Utah Public Holidays
Utah State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Utah? Most public holidays in Utah are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Utah employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Utah and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Utah, a state known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities, observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays not only reflect the state’s history but also offer opportunities for celebration, reflection, and honoring the people who have contributed to Utah’s growth and development. Whether it’s commemorating national events like Independence Day or recognizing Utah’s unique traditions with state-specific observances, the public holidays in Utah play a significant role in the lives of its residents.
National and Federal Holidays in Utah
Like all states in the United States, Utah observes national and federal holidays. These holidays provide a chance for reflection on the country’s history and values, as well as an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate significant events.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the new year and is widely observed across Utah. It is a day for reflection, setting resolutions, and celebrating new beginnings. Many people in Utah enjoy the day with family gatherings, parties, or outdoor activities. In Salt Lake City and other larger towns, various public events and fireworks displays can also be found. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed to allow for relaxation or celebration.
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 in the Civil Rights Movement. The day is a time to reflect on his achievements in advancing racial equality and social justice. In Utah, the holiday is observed with community service, educational programs, and marches that honor Dr. King’s message. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day, offering individuals the opportunity to participate in service projects or attend events that reflect on Dr. King’s contributions to American society.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, was originally intended to honor George Washington’s birthday, but it now recognizes all U.S. presidents. In Utah, the day is marked with public ceremonies, historical programs, and educational events that celebrate the leadership of past presidents. Many people in Utah also use the long weekend for leisure or family time. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed for Presidents’ Day.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors military personnel who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. In Utah, Memorial Day is a solemn occasion with ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries to remember fallen soldiers. Utah has a large military presence, and this day offers residents an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by military service members. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, and many Utahns enjoy outdoor activities like barbecues, hiking, and camping. Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed for the holiday.
Independence Day (July 4)
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the birth of the United States as a nation. In Utah, Independence Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, with events such as fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and barbecues. Salt Lake City and other cities in Utah hold large celebrations, including fireworks shows and festivals that draw thousands of people. Independence Day is a time for Utahns to come together and reflect on the values of freedom and democracy. Most government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day.
Pioneer Day (July 24)
Pioneer Day is a unique state holiday in Utah, celebrated on July 24, which marks the day the first group of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This holiday holds great significance in Utah due to the role of the Mormon pioneers in shaping the state’s history and development. Pioneer Day is marked by parades, fireworks, festivals, and reenactments of the historic journey. The holiday is especially celebrated in Salt Lake City, where one of the largest celebrations takes place. Pioneer Day is recognized as a public holiday in Utah, and many businesses and government offices close for the day.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, honors the contributions and achievements of American workers. In Utah, Labor Day marks the end of summer and is celebrated with outdoor activities like hiking, barbecues, and attending local fairs and festivals. It is a time to recognize the role of workers in shaping the state’s economy. Many people in Utah enjoy the long weekend, taking advantage of the cooler weather to spend time outdoors. As a federal holiday, Labor Day results in closures of government offices, schools, and many businesses.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday has particular significance in Utah, where there is a large military presence, and it is marked by ceremonies, parades, and other events that recognize veterans’ contributions to the nation’s defense. In addition to honoring veterans, Veterans Day is also a time to reflect on the importance of military service and the sacrifices made by soldiers. Schools, government offices, and some businesses close for the day to honor veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the year. The holiday dates back to early colonial America, and it has become one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. In Utah, Thanksgiving is marked by family gatherings, large meals featuring turkey and other traditional foods, and community events. The day is also a time for giving back, as many Utahns volunteer at local food banks or participate in charity events. Most government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day, allowing families to spend time together.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important holidays in Utah. For many, it is both a religious and cultural celebration. In Utah, Christmas is marked by family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. Many towns and cities in Utah host Christmas parades, light displays, and holiday concerts. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and businesses close on Christmas Day, allowing people to celebrate with their families. Christmas Day also marks the end of the year’s holiday season, with a focus on giving and gratitude.
Utah-Specific Holidays
In addition to national and federal holidays, Utah observes several state-specific holidays. These holidays celebrate significant moments in the state’s history and reflect Utah’s unique cultural heritage.
Utah Day (January 4)
Utah Day, observed on January 4, commemorates the day Utah was officially admitted to the Union in 1896. It is an important celebration of the state’s history and achievements. Although it is not widely observed with time off for all residents, Utah Day is a time for reflection on the state’s path to statehood and its subsequent growth. Local events and historical reflections take place across Utah on this day, and some schools and government offices may observe the holiday.
Washington and Lincoln Day (Second Monday in February)
In Utah, Washington and Lincoln Day is a state holiday celebrated on the second Monday of February. This holiday combines the celebration of George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays, honoring the contributions of these two influential presidents. Although it is not widely recognized with time off for all residents, schools and government offices may close in observance. The holiday is often marked with educational programs and community events that reflect on the lives and legacies of Washington and Lincoln.
Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)
Arbor Day, celebrated on the last Friday in April, is a day dedicated to the appreciation and planting of trees. Utah, with its mountainous terrain and beautiful natural landscapes, celebrates Arbor Day as an opportunity to engage in environmental conservation and tree planting. Many schools and local environmental organizations hold educational programs or participate in tree planting events to mark the day. While Arbor Day is not a public holiday with time off for all residents, it plays an important role in promoting environmental stewardship throughout the state.
Emancipation Day (August 1)
Emancipation Day is a state holiday observed in Utah on August 1. The holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This day provides an opportunity for Utahns to reflect on the state’s history and its contributions to the fight for freedom. Local celebrations and events often include educational programs, performances, and community activities that honor the struggle for civil rights.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Utah
In addition to public holidays, Utah is home to diverse populations that celebrate various cultural and religious holidays. These holidays are an important part of life for many Utahns, even though they may not be recognized as official state holidays.
Easter (Varies)
Easter, celebrated in the spring, is one of the most significant religious holidays for Christians. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. While not an official public holiday in Utah, Easter is widely observed by the state’s Christian population. Many churches and religious organizations host special services, and some businesses may close or operate on limited hours.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is a widely anticipated holiday in Utah. Children dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in various community events such as haunted houses, pumpkin carving contests, and festivals. Although Halloween is not a public holiday in Utah, it is widely celebrated, and many schools and local businesses host special events or promotions for the occasion.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Utah’s Jewish population. The holiday spans eight days and commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple of Jerusalem. During Hanukkah, families light the menorah, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals. While Hanukkah is not an official public holiday, it is an important observance for Jewish residents in Utah, with many communities holding public celebrations and events.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Utah
The following table summarizes the major public holidays observed in Utah and indicates 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 |
| Utah Day | January 4 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | State Employees, Schools |
| Washington and Lincoln Day | Second Monday in February | Partial Day Off | Schools, Local Government Employees |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Not a public holiday (celebrated locally) | Environmental Groups, Schools |
| Emancipation Day | August 1 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | Local Communities, Educational Groups |
| 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 |
