Maine Public Holidays

Maine State Holidays

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

Maine, known for its rugged coastline, beautiful forests, and rich cultural history, celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays, a mixture of federal observances and state-specific celebrations, reflect the values and traditions of the state. From nationally recognized holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day to Maine’s own historical observances, the public holidays in this northeastern state offer opportunities for reflection, commemoration, and celebration.

Federal Holidays in Maine

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is celebrated widely across Maine. It is a time for reflection on the year past and for setting goals for the year ahead. The day is marked by celebrations, family gatherings, and in some places, outdoor activities like skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, especially in towns like Bangor and Portland. Many people in Maine also enjoy quiet family time, taking advantage of the day off after the holiday season.

Observance:

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

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 central figure in the American civil rights movement. In Maine, this day is observed with events such as parades, community service projects, and educational programs that emphasize King’s message of racial equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. In cities like Portland and Augusta, people gather to honor his memory and reflect on his impact on American society.

Observance:

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

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Maine, the day is often observed with educational events focusing on the contributions of these presidents. Museums, schools, and historical societies might offer special programs, especially those that focus on Maine’s role in U.S. history. Retailers also use Presidents’ Day as an opportunity for sales, making it a busy shopping day in the state.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, with many holding sales events.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a solemn federal holiday dedicated to remembering U.S. military personnel who have died in service to the country. In Maine, Memorial Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and services at veterans’ memorials, particularly in cities like Portland, Augusta, and Bangor. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many Mainers enjoying outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics, and beach outings in the state’s beautiful parks and along its extensive coastline.

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. Maine, like much of the United States, celebrates this day with fireworks displays, parades, and family gatherings. In cities like Portland, Augusta, and Bangor, large fireworks shows light up the sky over the water, and many communities hold parades and patriotic events. Maine’s waterfronts and natural parks also serve as gathering places for families enjoying barbecues and outdoor activities. It’s a day of celebration of the nation’s history and independence.

Observance:

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

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. Maine observes this day with community events, parades, and public festivals. The holiday also marks the unofficial end of summer, with many Mainers taking advantage of the long weekend for one last summer getaway or family gathering. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the labor movement’s role in improving workers’ rights and conditions across the state and the country.

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 U.S. military veterans who have served in the armed forces. Maine, with a strong military presence, observes this day with ceremonies, parades, and educational programs that highlight the sacrifices of veterans. In Portland and Augusta, there are significant public ceremonies at local veterans’ memorials and military cemeteries. Schools across the state often host programs to teach students about the importance of military service and the contributions of veterans.

Observance:

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

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Maine, where families gather to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. The day is marked by large meals, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, as well as moments of reflection and community service. Maine’s communities embrace the holiday with charitable events and volunteer work, helping to feed those in need. The following day, Black Friday, is a major shopping event, particularly in retail-heavy areas like Portland.

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 Maine. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. In Portland, Bangor, and other cities, people enjoy elaborate light displays, holiday markets, and public events. Maine’s natural beauty also provides the perfect backdrop for holiday traditions like outdoor ice skating and skiing. Christmas is a time for family, reflection, and charity, with many Mainers volunteering during the season to help those less fortunate.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Maine

In addition to the federal holidays, Maine has several state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s history, cultural heritage, and local traditions.

Patriots’ Day (Third Monday in April)

Patriots’ Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. This day is particularly significant in Massachusetts, but it is also observed in Maine, where historical reenactments and educational programs help to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for American independence. Many schools in Maine use the day as an opportunity to teach students about the Revolutionary War and Maine’s role in it.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in many districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Maine Day (March 15)

Maine Day celebrates the day in 1820 when Maine became the 23rd state to join the United States. While not widely observed as a public holiday, Maine Day is celebrated through educational events, historical exhibits, and programs that reflect on the state’s heritage. The day offers an opportunity for Maine residents to learn more about the state’s founding, its journey to statehood, and its role in the formation of the nation.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off.
• Schools: Observed with educational activities.
• Private businesses: Open.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an observance dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Native American communities. While not an official holiday in all parts of Maine, the day is becoming more widely recognized across the state, particularly in cities like Portland and Augusta. The day is an opportunity to honor Maine’s Native American tribes, including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, and Maliseet peoples, and to reflect on the history and culture of indigenous communities in the region.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed in all areas.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities or groups in Maine, reflecting the diversity of the state.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although not a public holiday, it is widely observed by Maine’s Christian communities. Churches across the state hold services to mark the day, and some businesses, particularly 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 widely observed across Maine, particularly in Christian communities. Although not a public holiday, Easter Sunday is an important day for many, filled with church services, family meals, and outdoor activities like Easter egg hunts. Many Maine families celebrate the day with gatherings and reflection.

Observance:

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

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, marking the day in 1865 when enslaved individuals in Texas were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Maine observes Juneteenth with celebrations, cultural events, and educational programs focused on African American history and heritage. Portland and other cities in Maine host festivals, music performances, and cultural events to mark the day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some businesses host Juneteenth events.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Maine

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
Maine Day	March 15	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Patriots’ Day	Third Monday in April	Yes	Closed	Open
Indigenous Peoples’ Day	Second Monday in October	Not observed in all areas	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies