Public Holidays and Observances in Alaska 2026
Alaska holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Seward's Day and Alaska Day, plus office closures and scheduling info.
Alaska observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus two state-specific holidays that reflect the state’s unique history. Oil and gas operations, fishing fleets, and remote work sites operate on different schedules than state offices—making holiday planning critical for Alaska employers managing crews across multiple time zones.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Alaska 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Alaska 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seward’s Day | March 30 | Monday | Commemorates the Alaska Purchase Treaty signing |
| Alaska Day | October 18 | Sunday | Marks formal transfer from Russia; observed Oct 19 |
Alaska has unique state holidays not observed elsewhere. Seward’s Day honors Secretary of State William Seward and is observed on the last Monday in March. Alaska Day commemorates the formal transfer from Russia.
What Are the Major Observances in Alaska?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Iditarod Start | First Saturday in March | Anchorage festivities; no closures |
| Indigenous Peoples Day | October 12 | Ceremonial state observance; not a paid holiday |
| Alaska Federation of Natives Convention | October (varies) | Anchorage event; increased travel demand |
| Winter Solstice | December 21 | Cultural significance; no closures |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Alaska?
Government offices close on all federal holidays plus Seward’s Day and Alaska Day. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Alaska set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for federal holidays plus:
- Seward’s Day: March 30, 2026 (state holiday)
- Alaska Day: Observed October 19, 2026
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often late March
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like Seward’s Day and Alaska Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Oil field and slope workers often follow 7-on-7-off rotations or 2-2-3 patterns regardless of holidays. Fishing and tourism operations peak during summer months when daylight is abundant. Winter operations may offer night shift differentials to compensate for extreme darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seward’s Day in Alaska?
Seward’s Day commemorates the signing of the Alaska Purchase Treaty on March 30, 1867. It is an official state holiday observed on the last Monday in March. In 2026, it falls on March 30. State offices close.
What is Alaska Day?
Alaska Day marks the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States on October 18, 1867. In 2026, Alaska Day falls on Sunday, so it is observed on Monday, October 19. State offices close.
Does Alaska observe Columbus Day?
Alaska does not observe Columbus Day. Instead, Alaska recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October (October 12, 2026) as a ceremonial observance. It is not a paid holiday for state employees.
When is Independence Day observed in Alaska 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Alaska observes all 11 federal holidays plus two unique state holidays in 2026: Seward’s Day and Alaska Day. The state recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day as a ceremonial observance (not a paid holiday) instead of Columbus Day. School and business closures vary by district and industry. Use this guide to plan staffing, approve time-off requests, and manage schedules around key dates.
For remote workforce scheduling, see our guides on rotational schedules, per diem rates, and flexible work arrangements.
