Nebraska Public Holidays
Nebraska State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Nebraska? Most public holidays in Nebraska are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Nebraska employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Nebraska and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Nebraska, a state located in the Great Plains region of the United States, has a unique cultural heritage and a history deeply rooted in agriculture, Native American traditions, and westward expansion. As with other states, Nebraska observes a variety of public holidays that commemorate important events, celebrate key figures, and reflect the state’s contributions to American history. The state’s public holidays range from national observances to state-specific celebrations that reflect the state’s history and the diversity of its people.
Overview of Public Holidays in Nebraska
Nebraska’s public holidays are a mixture of national celebrations and state-specific observances. These holidays commemorate significant moments in U.S. history, such as Independence Day and Memorial Day, as well as recognize Nebraska’s unique history, including holidays like Arbor Day and the state’s celebration of its founding. Most public holidays in Nebraska provide time off for public sector employees, while private sector holidays can vary depending on employer policies.
In addition to honoring national figures and historical events, many of Nebraska’s holidays celebrate the state’s cultural diversity and natural beauty. Whether commemorating the sacrifices of military personnel or recognizing the contributions of local leaders, these public holidays provide valuable opportunities for reflection, community engagement, and celebration.
Federal Holidays in Nebraska
Nebraska celebrates the same federal holidays observed across the United States. These holidays serve to reflect on key moments in the nation’s history, honor important figures, and promote national unity.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Date: January 1
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is celebrated across the United States, including in Nebraska. It is a time for reflection on the year gone by and for setting resolutions for the year ahead. In Nebraska, New Year’s Day is celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and parties, particularly in Omaha and Lincoln, which host large-scale events to mark the occasion. It is also a day for relaxation, with many people taking time off to recover from the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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., the civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the fight for racial equality in the United States. In Nebraska, this day is marked by events such as parades, community service projects, and educational programs. The holiday provides a time for reflection on Dr. King’s message of equality, nonviolence, and justice, while encouraging ongoing efforts toward racial equality.
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 honors the birthdays of U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, with a broader focus on all U.S. presidents. In Nebraska, Presidents’ Day is celebrated through educational activities and reflection on the leadership and contributions of American presidents. Schools may host programs, and many retailers hold sales in honor of the holiday.
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 is a solemn holiday to honor and remember U.S. military service members who died in the line of duty. In Nebraska, Memorial Day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and visits to military cemeteries. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many residents enjoying outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics, and trips to the lake. Memorial Day provides an opportunity 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.
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 Nebraska, this holiday is celebrated with fireworks displays, parades, barbecues, and outdoor concerts. Major cities like Omaha and Lincoln host large-scale fireworks shows, while many rural communities hold smaller events. Independence Day in Nebraska is marked by a festive spirit, with residents coming together to celebrate the nation’s independence.
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 workers have made to the development of the country. In Nebraska, Labor Day is observed with parades, picnics, and outdoor activities. Many families take advantage of the long weekend for vacations or family gatherings. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of workers’ rights and labor unions in the country’s development.
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 is dedicated to honoring U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. It differs from Memorial Day in that it celebrates living veterans and their service. In Nebraska, this holiday is marked by ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection to honor those who have served. Nebraska hosts several local events, especially in Omaha and Lincoln, to show appreciation for veterans’ contributions to the country.
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 for people to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Nebraska celebrates Thanksgiving with large family meals, often featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It is also a time to reflect on the state’s agricultural heritage, as Nebraska is one of the leading agricultural states in the U.S. The day is marked by community events, volunteerism, and the start of the holiday season.
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 the United States, including in Nebraska. The day is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. In Nebraska, communities often host events such as Christmas light displays, parades, and performances. Many people use this time to relax, reflect on the year, and spend time with family.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
State-Specific Holidays in Nebraska
In addition to the federal holidays, Nebraska also observes some state-specific holidays that reflect its unique history, cultural identity, and contributions to the nation.
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. Nebraska holds a special connection to Arbor Day, as the holiday was first established in the state in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. In Nebraska, Arbor Day is celebrated with tree planting events, educational programs, and local celebrations. The state has designated Arbor Day as a public holiday, with many schools and government offices observing the day.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Nebraska Day (January 6)
Date: January 6
Type: State Holiday
Description: Nebraska Day is celebrated to commemorate the day Nebraska officially became a state in 1867. While not as widely observed as some other holidays, it serves as an opportunity for residents to reflect on Nebraska’s history and the significance of its statehood. The day is marked by educational programs, historical exhibits, and local community events.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Statehood Day (March 1)
Date: March 1
Type: State Holiday
Description: Statehood Day marks the anniversary of Nebraska’s admission to the Union as the 37th state on March 1, 1867. The holiday is an opportunity for Nebraska residents to reflect on the state’s history, from its early days as a territory to its role in shaping the United States. The day is marked by historical exhibitions, educational programs, and celebrations across the state.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Public Holiday Table in Nebraska
The following table summarizes the public holidays in Nebraska and the 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 |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Yes | Varies |
| Nebraska Day | January 6 | Yes | Varies |
| Statehood Day | March 1 | Yes | Varies |
