Montana Public Holidays
Montana State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Montana? Most public holidays in Montana are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Montana employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Montana and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Montana, known for its breathtaking landscapes, wide-open spaces, and rich cultural heritage, celebrates a variety of public holidays each year. These holidays range from national observances, which are celebrated across the United States, to state-specific holidays that reflect the unique history, traditions, and identity of the state.
Overview of Public Holidays in Montana
Public holidays in Montana include both federal holidays, which are observed across the country, and state-specific holidays that recognize Montana’s unique history and its cultural values. These holidays provide residents an opportunity to celebrate important moments, honor significant figures, and reflect on the state’s heritage. Whether it is commemorating a national milestone, celebrating Montana’s agricultural history, or honoring the contributions of indigenous communities, these holidays play an important role in uniting the state’s residents.
Public sector employees generally receive time off for holidays, while private sector employees may not always have the same benefits, depending on their employer’s policies. Montana’s holidays are observed with a variety of events, including parades, community service activities, educational programs, and family gatherings. Below, we will discuss each holiday, its significance, and how it is typically celebrated.
Federal Holidays in Montana
Montana, like all U.S. states, observes several federal holidays. These holidays commemorate key events in American history, honor important figures, and provide an opportunity for the public to reflect on the nation’s development.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Date: January 1
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the year and is celebrated across the United States, including in Montana. In Montana, New Year’s Day is typically a time for relaxation after the holiday season, with many residents spending the day with family. It is a time for reflection on the past year and setting resolutions for the year ahead. Some cities in Montana, like Billings and Missoula, host New Year’s Eve events such as fireworks, parties, and concerts to ring in the new year.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Date: Third Monday in January
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key leader in the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for racial equality and justice. In Montana, the day is observed with events such as parades, community service projects, and educational programs. It is a day for reflection on the progress made in civil rights and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve equality for all.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Date: Third Monday in February
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that honors the birthdays of U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Montana, the holiday is celebrated with educational programs, parades, and public events. Many residents also take advantage of the day for leisure activities, and retailers often hold sales to mark the occasion.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Date: Last Monday in May
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the Armed Forces. In Montana, the day is marked with solemn ceremonies, parades, and visits to military cemeteries. The holiday also signals the unofficial start of summer, and many people take advantage of the long weekend for family gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor activities. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those in the military.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Independence Day (July 4)
Date: July 4
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the birth of the United States. In Montana, this holiday is marked by fireworks, parades, and barbecues. Many towns and cities across the state host fireworks displays, with large celebrations in cities like Billings and Great Falls. Independence Day is a time for Montanans to reflect on the country’s history and celebrate its freedoms.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Date: First Monday in September
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country’s economic development. It is celebrated with parades, picnics, and family gatherings. In Montana, many residents use the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities or attend local festivals. Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer, with many families taking advantage of the last weekend before the school year starts.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Date: November 11
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the Armed Forces. In Montana, the day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and events that honor the service of military veterans. Given Montana’s strong military presence, particularly near bases such as Malmstrom Air Force Base, Veterans Day is an important occasion for many Montanans to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Date: Fourth Thursday in November
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Thanksgiving Day is a time to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. In Montana, this day is marked by large family meals, typically featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many families also volunteer at food banks or shelters to help those in need. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is also widely watched across Montana, and many local communities host Thanksgiving-themed events and parades.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Date: December 25
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Montana. The holiday is marked by religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Many Montanans also celebrate the day with outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing, especially in the state’s mountainous areas. In addition to the religious significance, Christmas is also a time for families to come together and exchange gifts.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
State-Specific Holidays in Montana
In addition to the federal holidays, Montana observes several state-specific holidays that reflect its history, culture, and natural resources.
Montana Day (November 8)
Date: November 8
Type: State Holiday
Description: Montana Day celebrates the anniversary of Montana’s admission to the Union on November 8, 1889. The day is marked by educational programs and events that reflect on the state’s growth, from its early days as a territory to its entry into the Union. Local communities often host historical exhibits and public celebrations, especially in Helena, the state capital, where Montana’s statehood was formalized.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)
Date: Last Friday in April
Type: State Holiday
Description: Arbor Day is a day dedicated to the planting and care of trees. The holiday was first established in Nebraska, but Montana celebrates it with enthusiasm as well. In Montana, schools, communities, and local government offices may organize tree planting events, and educational programs emphasize the importance of environmental conservation. Arbor Day is an opportunity for Montanans to contribute to the state’s natural beauty and sustainability.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)
Date: Second Monday in October
Type: State Holiday
Description: Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities. Montana, with its significant Native American population, observes this day to recognize the Indigenous tribes that have lived in the region for centuries. On this day, various cultural events, educational programs, and ceremonies are held across the state, especially in towns with a large Native American population.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Public Holiday Table in Montana
Below is a table summarizing the public holidays in Montana and the typical time off granted to public and private sector employees.
| Holiday | Date | Public Sector Employees Time Off | Private Sector Employees Time Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Yes | Varies |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Yes | Varies |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Yes | Varies |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Yes | Varies |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Yes | Varies |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes | Varies |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes | Varies |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Yes | Varies |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes | Varies |
| Montana Day | November 8 | Yes | Varies |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Yes | Varies |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Second Monday in October | Yes | Varies |
