South Dakota Public Holidays
South Dakota State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in South Dakota? Most public holidays in South Dakota are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the South Dakota employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to South Dakota and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
South Dakota, a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, observes a number of public holidays each year. These holidays are observed to celebrate historical events, cultural heritage, and the contributions of various groups to the state’s development. Some of these holidays are observed statewide, while others may be observed in specific communities or by certain groups of people.
Overview of Public Holidays in South Dakota
Public holidays in South Dakota are recognized by both the state and federal government. These holidays give citizens time off from work, school, and other regular activities. Some holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, are celebrated nationwide, while others, like Native American Day and Juneteenth, have particular significance to specific communities in South Dakota.
These holidays also affect government services, public offices, and various sectors of employment, with some people receiving paid time off, while others may only receive a day off without pay, depending on their job type and employer. Below is a breakdown of key holidays celebrated in South Dakota and their significance.
List of Public Holidays in South Dakota
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 a celebration of new beginnings. It is a public holiday observed throughout the United States, including in South Dakota. People use this day to reflect on the past year, make resolutions for the year ahead, and enjoy various festive events, such as parades and family gatherings. The day is celebrated with parties and fireworks at midnight to usher in the New Year.
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 honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who played a crucial role in the American civil rights movement. This holiday is observed across the U.S., including South Dakota, to honor his achievements in promoting equality, nonviolence, and civil rights. Many use this day to reflect on the progress made in civil rights and to engage in community service.
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 is a holiday that celebrates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of the most significant presidents in American history. In South Dakota, like the rest of the country, the day is observed to honor all U.S. presidents. It is often seen as a day to reflect on the leadership of past presidents and to consider their impact on the nation. Retailers often hold sales in conjunction with the holiday.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Native American Day (Second Monday in October)
Date: Second Monday in October
Type: State Holiday
Description: Native American Day is a state holiday unique to South Dakota, celebrated to honor the Native American tribes and cultures of the region. It is a day to reflect on the history, contributions, and struggles of Native Americans in South Dakota. The holiday was established to recognize the state’s indigenous people and their contributions to the state’s heritage.
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 military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This holiday is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans. In South Dakota, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies and parades across the state. Many veterans’ organizations hold events to celebrate and recognize those who have served.
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 is a national holiday celebrated to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It dates back to the early colonial days of America and has evolved into a time for family gatherings, feasts, and giving back to communities. People across South Dakota, from urban areas to rural communities, celebrate this holiday with family dinners, often featuring turkey, stuffing, and other traditional foods.
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 United States and worldwide. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian traditions, but it has also become a secular holiday marked by gift-giving, festive meals, and time spent with family and friends. In South Dakota, like many other places, Christmas is a public holiday that includes both religious and secular celebrations.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Additional Holidays
In addition to the widely recognized holidays mentioned above, South Dakota has a few other holidays and observances that are unique to the state or region.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Date: First Monday in September
Type: Federal Holiday
Description: Labor Day is a holiday dedicated to honoring the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country’s economic development. In South Dakota, this day is observed with community events, picnics, and parades. It is the unofficial end of summer and a time for relaxation and recreation.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based 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, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is celebrated with cultural events, parades, and educational programs in South Dakota and across the nation.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
South Dakota Day (November 2)
Date: November 2
Type: State Holiday
Description: South Dakota Day marks the anniversary of the state’s admission into the Union in 1889. It is a celebration of South Dakota’s history, people, and culture. The day is marked by local events, historical exhibitions, and educational programs to help South Dakotans learn more about their state’s heritage.
Time Off:
- Public sector employees: Typically have the day off.
- Private sector employees: Varies based on employer policies.
Public Holiday Table in South Dakota
Below is a table summarizing the public holidays in South Dakota and the time off granted for 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 |
| Native American 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 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes | Varies |
| Juneteenth Day | June 19 | Yes | Varies |
| South Dakota Day | November 2 | Yes | Varies |
