Texas Public Holidays
Texas State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Texas? Most public holidays in Texas are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Texas employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Texas and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and distinct traditions. Throughout the year, Texans celebrate a variety of public holidays, each with its unique significance. These holidays not only honor national figures and historical events but also reflect Texas’ cultural diversity and legacy. From national holidays like Independence Day to state-specific observances like Texas Independence Day, these holidays play an essential role in bringing the people of Texas together.
National and Federal Holidays in Texas
Texas observes several national and federal holidays. These holidays are celebrated across the United States, commemorating key moments in American history and providing opportunities for citizens to reflect on their nation’s values and achievements.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the new year and is observed widely across Texas. It is a day of renewal and reflection, as people set resolutions for the coming year. Many people in Texas celebrate with family gatherings, parties, or public events, such as parades and fireworks displays. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, allowing people to relax and spend time with loved ones.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a central figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is a time for reflection on King’s message of equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. In Texas, this day is marked with community service projects, educational programs, and parades. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day to allow Texans to engage in these activities. Various communities across the state also host events to honor King’s contributions to American society.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, originally honored George Washington’s birthday but now celebrates all U.S. presidents. In Texas, Presidents’ Day is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of past leaders to the nation’s development. Some communities may host educational programs or ceremonies, while others take advantage of the long weekend for family vacations or leisure activities. As a federal holiday, many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday that honors military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. In Texas, Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, with many people attending ceremonies, parades, and visiting cemeteries to honor fallen soldiers. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer in Texas, and many residents enjoy outdoor activities like barbecues, hiking, or spending time at lakes. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close in observance of the holiday.
Independence Day (July 4)
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Texas. The day is filled with fireworks displays, parades, concerts, barbecues, and community festivals. In cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, large public celebrations bring together families and communities to reflect on the values of liberty and democracy. 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 of September, honors the contributions of American workers. Texas residents use this long weekend to enjoy the last days of summer, with outdoor activities like picnics, hiking, and beach trips. In some parts of the state, festivals and parades are organized to celebrate workers and the labor movement. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and many businesses close to allow workers to enjoy the day off.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who have died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all veterans, living and deceased. In Texas, Veterans Day is marked with ceremonies, parades, and other community events to honor veterans. Texas is home to a large veteran population, and the holiday is observed with particular reverence. Government offices, schools, and businesses are often closed in observance of the day.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the year. This holiday has its roots in early colonial America and is now one of the most widely observed holidays in Texas. Texans gather for large meals, which often include turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many communities host charity events, such as food drives and community dinners, during Thanksgiving. Schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day, providing people with time to spend with family and reflect on their blessings.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most significant holidays in Texas. For many residents, Christmas is both a religious and cultural celebration. Families exchange gifts, attend church services, and enjoy festive meals together. In cities like San Antonio and Dallas, Christmas parades and light displays are a major part of the celebrations. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed on Christmas Day, allowing people to spend time with loved ones.
Texas-Specific Holidays
In addition to the federal holidays, Texas observes a number of state-specific holidays that are tied to the state’s history and heritage. These holidays recognize important moments in Texas’ past and celebrate its unique culture.
Texas Independence Day (March 2)
Texas Independence Day, celebrated on March 2, commemorates the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836, when Texas declared its independence from Mexico. The day is significant in Texas history, as it marks the birth of the Republic of Texas. Texas Independence Day is celebrated with parades, festivals, and historical reenactments. Some government offices and schools may close in observance of the day, and local communities often hold special events that focus on Texas history and pride.
San Jacinto Day (April 21)
San Jacinto Day commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, during the Texas Revolution. The victory at San Jacinto secured Texas’ independence from Mexico, and this day is considered one of the most important in Texas history. Although not a public holiday with widespread time off, San Jacinto Day is observed with ceremonies and events that highlight Texas’ fight for independence. Many localities in Texas honor the day with educational programs and public events.
Emancipation Day (Juneteenth, June 19)
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day has become a major holiday in Texas, especially in African American communities. Juneteenth celebrations often include parades, concerts, historical reflections, and family gatherings. In recent years, Juneteenth has gained increasing recognition as a public holiday in Texas, with more local governments and schools observing it.
Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, honors Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. While this holiday is observed nationally, it also holds significance in Texas due to the state’s diverse population. Some Texas communities, especially those with a large Hispanic population, may observe the holiday with events or festivals that reflect on the state’s cultural heritage. Schools and government offices may close in observance of the day, although it is not universally recognized as a day off for all employees.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Texas
Texas is home to a diverse population, with many residents celebrating cultural and religious holidays. While these holidays may not be official state holidays, they are still important to many Texans and are widely celebrated.
Easter (Varies)
Easter, celebrated by Christians worldwide, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Texas, many people attend church services, participate in Easter egg hunts, and share festive meals with family. While Easter is not a public holiday, it is widely observed in the state. Schools and some businesses may close or operate on limited hours, allowing people to participate in religious observances or enjoy family time.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is widely enjoyed across Texas. Children dress in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in local events such as haunted houses, pumpkin festivals, and costume parades. While Halloween is not an official public holiday, it is a major cultural event for many Texans, especially for families and children. Many communities host events to mark the occasion, and some schools may have special Halloween-themed activities.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Texas’ Jewish community. The holiday spans eight days and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. During Hanukkah, families light the menorah, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods. Although Hanukkah is not a public holiday, it is a significant observance for Jewish families in Texas, and many communities host public events to mark the occasion.
Diwali (Varies)
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is celebrated by many Texans of Indian and South Asian descent. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali celebrations in Texas include lighting lamps, exchanging gifts, and hosting large family meals. While Diwali is not a public holiday, it is an important cultural celebration for many Texans, with events and festivals held in major cities like Houston and Dallas.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Texas
The following table summarizes the major public holidays observed in Texas, indicating 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 |
| Pioneer Day | July 24 | Day Off (State Holiday) | State 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) | State Employees, Schools |
| San Jacinto Day | April 21 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | Local Communities, Schools |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Day Off (State Holiday) | 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 |
