Washington Public Holidays
Washington State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Washington? Most public holidays in Washington are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Washington employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Washington and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Washington, a state located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Like other U.S. states, Washington observes several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays offer residents the opportunity to reflect on the state’s history, honor key figures and events, and celebrate traditions. From national holidays like Independence Day to state-specific celebrations like Washington’s Birthday, these holidays provide important occasions for community gatherings and personal reflection.
National and Federal Holidays in Washington
Washington, like all states, observes several national and federal holidays. These holidays are recognized across the country and celebrate important moments in American history, provide opportunities for reflection, and allow time for people to come together.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the new year and is observed throughout Washington state. It is a time for personal reflection, setting resolutions, and celebrating new beginnings. Many people in Washington enjoy the day with family gatherings, parties, or watching the famous New Year’s Day parades. Fireworks displays and various public events are common across the state. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and many businesses close to observe the day.
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 achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is a time to reflect on racial equality, social justice, and the progress made toward eliminating discrimination. In Washington, communities often hold marches, ceremonies, and educational events that highlight King’s contributions. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close to observe the day, offering opportunities to participate in these activities or reflect on the holiday’s significance.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, originally honored George Washington’s birthday but has since evolved to recognize all U.S. presidents. In Washington, the day is often marked by educational programs, historical reflections, and local events that highlight the contributions of past presidents. Many residents use the long weekend for travel, leisure, or family gatherings. Public offices, schools, and businesses generally close for the holiday.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is dedicated to honoring military personnel who died in service to the country. In Washington, Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, with ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries to remember the sacrifices made by soldiers. Many Washington residents also use the long weekend to enjoy the outdoors, attend family events, or visit historical sites related to the nation’s military history. As a federal holiday, government offices, schools, and 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. It is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in the United States, including in Washington state. Across the state, people celebrate with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and public events. Cities like Seattle host large celebrations, including firework displays over the waterfront. Independence Day is a time to reflect on American freedom, and many businesses and government offices are closed to allow people to enjoy the festivities.
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. In Washington, the holiday marks the unofficial end of summer, with many people using the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or attending local festivals. In Seattle and other major cities, parades and events recognize the importance of workers in building the state’s economy. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close in observance of Labor Day.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, is a federal holiday that honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all veterans, living and deceased. In Washington, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and other community events. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day, offering residents a chance to reflect on the contributions of veterans. Special discounts and events for veterans are common across the state.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, observed on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to come together, give thanks for the blessings of the year, and share a festive meal. The holiday originated with the Pilgrims’ feast in 1621 and has evolved into a major holiday in the United States. In Washington, families gather to enjoy traditional meals of turkey, stuffing, and other dishes. Many people also volunteer at food banks or participate in charitable activities. Most schools, government offices, and businesses close on Thanksgiving Day to allow people to enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. For many Washington residents, it is both a religious and cultural celebration. Families come together to exchange gifts, enjoy meals, and attend church services. Christmas also brings communities together with events like Christmas parades, light displays, and concerts. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day, allowing people to spend time with family and friends.
Washington-Specific Holidays
In addition to the national holidays, Washington state observes certain holidays that are unique to its history and culture. These holidays reflect the state’s heritage, historical events, and significant cultural aspects.
Washington’s Birthday (Third Monday in February)
Washington’s Birthday, also known as Presidents’ Day in most other states, is a unique state holiday in Washington. It commemorates the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States, and is celebrated with public events, educational programs, and local observances. The day provides an opportunity for Washingtonians to honor the state’s namesake and reflect on his role in the founding of the United States. Although it is also a federal holiday, Washington’s Birthday is celebrated with special significance in the state of Washington.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Second Monday in October)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on the second Monday in October, is a day to honor the Native American communities and cultures that have long existed in the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, the holiday is particularly important, given the rich Native American history in the region. Many communities and schools hold events, discussions, and cultural exhibitions to educate the public about the indigenous peoples of Washington. While the holiday is not universally recognized across the state, it is gaining traction as a day of reflection and acknowledgment of the contributions and challenges faced by Native American communities.
Washington Statehood Day (November 11)
Washington Statehood Day, observed on November 11, commemorates the day Washington became the 42nd state to join the Union in 1889. This day is a time for Washingtonians to reflect on the state’s journey and growth. It is marked by educational events, historical tours, and state government activities that highlight the state’s achievements since becoming a part of the United States. While the day is not universally celebrated as a public holiday, it holds great historical significance for the state.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Washington
In addition to the state and national holidays, Washington’s diverse population celebrates various cultural and religious holidays. These holidays are significant to many residents, even if they are not official public holidays in the state.
Easter (Varies)
Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is an important religious holiday for Christians in Washington. Many people attend church services, enjoy family meals, and participate in Easter egg hunts and other festive activities. While Easter is not a public holiday in Washington, it is widely celebrated by Christian communities across the state.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, observed on October 31, is a widely celebrated holiday in Washington, particularly for children. People dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and attend local events like haunted houses and pumpkin festivals. Many schools and businesses hold special events to mark the occasion. While Halloween is not an official public holiday, it is one of the most anticipated and fun holidays in the state.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Jewish communities in Washington. The holiday, which spans eight days, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah traditions include lighting the menorah, eating traditional foods, and sharing time with family. Although Hanukkah is not a public holiday, it holds deep cultural and religious significance for Washington’s Jewish residents.
Ramadan (Varies)
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, is observed by Muslims across Washington. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and participate in prayers, reflection, and community events. Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting period. While not a public holiday, Ramadan is an important occasion for Muslims in Washington and is marked by community gatherings and charitable events.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Washington
The following table outlines the major public holidays observed in Washington and indicates 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 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Third Monday in February | Day Off | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Second Monday in October | Partial Day Off | Some Local Governments, Schools, Indigenous Communities |
| Washington Statehood Day | November 11 | Not a public holiday (observed by some) | State Government, Schools |
| Easter | Varies (Spring) | Not a public holiday (observed by religious groups) | Religious Groups |
| Halloween | October 31 | Not a public holiday (observed by families) | General Population |
| Hanukkah | Varies (December) | Not a public holiday (observed by Jewish community) | Jewish Community |
