Pennsylvania Public Holidays
Pennsylvania State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Pennsylvania? Most public holidays in Pennsylvania are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Pennsylvania employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Pennsylvania and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Pennsylvania, one of the original thirteen colonies, is a state rich in history, culture, and tradition. The state observes a variety of public holidays each year, including both federal holidays that are celebrated across the United States and state-specific holidays that reflect Pennsylvania’s unique heritage. These holidays provide opportunities for residents to reflect on significant historical events, honor the contributions of various communities, and celebrate the state’s identity.
Overview of Public Holidays in Pennsylvania
Public holidays in Pennsylvania, like in other states, are an important aspect of daily life, impacting work schedules, school calendars, and government services. Some holidays are celebrated statewide, while others are unique to the state’s history and communities. While the state recognizes many of the federally recognized holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas, it also has a few holidays that are exclusive to the state or have significant local observances, such as Lincoln’s Birthday and Memorial Day.
Public holidays provide employees with time off, allowing them to celebrate or reflect on the historical and cultural importance of these days. It is important to note that public sector employees typically have a set schedule of paid days off for holidays, whereas private sector employees may have more flexibility depending on their employer’s policies.
Federal Holidays in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania follows the federal holiday schedule, which includes many national holidays observed throughout the United States. These holidays often commemorate important events in American history, with many of them having deep cultural and historical significance to residents of Pennsylvania.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Date: January 1
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: New Year’s Day is a holiday celebrated across the United States to mark the beginning of the new year. It is often a day for people to reflect on the year that has passed, make resolutions, and celebrate with family and friends. In Pennsylvania, New Year’s Day is commonly observed with parties, parades, and various community events. Many people also take this time for personal reflection and rest after the festive holiday season.
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 leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for racial equality and nonviolent protest. In Pennsylvania, this holiday is marked by events such as parades, community service activities, and educational programs. It is a day to reflect on the progress made in civil rights and to continue the fight for social justice and 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 celebrates the birthdays of U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the holiday is a federal observance, it is particularly important to many residents in Pennsylvania, as George Washington spent much time in the state during the American Revolution. The day is often marked by parades, public ceremonies, and various community events. Retailers also frequently hold sales in conjunction with this 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 day to honor military personnel who died in service to the United States. It is a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. In Pennsylvania, Memorial Day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries where veterans are buried. It is also a time for families to enjoy outdoor activities, as the holiday marks the unofficial start of the summer season.
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 commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the birth of the United States. The holiday is widely celebrated with fireworks displays, parades, family gatherings, and patriotic events. Pennsylvania, being one of the original colonies, has a special historical connection to this day, as the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Celebrations in Pennsylvania often include historical reenactments, public ceremonies, and a strong sense of patriotism.
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. It is a time to recognize the efforts of those who have worked to improve working conditions and rights. In Pennsylvania, Labor Day is often celebrated with picnics, parades, and other community activities. It is also considered the unofficial end of the summer season, with many families taking the opportunity to enjoy one last holiday weekend before the fall season begins.
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. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and moments of reflection. In Pennsylvania, Veterans Day is widely observed, with many local communities hosting events to recognize veterans’ contributions. It is a day for the public to express gratitude and respect for those who have served in the military.
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 for people to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It has been celebrated in Pennsylvania since the colonial period. The holiday is often centered around a large family meal, traditionally featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. In Pennsylvania, Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, community meals, and volunteer opportunities, as many people give back to their communities by helping those in need.
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 observed by many Pennsylvanians with religious ceremonies, gift-giving, and festive meals. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Many towns and cities in the state host Christmas parades and events, while families come together to celebrate the holiday. In addition to its religious significance, Christmas also represents a time for relaxation, reflection, and family bonding.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
State Holidays in Pennsylvania
In addition to the federal holidays, Pennsylvania also observes several state-specific holidays, each of which reflects the state’s historical significance.
Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)
Date: February 12
Type: State Holiday
Description: Lincoln’s Birthday is observed to honor the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Although the holiday is not widely celebrated across the nation, it holds particular significance in Pennsylvania due to Lincoln’s ties to the state during the Civil War. In the state, Lincoln’s Birthday is a day to remember his leadership during the American Civil War and his dedication to preserving the Union and ending slavery.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Election Day (First Tuesday after the first Monday in November)
Date: First Tuesday after the first Monday in November
Type: State Holiday
Description: Election Day is the day when general elections are held across the country. In Pennsylvania, it is an important day to exercise the right to vote. Although it is not a formal public holiday in all workplaces, it is a day when many government offices are closed, and polling stations are open for residents to vote in national, state, and local elections.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies depending on employer policies.
Public Holiday Table in Pennsylvania
The table below summarizes the public holidays in Pennsylvania and the typical time off for both 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 |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 | Yes | Varies |
| Election Day | First Tuesday after the first Monday in November | Yes | Varies |
