Wyoming Public Holidays
Wyoming State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Wyoming? Most public holidays in Wyoming are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Wyoming employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Wyoming and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Wyoming, known for its vast landscapes, rugged mountains, and historical significance, celebrates a range of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays offer an opportunity for residents and visitors to reflect on the state’s cultural heritage, honor important figures, and observe various traditions. Whether it’s celebrating the birth of the nation or honoring local history, the public holidays in Wyoming help to foster community and commemorate key moments in the state’s past.
National and Federal Holidays in Wyoming
In addition to state-specific holidays, Wyoming observes various national and federal holidays that are recognized across the United States. These holidays provide an opportunity for citizens to come together, reflect on their nation’s past, and celebrate its history.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, is one of the most widely observed holidays in Wyoming and across the United States. It marks the beginning of a new year, and is typically a time for reflection and celebration. Wyoming residents often ring in the New Year with parties, fireworks, and gatherings with family and friends. New Year’s Day is also an occasion for people to set resolutions for the year ahead, aiming to make positive changes in their lives.
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 the Civil Rights leader. Dr. King’s pivotal role in advocating for racial equality and justice is celebrated throughout Wyoming with educational programs, discussions, and community service projects. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close in observance of the holiday, allowing individuals the chance to participate in events honoring King’s contributions to American society.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Presidents’ Day, held on the third Monday of February, originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday but now honors all U.S. presidents. In Wyoming, this day is marked with public ceremonies, educational programs, and reflections on the leadership of past presidents. Some local businesses and schools may close, and many residents take advantage of the long weekend for outdoor activities, shopping, or family events.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military. This holiday provides an opportunity for Wyoming residents to pay tribute to fallen soldiers through ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and many people in Wyoming use the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities in the state’s parks and natural areas.
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 widely recognized holidays in Wyoming, marked by fireworks displays, parades, and patriotic events. Communities across the state come together to celebrate the nation’s freedom, with many residents enjoying barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities in honor of the day.
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, recognizes the contributions of American workers. In Wyoming, Labor Day is often seen as the unofficial end of summer, and many people use the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and barbecues. Some communities hold parades or festivals, and public events highlight the importance of labor unions and worker rights. Labor Day is also a time for Wyoming residents to reflect on the state’s labor history, particularly in industries like mining and agriculture.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who have died in service, Veterans Day is a celebration of all veterans. Wyoming marks the day with ceremonies, parades, and special events to recognize the contributions of veterans to the nation’s security and freedom. Many public offices and schools close in observance of the holiday, and some businesses offer discounts to veterans.
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Thanksgiving Day, observed on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the year. The holiday has its origins in early colonial history when settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, held a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. In Wyoming, Thanksgiving is typically a family-centered occasion, with large meals that often include turkey, stuffing, and other traditional foods. Parades, charity events, and community gatherings are also common.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is one of the most significant holidays in Wyoming. For many residents, Christmas is a religious and cultural celebration, marked by family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. Churches hold special services, and many towns have Christmas parades and light displays. Christmas is also a time for reflection and gratitude, as families and communities celebrate the joys of the holiday season.
Wyoming-Specific Holidays
Wyoming also observes certain state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s history and traditions. These holidays commemorate significant events or recognize the people and institutions that have shaped the state.
Wyoming Statehood Day (July 10)
Wyoming Statehood Day, celebrated on July 10, commemorates the day Wyoming officially became a state in 1890. This day marks Wyoming’s entry into the Union, making it the 44th state. Wyoming Statehood Day is often celebrated with public events, educational programs, and historical reenactments that highlight the state’s unique history. State offices and businesses may close in observance of the holiday, and some communities host parades or festivals to mark the occasion.
Frontier Day (July 24)
Frontier Day is a Wyoming-specific holiday that commemorates the state’s pioneering history and the spirit of the American frontier. The day is marked with a variety of events, including rodeos, parades, and festivals. It is especially significant in Cheyenne, where the city hosts the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the United States. Frontier Day is a celebration of Wyoming’s cowboy heritage and is an important cultural event for the state’s residents.
Cultural and Religious Holidays in Wyoming
In addition to the holidays designated by the state and federal government, Wyoming is home to a diverse population with various cultural and religious observances. While these holidays may not be recognized as official public holidays, they are still important to many residents.
Easter (Varies)
Easter, celebrated in the spring, is an important religious holiday for Christians in Wyoming. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is marked by church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Easter egg hunts, parades, and community events are also common throughout the state. Many Wyoming residents take the day off to attend religious services or spend time with family.
Halloween (October 31)
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is a widely anticipated holiday in Wyoming, especially for children. People dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and participate in various community events such as haunted houses, pumpkin carving, and costume contests. Although Halloween is not an official public holiday, it is a time of great excitement, particularly in local communities, where people come together to celebrate the spooky season.
Hanukkah (Varies)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Wyoming’s Jewish population. The holiday spans eight days, typically falling in December, and celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah traditions include lighting the menorah, reciting prayers, playing the dreidel game, and sharing special meals. While not a public holiday in Wyoming, Hanukkah is an important observance for Jewish residents of the state.
Table of Public Holidays and Time Off in Wyoming
The following table outlines the major public holidays in Wyoming, and details the groups of people who typically receive time off on these days.
| 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 |
| Wyoming Statehood Day | July 10 | Partial Day Off or Day Off (varies by employer) | State Employees, Federal Employees, Schools |
| Frontier Day | July 24 | Day Off (local) | Certain Local Government Employees, Schools (Cheyenne) |
| Easter | Varies (Spring) | Day Off (for religious observance) | Religious Groups |
| Halloween | October 31 | Not a public holiday (usually no time off) | General Population |
| Hanukkah | Varies (December) | Not a public holiday (observed by Jewish community) | Jewish Community |
