West Virginia Public Holidays

West Virginia State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in West Virginia? Most public holidays in West Virginia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the West Virginia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to West Virginia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

West Virginia, a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States, is rich in history and tradition. Its public holidays offer both residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate important events in the state’s past, reflect on its cultural heritage, and honor key figures in history. The public holidays in West Virginia also provide time for people to spend with family and friends, participate in community activities, and observe both local and national observances.

National and Federal Holidays in West Virginia

West Virginia, like all states in the United States, observes several national and federal holidays that are recognized across the country. These holidays mark significant moments in the nation’s history and provide an opportunity for citizens to come together and celebrate.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, is a federal holiday that marks the beginning of the new year. It is widely observed across West Virginia and is typically a day of celebration. People gather with family and friends to celebrate, and many engage in parties, parades, and fireworks. Some may also spend the day reflecting on the past year and setting resolutions for the year ahead. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed in West Virginia to observe this 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 legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. King’s dedication to equality, justice, and nonviolent protest is celebrated on this day. In West Virginia, this holiday is marked by community service projects, educational events, and discussions about civil rights and social justice. Schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed, allowing residents to participate in activities or reflect on the importance of the holiday.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day, held on the third Monday in February, originally celebrated the birthday of George Washington but has since evolved to honor all U.S. presidents. In West Virginia, this holiday is recognized with public ceremonies, educational programs, and reflections on the contributions of American presidents. Many government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day, and some families use the long weekend for travel, shopping, or spending time together.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. In West Virginia, the day is marked by solemn ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries. Residents come together to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Many families also use the long weekend for outdoor activities, as Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of the summer season. Schools, government offices, and businesses are typically closed on this day.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4, is one of the most important national holidays in the United States, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is widely celebrated in West Virginia with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and community events. People take the day to reflect on the nation’s founding and its core values of liberty and independence. Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed, and public celebrations are common throughout the state.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, honors the contributions of American workers and their role in the nation’s economic growth and development. In West Virginia, this day is typically seen as the unofficial end of summer, and people often enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, barbecues, and trips to the state’s beautiful natural areas. Some communities also hold parades or festivals to celebrate workers. Most government offices, schools, and businesses close in observance of the holiday.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, living and deceased, and recognizes their sacrifices. In West Virginia, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and other public events to honor veterans. Many schools and government offices are closed for the day, and businesses may offer discounts or special events for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to gather, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. The holiday has its origins in colonial America, when early settlers held a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. In West Virginia, Thanksgiving is marked by family gatherings, feasts, and community events. Many people also take time to volunteer and donate to local charities. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed.

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 West Virginia. For many, Christmas is both a religious observance and a cultural celebration. People come together to exchange gifts, share meals, and enjoy festive events. In West Virginia, communities often hold Christmas parades, light displays, and church services. Most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on this day to allow for family celebrations.

West Virginia-Specific Holidays

In addition to the national and federal holidays, West Virginia also observes several state-specific holidays. These holidays commemorate significant moments in the state’s history and culture, offering residents a chance to reflect on their heritage.

West Virginia Day (June 20)

West Virginia Day, celebrated on June 20, marks the anniversary of the state’s admission to the Union in 1863. On this day, West Virginia officially became the 35th state in the United States, following the Civil War and the separation from Virginia. West Virginia Day is an important celebration of the state’s independence, history, and identity. Many events take place, including parades, historical reenactments, and community festivals. Schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed in observance of this important day.

Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)

Arbor Day, observed on the last Friday in April, is a day dedicated to the appreciation and planting of trees. In West Virginia, this holiday has particular significance given the state’s rich natural resources and beautiful landscapes. Arbor Day provides an opportunity for residents to get involved in environmental conservation efforts, plant trees, and participate in educational programs focused on environmental stewardship. Schools, environmental organizations, and local governments often hold events to celebrate the day.

Confederate Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Confederate Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, alongside Memorial Day, and honors soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Although not widely celebrated, this holiday remains significant in certain parts of West Virginia, particularly those with strong historical ties to the Confederacy. Some local governments may hold ceremonies or events to mark the day, while others focus on the broader observance of Memorial Day.

Cultural and Religious Holidays in West Virginia

In addition to the holidays designated by the state and federal governments, West Virginia is home to a diverse population with various cultural and religious observances. These holidays may not be official public holidays but are still important for many residents.

Easter (Varies)

Easter, a significant religious holiday for Christians, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In West Virginia, many people attend church services and spend time with family on Easter Sunday. The holiday also brings about various traditions, including Easter egg hunts, festive meals, and community events. While Easter is not a public holiday in West Virginia, it remains an important observance for the Christian community.

Halloween (October 31)

Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is widely enjoyed across West Virginia, particularly by children. People dress in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and attend community events like haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests. Although Halloween is not an official public holiday, it is widely celebrated, with some schools and businesses holding special events or allowing children to participate in activities. The day is generally marked by excitement and fun.

Passover (Varies)

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. While the Jewish population in West Virginia is relatively small, Passover is still celebrated by Jewish residents of the state. The holiday spans eight days and involves religious observances, including the Seder meal and the reading of the Haggadah. Jewish families in West Virginia come together to celebrate their traditions and reflect on the significance of the holiday.

Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in West Virginia

The following table outlines the public holidays observed in West Virginia and specifies 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
West Virginia Day	June 20	Day Off	State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools
Arbor Day	Last Friday in April	Partial Day Off	State Employees, Schools
Confederate Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Partial Day Off	Certain Local Government Employees
Easter	Varies (Spring)	Not a public holiday (typically not time off)	Religious Groups
Halloween	October 31	Not a public holiday (usually no time off)	General Population
Passover	Varies (April)	Not a public holiday (observed by Jewish community)	Jewish Community