Tennessee Public Holidays
Tennessee State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Tennessee? Most public holidays in Tennessee are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Tennessee employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Tennessee and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Tennessee, the Volunteer State, is rich in cultural heritage and history, with a wide variety of public holidays celebrated by its residents. These holidays are observed to honor historical figures, reflect on important moments in the state’s past, and recognize the contributions of people from various walks of life. From the widely recognized national holidays such as Independence Day to state-specific observances like Tennessee Day, these public holidays provide opportunities for Tennesseans to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate their shared heritage.
National and Federal Holidays in Tennessee
Tennessee observes the national and federal holidays recognized across the United States. These holidays commemorate key moments in American history, offer opportunities for national reflection, and provide a sense of unity among citizens.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the start of a new year and is widely observed in Tennessee. The holiday is often a time for personal reflection, setting goals, and celebrating with family and friends. In Tennessee, many people enjoy the day with social gatherings, watching parades, and taking part in public events. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close for the day, offering people time to relax or celebrate. New Year’s Day in Tennessee may also feature fireworks displays and community celebrations in larger cities like Nashville and Memphis.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday in January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement. This holiday is especially important in Tennessee due to the state’s historical significance in the civil rights struggle. On this day, Tennesseans take time to reflect on King’s contributions to racial equality and social justice. The holiday is marked by public events, community service projects, parades, and educational programs. Schools, government offices, and some businesses close in observance of the day.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, originally honored the birthday of George Washington but now honors all U.S. presidents. In Tennessee, Presidents’ Day is observed with public ceremonies, educational programs, and community events. The day is a time to reflect on the contributions of U.S. presidents, especially those whose actions have shaped the nation. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close for the day, allowing residents time for leisure or reflection on the nation’s leadership.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. In Tennessee, Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance marked by parades, ceremonies, and visits to cemeteries. Communities across the state host events that pay tribute to fallen soldiers. Memorial Day also signifies the unofficial start of summer in Tennessee, and many people use the long weekend for outdoor activities like barbecues, hiking, or attending local festivals. Most schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day.
Independence Day (July 4)
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is one of the most significant national holidays in the United States. In Tennessee, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks displays, parades, outdoor festivals, barbecues, and concerts. Cities like Nashville and Knoxville hold large public celebrations, and Tennesseans of all ages enjoy the festivities. It is a time to reflect on American freedom and unity. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, honors the contributions of American workers. In Tennessee, Labor Day is a celebration of the state’s workforce, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services. People in Tennessee often take the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or attending local festivals. Some communities host parades or celebrations to recognize workers’ rights and contributions. Labor Day is also seen as the unofficial end of summer, and many businesses and government offices close for the day.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the armed forces. In Tennessee, where military service is deeply woven into the state’s culture, Veterans Day is observed with parades, ceremonies, and special events. Schools and government offices close in observance of the day, and many organizations offer discounts or services for veterans. The day is marked by reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans, and many Tennesseans take the opportunity to attend local ceremonies or volunteer to help veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to gather and give thanks for the blessings of the year. This holiday has its roots in the early colonial period, with the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. In Tennessee, Thanksgiving is celebrated with large family meals, typically including turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes. Many Tennesseans also use the day to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and to volunteer at local food banks or participate in community events. Most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed for Thanksgiving.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Tennessee. Christmas is both a religious and cultural holiday, marked by family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. In cities like Nashville and Memphis, Christmas parades, light displays, and concerts are popular attractions. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on Christmas Day, allowing Tennesseans to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
Tennessee-Specific Holidays
In addition to the national holidays, Tennessee observes several state-specific holidays. These holidays honor significant events in the state’s history and recognize important cultural moments.
Tennessee Day (June 1)
Tennessee Day, observed on June 1, commemorates the day Tennessee officially became the 16th state to join the United States in 1796. It is a day for Tennesseans to celebrate their state’s history and achievements. Although it is not widely recognized as a public holiday with time off, Tennessee Day is an important occasion for historical reflection and community events. Schools and local organizations may host educational programs, historical reenactments, or other activities that highlight Tennessee’s journey to statehood.
Andrew Jackson Day (March 15)
Andrew Jackson Day, observed on March 15, commemorates the birthday of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States and a key figure in Tennessee’s history. Jackson, known for his role in the Battle of New Orleans and his leadership during his presidency, is an iconic figure in the state’s cultural and political legacy. The holiday is marked by events at historic sites related to Jackson, particularly the Hermitage, his former home near Nashville. While it is not a public holiday that guarantees time off for all workers, many government offices, schools, and local communities in Tennessee observe the day with educational events.
Flag Day (June 14)
Flag Day, celebrated on June 14, honors the adoption of the U.S. flag and its symbolism. In Tennessee, Flag Day is observed by raising the American flag and participating in patriotic ceremonies. While Flag Day is not an official public holiday, it is recognized in some communities with educational programs or community events. Schools may discuss the importance of the flag, and some local government offices may host ceremonies or displays to commemorate the day.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Tennessee
In addition to government-designated holidays, Tennessee is home to many diverse cultural and religious communities. These groups celebrate a variety of cultural and religious holidays, though they may not be recognized as official public holidays in the state.
Easter (Varies)
Easter, celebrated by Christians worldwide, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Tennessee, Easter is widely observed with church services, family meals, and festive traditions like Easter egg hunts. While it is not an official public holiday in Tennessee, many people take the day off to attend church and spend time with family. Schools and businesses may close or operate on limited hours, allowing families to observe the religious significance of the day.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is a popular holiday for children and families in Tennessee. It is marked by costumes, trick-or-treating, and various community events, such as haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests. While Halloween is not an official public holiday, it is widely celebrated in Tennessee, and many local communities host family-friendly activities and festivities.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by the Jewish community in Tennessee. The holiday spans eight days, typically in December, and commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Hanukkah traditions include lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, and eating traditional foods. While Hanukkah is not an official public holiday, it is an important religious observance for Jewish families in Tennessee.
Diwali (Varies)
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is celebrated by the Indian and South Asian communities in Tennessee. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is marked by lighting lamps, feasts, and prayers. Although it is not a public holiday in Tennessee, it is an important cultural celebration for many residents, with events and festivals held in cities like Nashville and Memphis.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Tennessee
The following table summarizes the public holidays observed in Tennessee, showing how many days off are provided and which groups of people typically receive time off.
| Holiday | Date | Time Off | Applicable Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Texas Independence Day | March 2 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | Local Government, Schools |
| San Jacinto Day | April 21 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | Local Communities, Schools |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | Schools, Local Government Employees |
| Easter | Varies (Spring) | Not a public holiday (observed by religious groups) | Religious Groups |
| Halloween | October 31 | Not a public holiday (celebrated by families) | General Population |
| Hanukkah | Varies (December) | Not a public holiday (observed by Jewish community) | Jewish Community |
