by local memorial services and activities organized by veteran’s groups, particularly in cities such as Bridgeport and New Haven.

Observance:

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

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for families to gather, reflect, and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. In Connecticut, it is celebrated with family dinners featuring turkey and other traditional dishes. Many families also take part in community service events or volunteer at food banks, helping those less fortunate. This holiday is followed by Black Friday, the official start of the holiday shopping season.

Observance:

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Connecticut. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, religious services, and festive events. The Christmas season in Connecticut is marked by beautiful decorations, holiday lights, and Christmas markets, especially in towns like Mystic and Hartford. Although Christmas is primarily a Christian holiday, it is widely celebrated by people of all faiths across the state.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Connecticut

While many of Connecticut’s holidays align with federal observances, the state also has a few unique holidays that reflect its local heritage and values.

Connecticut Day (April 13)

Connecticut Day commemorates the founding of the state, on April 13, 1636. It marks the day that settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony arrived in the Connecticut River Valley. Connecticut Day is a time to celebrate the state’s colonial history and early contributions to the formation of the United States. It is an opportunity for schools, communities, and individuals to honor Connecticut’s legacy.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off in some areas.
• Schools: Observed in many schools.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)

Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The holiday is somewhat controversial, especially in Connecticut, where many Native American groups and their supporters mark the day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Despite this, Columbus Day remains a state holiday with various educational programs about the explorer’s role in history.

Observance:

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

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)

As part of a broader movement to recognize indigenous communities, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated in Connecticut alongside Columbus Day in many towns. This day acknowledges the history and contributions of Native American communities in the state and throughout the U.S. The day is observed with cultural programs, art exhibitions, and discussions on Native American heritage.

Observance:

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

Election Day (First Tuesday after the First Monday in November)

Election Day is an important day for democracy in Connecticut, as citizens go to the polls to vote in local, state, and federal elections. It is not a public holiday for most workers, but it is a day when government offices and schools are open. Some businesses may close or operate with reduced hours to allow employees time to vote.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off for elections.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some close early.

Holidays Observed by Certain Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities or sectors of Connecticut’s population. These observances highlight the diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities that make the state unique.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not a public holiday in Connecticut, many churches and religious groups hold services, processions, and events to commemorate the day. Some businesses 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. It is a major holiday for many Christian communities in Connecticut, and people often attend church services, partake in family meals, and enjoy activities like Easter egg hunts. While not a public holiday, it is widely observed across the state.

Observance:

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

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Connecticut

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
Connecticut Day	April 13	Yes (in some areas)	Varies	Open
Columbus Day	Second Monday in October	Yes	Closed	Open
Indigenous Peoples’ Day	Second Monday in October	Yes	Varies	Open
Election Day	First Tuesday after November	Yes	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies