Oregon Public Holidays
Oregon State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Oregon? Most public holidays in Oregon are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Oregon employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Oregon and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Oregon, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and progressive policies, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect the state’s rich history, cultural diversity, and appreciation for its natural environment. The state observes both national and state-specific holidays, each with its own significance. These holidays offer opportunities for reflection, community involvement, and the honoring of key historical events and figures.
Overview of Public Holidays in Oregon
Public holidays in Oregon, like in other states, include both federally recognized holidays and state-specific observances. While many of these holidays are marked by festivals, ceremonies, and family gatherings, others, such as the observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflect the state’s commitment to addressing its history and promoting inclusivity. These public holidays impact schools, government services, and private sector employees, often providing much-needed breaks from work and the opportunity to participate in community events.
In Oregon, public holidays also offer people a chance to celebrate local culture, historical milestones, and important social issues. While some holidays may be celebrated nationwide, Oregon has a few holidays that are unique to the state, reflecting its distinct historical context. Below, we’ll dive deeper into each of these public holidays, their history, and how they are celebrated in Oregon.
List of Public Holidays in Oregon
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Date: January 1
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: New Year’s Day marks the first day of the new year, and it is widely celebrated across the United States, including in Oregon. This holiday provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the previous year, make resolutions for the year ahead, and celebrate with family and friends. In Oregon, festivities often include fireworks displays, concerts, and parties. People also use this day to relax, recover from 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 honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the iconic civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. Oregon, like many other states, observes this federal holiday with various events, including parades, community service activities, and educational programs. The holiday serves as a reminder of King’s contributions to the civil rights movement and provides an opportunity for people in Oregon to reflect on the progress made 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 is a holiday that celebrates the birthdays of U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. This day, while primarily known for honoring Washington and Lincoln, is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the leadership and contributions of all U.S. presidents. In Oregon, Presidents’ Day is recognized with parades, school activities, and public commemorations. Retailers also often take advantage of the holiday with sales and promotions.
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 the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a solemn day of remembrance observed across the nation, and in Oregon, it is marked by ceremonies at cemeteries, memorial services, and parades. The holiday also signals the unofficial start of summer, with many people taking the long weekend as an opportunity for family outings, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
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 marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and is celebrated across the United States with fireworks, parades, and patriotic events. Oregon is no exception, with communities throughout the state hosting festivities like fireworks displays, parades, and festivals. The day is a time to celebrate American independence, freedom, and the nation’s values. Many families gather for barbecues and picnics, and public spaces often feature community events that bring people together.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Oregon Statehood Day (February 14)
Date: February 14
Type: State Holiday
Description: Oregon Statehood Day marks the anniversary of Oregon’s admission to the Union as the 33rd state on February 14, 1859. While it is not as widely celebrated as some other holidays, it is a significant day for the state’s residents, particularly for those interested in Oregon’s history. The day is often marked with historical events, educational programs, and celebrations that reflect on the state’s early days and its journey to becoming a state.
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 marks the unofficial end of summer. It is celebrated across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and outdoor events. In Oregon, Labor Day is also a time for families to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. It is a day to reflect on workers’ rights and the labor movement, which helped secure better working conditions for millions of Americans.
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 celebrates the heritage, history, and cultures of Native Americans. It is observed in several states, including Oregon, as an alternative to Columbus Day. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of indigenous people in the U.S. and their contributions to the country’s development. In Oregon, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is marked with events, educational programs, and ceremonies honoring Native American communities.
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. The holiday is observed with ceremonies, parades, and events that recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans. In Oregon, the day is marked by local community events, especially in towns with a significant number of veterans. Veterans Day is a time for Oregonians to reflect on the service of military members and show appreciation for their contributions.
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. It is a national holiday celebrated with large family meals, often featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. In Oregon, Thanksgiving is a major family holiday, with many people traveling to be with loved ones. It is also a time for communities to engage in charitable activities, such as food drives and volunteer work.
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 it is one of the most widely observed holidays in the U.S. Oregon is no exception, with many residents participating in religious services, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. Christmas is also a time for many Oregonians to reflect on the year, spend time with family, and give back to the community through charitable efforts.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Public Holiday Table in Oregon
The table below summarizes the public holidays in Oregon, along with information on 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 |
| Oregon Statehood Day | February 14 | Yes | Varies |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes | Varies |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Second Monday in October | Yes | Varies |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes | Varies |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Yes | Varies |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes | Varies |
