Wisconsin Public Holidays
Wisconsin State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Wisconsin? Most public holidays in Wisconsin are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Wisconsin employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Wisconsin and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Wisconsin, known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and diverse culture, observes several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays offer the people of Wisconsin an opportunity to celebrate their heritage, reflect on key historical events, and honor individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to society. Whether it’s a national holiday like Independence Day or a state-specific celebration like Wisconsin Day, these public holidays create a sense of community and provide time for individuals to rest and spend time with family and friends.
National and Federal Holidays in Wisconsin
Like all states in the U.S., Wisconsin observes national and federal holidays that are recognized across the country. These holidays commemorate important moments in American history and provide an opportunity for people to reflect on the nation’s core values of freedom, justice, and equality.
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 the country, including in Wisconsin. It is a time for people to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the year ahead. People in Wisconsin celebrate the day by attending parties, participating in parades, and spending time with family. Many businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on New Year’s Day, providing individuals with a day to relax or celebrate.
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., who played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is a time for reflection on the progress made toward racial equality and the work that still needs to be done. In Wisconsin, communities often hold educational events, parades, and service activities in honor of King’s legacy. Schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed in observance of this day, giving people the opportunity to participate in these activities.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, originally honored George Washington’s birthday but is now a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents. Wisconsin observes this holiday with various public events, including educational programs, public ceremonies, and community gatherings. People often take advantage of the long weekend for travel or leisure activities. As a federal holiday, many government offices, schools, and businesses close to observe Presidents’ Day.
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 Wisconsin, the day is marked with parades, visits to cemeteries, and solemn ceremonies to remember the sacrifices made by military personnel. Many people take the opportunity to spend time with family or enjoy the outdoors, as Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer. Most schools, government offices, and businesses close in observance of the 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 patriotic holidays in the United States, and Wisconsin celebrates the day with fireworks, parades, concerts, and barbecues. People gather to honor the nation’s freedom and independence, and many take part in public events or family gatherings. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close for the holiday.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, honors the contributions of American workers. In Wisconsin, the holiday marks the end of summer and is often seen as an opportunity to relax with family or friends. Many Wisconsin residents take part in outdoor activities such as picnics, hiking, and attending local fairs or parades. As a federal holiday, many government offices, schools, and businesses close, providing a long weekend for workers and their families.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The holiday is marked by ceremonies, parades, and special events to recognize the contributions of veterans and their families. In Wisconsin, local communities often hold events to honor veterans, and many organizations offer discounts or special services to veterans. Government offices, schools, and some businesses close to observe the day, while others may offer special recognition for veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. The holiday has roots in early American history, with the first Thanksgiving being a harvest celebration between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. In Wisconsin, people celebrate by gathering for large meals, sharing time with family, and attending community events. Most schools, government offices, and businesses are closed for the day, allowing people to enjoy the holiday with their 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 Wisconsin. For many, Christmas is both a religious and cultural holiday. People celebrate by attending church services, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals with family. In Wisconsin, communities often hold Christmas parades, light displays, and various holiday events. As a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed.
Wisconsin-Specific Holidays
In addition to the national and federal holidays, Wisconsin observes certain state-specific holidays that recognize important moments in the state’s history and culture. These holidays offer an opportunity for Wisconsinites to reflect on their unique heritage.
Wisconsin Day (May 29)
Wisconsin Day, celebrated on May 29, commemorates the day Wisconsin officially became the 30th state to join the Union in 1848. This day is an opportunity for Wisconsinites to celebrate their state’s heritage and achievements. Although not widely observed as a public holiday with time off, the day is marked with educational programs, community events, and historical reflections. Local businesses and schools may have events to honor the state’s history.
Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)
Arbor Day, observed on the last Friday in April, is a celebration of trees and environmental conservation. Wisconsin has a long tradition of preserving and planting trees, given its vast forests and beautiful landscapes. On Arbor Day, people across the state plant trees, participate in environmental education activities, and engage in community projects that help protect the state’s natural resources. Many schools and environmental organizations host events, and government offices may recognize the day with tree planting ceremonies.
Flag Day (June 14)
Flag Day, observed on June 14, commemorates the adoption of the United States flag in 1777. While it is not a public holiday in Wisconsin, Flag Day is widely observed, with ceremonies and educational events in schools and communities. In Wisconsin, the holiday is a chance for residents to reflect on their patriotism and honor the U.S. flag. Some local government offices may close or hold flag-raising ceremonies to mark the day.
Dairy Month (June)
Although not a public holiday, June is celebrated as Dairy Month in Wisconsin, a state known for its dairy industry. This month-long celebration highlights the importance of the dairy industry to Wisconsin’s economy and culture. During Dairy Month, there are numerous events, including dairy farm tours, agricultural fairs, and educational programs about dairy production. It’s a time for residents to celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage, especially its world-renowned cheese production.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Wisconsin
In addition to government-designated holidays, Wisconsin is home to a diverse population that observes various cultural and religious holidays. These holidays may not be official public holidays, but they are still significant to the people who observe them.
Easter (Varies)
Easter, celebrated in the spring, is an important Christian holiday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many people in Wisconsin attend church services, enjoy festive meals with family, and participate in traditions such as Easter egg hunts. While it is not an official public holiday in Wisconsin, Easter remains a significant observance, especially for the state’s large Christian population.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is widely enjoyed across Wisconsin. Children dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in various community events such as haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests. Though not a public holiday, Halloween is a time of great excitement, particularly for families and communities that organize local festivals and parades. Schools may have special events, and local businesses often offer Halloween promotions.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Wisconsin’s Jewish community. The holiday spans eight days, typically falling in December, and commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple of Jerusalem. While not a public holiday, Hanukkah is significant to Jewish residents of Wisconsin. Families celebrate by lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and sharing meals. Many Jewish organizations in Wisconsin offer public celebrations and community events.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Wisconsin
The following table outlines the public holidays in Wisconsin, indicating 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 |
| Wisconsin Day | May 29 | Partial Day Off | Local Government, Schools |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Partial Day Off | State Employees, Schools |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Not a public holiday (observed in schools) | General Population |
| Dairy Month | June | Not a public holiday (celebrated by community) | General Population |
| 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 |
