Rhode Island Public Holidays
Rhode Island State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Rhode Island? Most public holidays in Rhode Island are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Rhode Island employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Rhode Island and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States, is rich in history and culture. The state observes a variety of public holidays, some that are recognized nationally and others that are unique to Rhode Island’s history. These holidays are celebrated to reflect the state’s cultural heritage, historical events, and the contributions of various communities.
Overview of Public Holidays in Rhode Island
Rhode Island, while small in size, is filled with a diverse history that shapes the public holidays celebrated within the state. Like other states, Rhode Island observes many federal holidays that are celebrated nationwide. These include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving, among others. However, Rhode Island also celebrates state-specific holidays that commemorate key events in the state’s history.
Public holidays impact both public and private sector employees, with many state workers receiving the day off, while private sector workers may be subject to their employer’s policies. Additionally, school schedules and government services are affected by these holidays, creating an opportunity for the public to engage in cultural, recreational, or educational activities. In the following sections, we will explore these holidays in detail.
List of Public Holidays in Rhode Island
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Date: January 1
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: New Year’s Day marks the start of the new year, and it is celebrated across the U.S., including Rhode Island. This holiday is recognized for its festive nature, where people engage in various celebrations, including fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. Many people reflect on the year gone by, make New Year’s resolutions, and look forward to fresh starts. In Rhode Island, there are often community events and fireworks to mark the occasion.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based 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., the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. This federal holiday is observed nationwide, including in Rhode Island, to honor his work for racial equality, nonviolence, and justice. The day is often marked by community service events, educational programs, and parades. In Rhode Island, several organizations, schools, and civic groups host events to reflect on Dr. King’s impact on society.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Date: Third Monday in February
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Presidents’ Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday, is celebrated to honor the birthdays of U.S. presidents, most notably George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. This holiday is observed nationwide, including in Rhode Island. While the day honors all presidents, it is commonly associated with special recognition for Washington and Lincoln. Many people in Rhode Island use this holiday as an opportunity for rest, relaxation, and reflection on American leadership.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Date: Last Monday in May
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Memorial Day honors military service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This day is a solemn occasion, marked by ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries. In Rhode Island, many people participate in these events to show respect for fallen soldiers. It also marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season, with many residents enjoying barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based 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. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the country, and Rhode Island is no exception. Festivities include fireworks displays, parades, family gatherings, and community events. Rhode Islanders gather at parks, beaches, and public spaces to celebrate freedom and patriotism.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Victory Day (Second Monday in August)
Date: Second Monday in August
Type: State Holiday
Description: Victory Day is a state-specific holiday observed only in Rhode Island to commemorate the end of World War II. It marks the anniversary of Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, which brought the war to a close. In Rhode Island, this day is celebrated with parades, educational programs, and events that reflect on the sacrifices made during the war and the ultimate victory for the Allied forces.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based 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 marks the unofficial end of summer and is celebrated with parades, barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities. In Rhode Island, like the rest of the country, Labor Day serves as a time for rest and recreation, as well as a chance to reflect on workers’ rights and the importance of labor unions in shaping the modern workforce.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
Date: Second Monday in October
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. While the holiday is observed in many states, its significance has been a subject of debate, especially regarding its impact on indigenous peoples. In Rhode Island, Columbus Day is observed as a public holiday, with many people using the day for rest and reflection. However, some communities in the state may choose to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Date: November 11
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Veterans Day honors all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who have died in service, Veterans Day celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of all veterans. In Rhode Island, this day is observed with parades, ceremonies, and other events to express gratitude to military veterans. It is a day of reflection, education, and recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Date: Fourth Thursday in November
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday dedicated to giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Traditionally, it involves a large family meal with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. In Rhode Island, as elsewhere in the U.S., people gather with their families and friends to celebrate the holiday. It is also marked by charitable events, where people volunteer to help others, particularly those who are less fortunate.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Date: December 25
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Christmas Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious observances, gift-giving, and festive meals. In Rhode Island, as in other states, Christmas is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and reflect on the year. Many communities host Christmas parades and events to mark the occasion, and people often decorate their homes with lights and ornaments.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Public Holiday Table in Rhode Island
Below is a table summarizing the public holidays in Rhode Island, with a focus on 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 |
| Victory Day | Second Monday in August | Yes | Varies |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes | Varies |
| Columbus 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 |
