Ohio Public Holidays

Ohio State Holidays

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

Ohio, located in the heart of the Midwest, has a rich historical, cultural, and agricultural tradition. The state celebrates a wide range of public holidays, including federal holidays observed nationwide and state-specific holidays that reflect Ohio’s distinct identity and heritage. These holidays offer time for reflection, celebration, and community engagement, while also honoring Ohio’s contributions to American history.

Overview of Public Holidays in Ohio

Public holidays in Ohio include national holidays recognized across the United States, as well as state-specific observances that highlight key moments in Ohio’s history. These holidays impact schools, government offices, businesses, and private sector employees. While public sector workers often have time off, private sector employees’ holiday schedules may vary depending on their employer’s policies.

Ohio is home to numerous historical landmarks, such as the birthplace of several U.S. presidents, and is a significant location for the growth of industry and agriculture. As a result, the public holidays observed here often reflect both national pride and the unique legacy of the state. Some holidays are marked by parades, community festivals, and family gatherings, while others focus on honoring important historical figures and events.

Federal Holidays in Ohio

Ohio observes many of the same federal holidays as the rest of the country, each of which commemorates important milestones in American history. These holidays provide opportunities for the state’s residents to pause, reflect, and celebrate both their own accomplishments and the achievements of the nation.

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 Ohio. This day is an occasion for personal reflection, goal-setting, and celebrating with friends and family. Many Ohioans take part in New Year’s Eve festivities, which may include fireworks, parties, and community events. New Year’s Day provides an opportunity to relax after the holiday season and prepare for the year ahead.

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 celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most important figures in the American Civil Rights Movement. This holiday is observed nationwide, including in Ohio, where it is a day to honor King’s tireless efforts toward racial equality and justice. The day is typically marked by community service events, educational programs, and parades. In Ohio, various cities hold events to reflect on King’s impact and promote 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 U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as all the presidents who have served in American history. In Ohio, which is the birthplace of several presidents, including William McKinley and Ulysses S. Grant, the holiday holds additional significance. Many Ohioans observe the day with educational programs, historical reenactments, and community celebrations. Retailers also often hold special sales in connection with Presidents’ Day.

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 service members who have died while serving in the Armed Forces. In Ohio, Memorial Day is marked by solemn ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries. It is also an opportunity for families to come together for picnics and barbecues. As the unofficial start of the summer season, Memorial Day in Ohio often includes outdoor activities and community events.

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 and the birth of the United States as an independent nation. Ohio, like the rest of the country, observes this holiday with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. It is a time for Ohioans to reflect on the nation’s history and celebrate its freedoms. Many cities in Ohio host large fireworks displays, and communities organize parades and other public events.

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 contributions of workers and the labor movement in the United States. It is a day to recognize the achievements of labor unions and the importance of fair labor practices. In Ohio, Labor Day is often seen as the end of summer, with many families enjoying outdoor activities such as picnics, barbecues, and trips to parks. Many cities host parades and festivals celebrating labor rights.

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 who have served in the Armed Forces, regardless of whether they died in service. It is a day to recognize the contributions of all veterans to the nation’s security and well-being. Ohioans observe Veterans Day with parades, ceremonies, and moments of reflection. In many communities, local veterans’ organizations hold events to commemorate the sacrifices made by service members.

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 is a time to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. In Ohio, it is celebrated with family gatherings, large meals featuring turkey and other traditional foods, and expressions of gratitude. Many Ohioans also use Thanksgiving to volunteer at food banks and shelters, helping those in need. It is also a time to reflect on the state’s agricultural heritage, with much of the state’s economy historically tied to farming.

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 as both a religious and secular holiday. In Ohio, Christmas is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, attend church services, and enjoy festive meals. Communities often host Christmas parades and public events, and homes are decorated with lights and other holiday decorations. It is a time of giving, with many Ohioans volunteering to help those in need during the holiday season.

Time Off:

• Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
• Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.

State-Specific Holidays in Ohio

In addition to the federal holidays, Ohio observes several state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s history and heritage.

Ohio Statehood Day (March 1)

Date: March 1
Type: State Holiday
Description: Ohio Statehood Day marks the anniversary of Ohio’s admission into the Union on March 1, 1803. This day is observed to recognize the state’s history, growth, and contributions to the United States. Educational programs, historical exhibitions, and celebrations of Ohio’s accomplishments are common on this day.

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 is a holiday that honors the contributions, history, and cultures of Native Americans. In Ohio, this holiday is observed to reflect on the Native American tribes that once called the region home. Many cities in Ohio celebrate the day with educational events, community programs, and recognition of the state’s indigenous peoples.

Time Off:

• Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
• Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.

Public Holiday Table in Ohio

Below is a table summarizing the public holidays in Ohio, along with 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
Ohio Statehood Day	March 1	Yes	Varies
Indigenous Peoples’ Day	Second Monday in October	Yes	Varies