Idaho Public Holidays

Idaho State Holidays

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

Idaho, known for its mountainous landscapes and outdoor lifestyle, celebrates a range of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays honor the state’s historical, cultural, and agricultural roots while also observing national celebrations. The public holidays in Idaho are a mix of federally recognized holidays and state-specific observances that hold cultural significance.

Federal Holidays in Idaho

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the new year, and it is widely celebrated in Idaho. This day is often associated with family gatherings, fireworks, and community events. While people may reflect on the past year, it’s also a time for resolutions and fresh starts. The winter season makes New Year’s Day especially unique in Idaho, where residents often embrace winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist areas remain open.

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a central figure in the civil rights movement. While Idaho has a smaller population of African Americans compared to other states, the holiday is still celebrated with community service events, parades, and educational programs focused on racial equality and justice. Many people in Idaho use the day as an opportunity to reflect on King’s legacy and promote unity.

Observance:

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

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day honors U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The day is generally marked by educational events about the contributions of U.S. presidents to the nation’s history. In Idaho, it is also a time for families to enjoy the long weekend, as many people participate in sales, retail events, and family activities. The holiday also coincides with the winter break in many school districts, making it a popular time for family vacations.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Many retail businesses hold sales, while other businesses remain open.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the U.S. military personnel who have died in service to their country. In Idaho, Memorial Day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection, particularly at military cemeteries and veterans’ memorials in Boise and throughout the state. It also marks the unofficial start of the summer season, with many people taking the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and barbecues.

Observance:

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

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in Idaho. The holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Idaho celebrates this day with fireworks, parades, festivals, and public events. Boise and other cities host large fireworks shows, and many people spend the day enjoying outdoor activities, barbecues, and family gatherings. Independence Day has a significant patriotic spirit, and many people in Idaho use this day to reflect on freedom and American history.

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 workforce and the contributions of labor unions. In Idaho, Labor Day is observed with parades, picnics, and outdoor activities. It is also considered the unofficial end of summer. Many families take this opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, especially with Idaho’s vast national parks and outdoor recreation areas. The holiday is also a time to reflect on the history of labor rights and the contributions of workers to the state and country’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 honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In Idaho, the day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and events that recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans. Idaho has a large military population, particularly in areas like Boise and Pocatello, and Veterans Day is an important time to honor these individuals. It is a day for reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may hold special events to honor veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Idaho. People gather with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. The day is marked by large meals, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, and is often followed by Black Friday shopping. Idahoans also use Thanksgiving as a time for community service, with many volunteering at shelters or organizing food drives to help those less fortunate.

Observance:

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Idaho. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, gift exchanges, and religious services. Idaho’s cold winter season and picturesque mountain views make Christmas a particularly special time for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Communities across Idaho are also known for their festive holiday decorations and Christmas events.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Idaho

In addition to the federally recognized holidays, Idaho also observes a few state-specific holidays that highlight the state’s history and heritage.

Idaho Day (March 4)

Idaho Day commemorates the day Idaho became the 43rd state to join the United States on March 4, 1863. This holiday honors the state’s journey from a territory to a state, celebrating Idaho’s role in the development of the U.S. It is a day for reflection on Idaho’s history and the contributions of its citizens. While not a widely observed public holiday, it is celebrated by schools and government institutions with educational programs and state-related events.

Observance:

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

Pioneer Day (July 24)

Pioneer Day honors the pioneers who settled in Idaho in the 19th century. This holiday is celebrated with community events, historical reenactments, and educational programs that focus on the state’s pioneer history. Pioneer Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and perseverance of those who helped establish Idaho as a state. It is particularly important in the western part of Idaho, where many of the early settlers arrived.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some areas.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some local businesses may close in observance.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Idaho’s population is diverse, and some holidays are celebrated by specific cultural or religious groups within the state.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although not a public holiday in Idaho, it is observed by many Christian communities through church services, processions, and prayers. Some businesses, particularly those in the religious and 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. It is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian faith, and in Idaho, many people attend church services, enjoy family meals, and participate in Easter egg hunts. While Easter is not a public holiday, it is widely observed across Idaho, particularly in Christian communities.

Observance:

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

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, specifically the day when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865. Although Juneteenth was not historically recognized as a public holiday in Idaho, it has gained more recognition in recent years, especially within African American communities. Events include educational programs, cultural celebrations, and moments of reflection on the history of slavery and emancipation.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not a public holiday.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Idaho

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
Idaho Day	March 4	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Pioneer Day	July 24	Yes (in some areas)	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Not observed	Varies	Varies