Oklahoma Public Holidays

Oklahoma State Holidays

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

Oklahoma, a state rich in Native American history, agriculture, and cultural diversity, celebrates a variety of public holidays each year. These holidays are not only an opportunity for people to take a break from their routine but also serve to honor the state’s history, its people, and the important events that have shaped its development. Oklahoma, like other states, observes federal holidays, but it also has a few holidays that are unique to its rich cultural heritage.

Overview of Public Holidays in Oklahoma

Public holidays in Oklahoma include federal holidays recognized across the United States, as well as state-specific holidays that hold particular significance to Oklahomans. These holidays reflect the state’s history, cultural diversity, and reverence for indigenous peoples. While federal holidays are recognized nationwide, holidays unique to Oklahoma often commemorate historical events or figures that have shaped the state’s development.

Holidays in Oklahoma offer opportunities for citizens to reflect, celebrate, and engage in community activities. These holidays have varying impacts on different sectors, with public sector employees generally receiving time off for most holidays, while private sector employees may have more flexibility depending on their employer. Schools, government offices, and businesses may adjust their schedules to accommodate these observances.

Federal Holidays in Oklahoma

Oklahoma celebrates many of the same federal holidays that are observed throughout the United States. These holidays are marked by a mix of ceremonies, family gatherings, parades, and community events. Let’s take a look at the key federal holidays in Oklahoma.

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 by people across the United States. In Oklahoma, like other parts of the country, it is a time for people to reflect on the year gone by, make resolutions, and spend time with family and friends. It is also a day for various celebrations, including parties, fireworks, and community events.

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 is observed to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most significant leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King’s work in advocating for racial equality and justice is celebrated across the nation, and in Oklahoma, the day is marked with events such as parades, community service projects, and educational programs about King’s contributions to social change.

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. This federal holiday, which is widely observed in Oklahoma, serves as a time to reflect on the leadership of these two presidents. While Washington and Lincoln are the main figures celebrated, the day is also a general celebration of American leadership. Many Oklahomans spend the day attending parades, visiting historical sites, and participating in local events.

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 day dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have died in military service to the United States. The holiday is observed across the country, and in Oklahoma, it is marked by ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries to honor fallen service members. It is also a time for Oklahomans to enjoy the outdoors as it marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

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 on July 4, 1776, and marks the birth of the United States. In Oklahoma, like the rest of the nation, the day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and community events. Many families gather for barbecues and picnics, and public spaces often feature large-scale fireworks displays and other patriotic celebrations.

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 American workers and the labor movement. In Oklahoma, it marks the unofficial end of summer and is celebrated with picnics, parades, and recreational activities. Many Oklahomans take the opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy outdoor activities. The holiday also offers a moment to reflect on the importance of labor rights and workers’ contributions to the country’s growth.

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 a day of honor for military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed with ceremonies, parades, and other events. In Oklahoma, Veterans Day is an important occasion, particularly in communities with a high number of veterans. The day is marked by moments of reflection and expressions of gratitude for 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 Day is a time for people to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, a large meal (often featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie), and expressions of gratitude. In Oklahoma, Thanksgiving is a time for both reflection and community involvement, with many people volunteering or donating to those in need. It also marks the beginning 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 one of the most widely observed holidays in Oklahoma. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. Christmas is marked by religious observances, but it is also a significant secular celebration with parades, festivals, and community events. Many Oklahomans use this holiday to reflect on the year, spend time with family, and give back to the community through charitable acts.

Time Off:

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

State-Specific Holidays in Oklahoma

In addition to the federal holidays, Oklahoma observes a few state-specific holidays that reflect its unique history and cultural context. These holidays often commemorate important events or figures in the state’s history.

Oklahoma Day (November 16)

Date: November 16
Type: State Holiday
Description: Oklahoma Day celebrates the state’s history and its creation as a part of the United States. It is a state holiday that marks the anniversary of Oklahoma’s entry into the Union on November 16, 1907. This day is typically marked with educational programs, community events, and ceremonies that celebrate Oklahoma’s history and development as a state.

Time Off:

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

Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)

Date: June 19
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state. In Oklahoma, Juneteenth is a significant celebration for many African American communities. The holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and cultural events that reflect the rich heritage of African American history and culture.

Time Off:

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

Public Holiday Table in Oklahoma

Below is a table summarizing the public holidays in Oklahoma 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
Oklahoma Day	November 16	Yes	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies