Virginia Public Holidays
Virginia State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Virginia? Most public holidays in Virginia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Virginia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Virginia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Virginia, one of the original 13 colonies, has a deep historical and cultural legacy. The state celebrates numerous public holidays that commemorate important moments in its history, honor national figures, and offer opportunities for reflection, celebration, and family time. From federal holidays like Independence Day to state-specific holidays such as Virginia Day, the public holidays in Virginia are an important part of the state’s identity.
National and Federal Holidays in Virginia
Virginia observes several national and federal holidays that are recognized across the United States. These holidays honor significant historical events, celebrate national leaders, and provide time for collective reflection.
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 Virginia. It is a day for people to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the future. Many people in Virginia celebrate the occasion with family gatherings, parties, and various public events. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the day or celebrate with loved ones. Some towns and cities may also host New Year’s Day parades or fireworks displays.
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 work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is a day for reflection on King’s message of equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. In Virginia, the day is marked with community service projects, educational events, and parades. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day, allowing individuals to engage in community service or attend events in honor of Dr. King. It is a day dedicated to the legacy of civil rights and social justice.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday of February, was originally established to honor the birthday of George Washington, but it now celebrates all U.S. presidents. In Virginia, this day is recognized with public ceremonies, educational programs, and community events. It is an opportunity for Virginians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s presidents. Many people also use this day for leisure or family gatherings. While it is a federal holiday, many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the U.S. military. In Virginia, the day is marked with memorial services, parades, and visits to cemeteries. The holiday honors the sacrifices of military personnel who gave their lives for the country. Memorial Day also signifies the unofficial start of the summer season, and many people take the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecues and beach trips. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close in observance of Memorial Day.
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 an independent nation. It is one of the most significant holidays in Virginia, where the fight for independence played a major role. Virginians celebrate the day with fireworks displays, parades, barbecues, and various public events. It is a time for Americans to come together and reflect on the values of liberty and freedom. Most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on Independence Day, and cities across Virginia hold large public celebrations.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, is a federal holiday that honors the contributions of American workers. In Virginia, this holiday is often considered the unofficial end of summer, and many residents take the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or attending local festivals. Labor Day is a time to reflect on the role of workers in the state’s economy, particularly in Virginia’s industries like agriculture, government, and technology. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed in observance of Labor Day.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in service, Veterans Day is a celebration of all veterans. In Virginia, a state with a large military presence, Veterans Day is marked with ceremonies, parades, and events that recognize the contributions of veterans to the country. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day, and there are often special events to recognize and honor veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a day for families to gather and give thanks for the blessings of the year. The holiday dates back to the early colonial period when Pilgrims held a feast with Native Americans to celebrate a successful harvest. In Virginia, people gather with family and friends to enjoy a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. The day is also marked by parades, community service activities, and family events. Most schools, government offices, and businesses are closed, allowing people to spend time with loved ones.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Virginia. For many, Christmas is both a religious and cultural celebration. Virginians come together to exchange gifts, attend church services, and enjoy festive meals. Many cities and towns in Virginia host Christmas parades, light displays, and concerts. Schools, government offices, and businesses are typically closed on Christmas Day, allowing people to celebrate with family and friends.
Virginia-Specific Holidays
In addition to the national and federal holidays, Virginia also observes several state-specific holidays. These holidays honor the state’s history and its unique place in the formation of the United States.
Virginia Day (March 25)
Virginia Day, observed on March 25, commemorates the day Virginia was officially established as a colony in 1607. It marks the founding of the first permanent English settlement in the United States, Jamestown. Virginia Day is an opportunity to reflect on the state’s history and contributions to the nation. Some government offices may close, and local communities host events that highlight Virginia’s role in American history. While it is not widely observed as a public holiday with time off for everyone, Virginia Day is celebrated with educational programs, historical tours, and reflections on the state’s role in American independence.
Lee-Jackson Day (Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Lee-Jackson Day, observed on the Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a holiday that honors two Confederate generals from the Civil War, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The holiday has been controversial in recent years due to its association with the Confederacy. However, it is still officially recognized in Virginia, and some localities hold events or ceremonies in honor of the two men. Many state offices and government buildings are closed, though schools and private businesses may not always observe this holiday. In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly voted to remove Lee-Jackson Day as an official holiday, so the observance may change in future years.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
In Virginia, Memorial Day is also observed as a way to honor the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, particularly those from the state. Many people visit local cemeteries or attend parades and ceremonies that recognize Virginia’s military history. While Memorial Day is a federal holiday, it holds a unique significance in Virginia due to the state’s large military presence and the involvement of Virginians in military conflicts throughout history.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Virginia
In addition to government-designated holidays, Virginia is home to a diverse population that observes a variety of cultural and religious holidays. While these holidays may not be official public holidays, they are still important to the people who observe them.
Easter (Varies)
Easter is a significant religious holiday for Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Virginia, many people attend church services, participate in Easter egg hunts, and enjoy festive meals with family. Although Easter is not a public holiday, it remains an important occasion for the Christian community in Virginia, and many schools and businesses may close or operate on limited hours.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is widely enjoyed across Virginia, especially by children. People dress in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in community events like haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests. Although Halloween is not a public holiday, it is a popular occasion in Virginia, and local businesses, schools, and communities often hold special events.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Virginia’s Jewish community. The holiday spans eight days and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Virginia’s Jewish residents observe Hanukkah by lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and enjoying special meals. While Hanukkah is not a public holiday, it holds deep significance for Jewish families and is marked by communal gatherings and religious observances.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Virginia
The following table summarizes the public holidays observed in Virginia, showing how many days off are provided and which groups 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 |
| Virginia Day | March 25 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | State Employees, Schools |
| Lee-Jackson Day | Friday before MLK Day | Partial Day Off | State Employees, Local Governments |
| 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 |
