Delaware Public Holidays
Delaware State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Delaware? Most public holidays in Delaware are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Delaware employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Delaware and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Delaware, known as the “First State” for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, has a rich history steeped in colonial roots and pivotal moments in American history. As such, the state celebrates a mix of federal and state-specific public holidays throughout the year. These holidays not only honor national and state history but also reflect Delaware’s commitment to its diverse culture and workforce.
Federal Holidays in Delaware
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day is the first day of the year and a federally recognized holiday across the United States, including Delaware. It is a day for celebration, often filled with fireworks, family gatherings, and personal resolutions. People in Delaware typically spend the day reflecting on the past year, celebrating new beginnings, and resting after New Year’s Eve festivities. Many businesses, government offices, and schools are closed for the day.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed.
- Private businesses: Most are closed or operate on reduced hours.
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 leader in the American civil rights movement. This day is especially significant in Delaware, where King’s philosophy of peace and equality has had a lasting impact. The holiday is celebrated with community service events, parades, and educational programs. Many schools and government institutions in Delaware hold programs to commemorate Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed.
- Private businesses: Open in most cases, though some may operate on reduced hours.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Delaware, Presidents’ Day is celebrated with educational events, historical tours, and discussions about the roles of U.S. presidents in shaping the country’s history. Many state institutions and businesses may close, especially those that participate in cultural or historical events.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed.
- Private businesses: Open, though many retail stores participate in sales events.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor military personnel who died in service to the United States. Delaware observes this day with ceremonies, parades, and memorial services, often held in places like Dover and Wilmington. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer in Delaware, with many residents enjoying barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities.
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. Delaware, the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, has a special connection to this holiday. Independence Day is widely celebrated in Delaware with fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. The holiday holds significant historical importance for the state, and cities like Dover, Wilmington, and Rehoboth Beach hold large celebrations.
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 is widely celebrated in Delaware with parades, outdoor events, and leisure activities. The holiday is also seen as the unofficial end of summer, with many people taking the long weekend to travel, attend festivals, or participate in community activities.
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 all U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. Delaware hosts various events to commemorate the service and sacrifices of veterans. Parades, ceremonies, and community programs are common, particularly in Wilmington and Dover, where veterans’ organizations and local government offices hold events. Delaware also has a number of veterans living in the state, making the observance particularly significant.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed in some areas.
- Private businesses: Open, though some hold special events for veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day is a time for people to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Delawareans celebrate with large family meals, often including turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Many also use this day for volunteering and helping those less fortunate. Thanksgiving 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 may open in the evening for Black Friday shopping.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is widely celebrated in Delaware. People gather with their families, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. Christmas decorations and public displays, especially in cities like Wilmington, Dover, and Rehoboth Beach, make Delaware a festive place to celebrate the holiday season.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed.
- Private businesses: Most are closed, especially retail stores and government offices.
State Holidays in Delaware
In addition to federal holidays, Delaware observes a number of state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s history, culture, and values.
Delaware Day (December 7)
Delaware Day commemorates the day Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. It is a significant day for Delawareans to reflect on the state’s historical role in the formation of the United States. Statewide events include educational programs, historical reenactments, and ceremonies held in Dover, Delaware’s capital.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed in some districts.
- Private businesses: Generally open, but some may hold special events.
Emancipation Day (February 1)
Emancipation Day marks the day in 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was ratified, freeing enslaved people in Delaware. This day is observed with educational programs, ceremonies, and reflections on the historical importance of emancipation in Delaware. While not a public holiday for all businesses, it is celebrated by many in the state.
Observance:
- Government employees: May have the day off in some sectors.
- Schools: Observed in some districts.
- Private businesses: Generally open.
Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)
Arbor Day is a state-specific holiday dedicated to planting and caring for trees. In Delaware, it is celebrated with tree-planting events, environmental education programs, and activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of trees in preserving the environment. The day is recognized as an opportunity for Delawareans to participate in local environmental initiatives.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off in some areas.
- Schools: Often observe the day with educational activities.
- Private businesses: Open.
Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. While this is a federally recognized holiday, Delaware observes it with particular significance. The state holds community events, educational programs, and celebrations of African American culture and history. Juneteenth has become a day of recognition and activism, especially in communities across the state.
Observance:
- Government employees: Have the day off.
- Schools: Closed in some areas.
- Private businesses: Open in most areas.
Holidays Observed by Specific Groups
Some holidays are observed by specific cultural, ethnic, or religious communities in Delaware. These holidays reflect the state’s diverse population.
Good Friday (Date Varies)
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although not a state holiday, many Christian communities in Delaware observe Good Friday with religious services and gatherings. Some businesses, particularly in the religious sector, may operate on reduced hours.
Observance:
- Government employees: Not observed.
- Schools: Closed in some areas.
- Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.
Easter Sunday (Date Varies)
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Delaware, particularly in Christian communities. While not a public holiday, Easter Sunday is marked by religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Many businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
Observance:
- Government employees: Not observed.
- Schools: Closed in some areas.
- Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.
Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Delaware
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 |
Delaware Day | December 7 | Yes | Closed | Open |
Emancipation Day | February 1 | Yes (in some areas) | Varies | Open |
Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Yes (in some areas) | Varies | Open |
Juneteenth Day | June 19 | Yes | Closed | Open |
Good Friday | Varies | Not observed | Varies | Varies |
Easter Sunday | Varies | Not observed | Varies | Varies |