Vermont Public Holidays
Vermont State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Vermont? Most public holidays in Vermont are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Vermont employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Vermont and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Vermont, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and rich history, observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the state’s history, culture, and traditions, offering opportunities for reflection, celebration, and family gatherings. From national observances like Independence Day to state-specific holidays such as Vermont Day, these holidays are important to the residents of Vermont.
National and Federal Holidays in Vermont
Vermont observes several national and federal holidays that are celebrated throughout the United States. These holidays honor key moments in the nation’s history, provide opportunities for collective reflection, and foster a sense of unity across the country.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the new year and is observed across Vermont. It is a time for personal reflection, setting resolutions, and celebrating with family and friends. Many people in Vermont enjoy the day by attending parties, watching parades, or participating in local events. Public offices, schools, and many businesses are closed on New Year’s Day to allow people to relax or celebrate. In the evening, various towns may host fireworks displays or other community gatherings to ring in the new year.
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 contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the central figures of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. In Vermont, this holiday is observed with educational programs, community service events, and discussions about racial equality and social justice. Many organizations and schools hold discussions and activities focused on Dr. King’s legacy. State offices, schools, and some businesses are closed, providing people an opportunity to participate in service projects or attend events that honor King’s life and work.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, held on the third Monday in February, is a federal holiday that originally honored George Washington’s birthday but is now dedicated to all U.S. presidents. In Vermont, Presidents’ Day is often recognized with educational programs, discussions about the contributions of past presidents, and community events. It is a time to reflect on the leadership of the nation’s past leaders. Many people use this long weekend for travel, relaxation, or family gatherings. Schools, government offices, and some businesses close in observance of the holiday.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn federal holiday dedicated to honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Vermonters commemorate Memorial Day with ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries to honor fallen soldiers. Many communities across Vermont hold events to pay tribute to military personnel, and some use the day to reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and people often spend the long weekend enjoying outdoor activities. Government offices, schools, and businesses are typically closed on this day.
Independence Day (July 4)
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is one of the most significant holidays in the United States, and Vermont is no exception. Vermonters celebrate the day with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and community festivals. Many towns in Vermont hold special events, including fireworks displays and concerts. Independence Day is a time for residents to reflect on the nation’s freedom, and it is also a day for people to come together for family and community celebrations. Public offices, schools, and many businesses are closed for the day.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. Vermont recognizes the holiday by celebrating the role of workers in the state’s economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. Many people use the long weekend for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and barbecues. Local fairs and festivals are also common across the state. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close for Labor Day to give workers a chance to relax and enjoy the day.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, is dedicated to honoring all U.S. military veterans who have served in the country’s armed forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day is a day to thank and recognize all veterans for their sacrifices. In Vermont, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and other events that celebrate the contributions of veterans. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day, allowing people to attend these events or spend time with veterans. Local organizations may also offer discounts and special services to veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a time for people to gather with family and give thanks for the blessings of the year. In Vermont, as across the country, Thanksgiving is marked by large family meals, including turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes. Many communities host local events and charitable initiatives, such as food drives and community dinners. Thanksgiving is a time for Vermonters to reflect on their community and to give back. Most schools, government offices, and businesses are closed for the day, allowing people to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated across Vermont. For many, Christmas is both a religious and cultural holiday. Families come together to exchange gifts, attend church services, and share festive meals. Many communities in Vermont host Christmas parades, light displays, and holiday concerts. Schools, government offices, and businesses are generally closed on Christmas Day to allow residents to spend time with family and reflect on the season’s meaning.
Vermont-Specific Holidays
In addition to the national holidays, Vermont observes certain state-specific holidays that are important to the state’s history and culture. These holidays celebrate Vermont’s unique heritage and recognize important historical events.
Vermont Day (March 4)
Vermont Day, celebrated on March 4, commemorates the day Vermont became the 14th state to join the United States in 1791. This holiday honors the state’s admission into the Union and is a celebration of Vermont’s history and achievements. While it is not widely observed as a public holiday with time off for everyone, it is recognized with educational programs, historical reflections, and local events. Some government offices may close or hold special ceremonies to mark the occasion.
Bennington Battle Day (August 16)
Bennington Battle Day, observed on August 16, commemorates the Battle of Bennington, a significant victory for the American forces during the Revolutionary War. This battle, fought in 1777, was a turning point in the conflict and helped boost morale for the American troops. In Vermont, the holiday is marked by events such as parades, reenactments, and educational programs that highlight Vermont’s role in the American Revolution. Bennington Battle Day is particularly significant in the town of Bennington, where the battle took place. Some government offices may close, and local festivities are common.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Vermont
Vermont’s population is diverse, and many residents celebrate cultural and religious holidays that are significant to their communities. These holidays, while not official public holidays, are still important occasions for many Vermonters.
Easter (Varies)
Easter is an important religious holiday for Christians in Vermont, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people attend church services, participate in Easter egg hunts, and enjoy festive family meals. While Easter is not an official public holiday in Vermont, it is widely celebrated by the state’s Christian population. Some businesses may have limited hours on Easter Sunday, and many churches host special services.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is a fun and widely anticipated holiday in Vermont. Children dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in community events such as haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests. Many local communities host festivals, parades, and family-friendly activities. While Halloween is not a public holiday, it is an important occasion for families to celebrate, and many local businesses offer Halloween-themed promotions.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Vermont’s Jewish community. The holiday spans eight days, typically falling in December, and commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Vermonters who observe Hanukkah celebrate by lighting the menorah, reciting prayers, and sharing festive meals. Although Hanukkah is not an official public holiday, it remains a significant religious observance for Jewish residents in Vermont.
Passover (Varies)
Passover is an important Jewish holiday that commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It is celebrated by Vermont’s Jewish population with family gatherings, special meals, and the reading of the Haggadah. Passover traditions, including the Seder meal, are a significant part of the state’s Jewish cultural calendar. Although Passover is not a public holiday in Vermont, it is widely observed by Jewish communities in the state.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Vermont
The following table summarizes the public holidays observed in Vermont, outlining which groups of people typically receive time off on each holiday.
| 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 |
| Vermont Day | March 4 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | State Government, Schools |
| Bennington Battle Day | August 16 | Partial Day Off | Some Local Government Employees, Schools |
| 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 |
| Passover | Varies (Spring) | Not a public holiday (observed by Jewish community) | Jewish Community |
