Public Holidays and Observances in Arkansas 2026
Arkansas holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Daisy Gatson Bates Day and Christmas Eve, plus office closures.
Arkansas observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus Christmas Eve as a paid state holiday. The state’s poultry processing plants, retail distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities operate year-round, requiring managers to balance holiday coverage with employee requests for time off.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Arkansas 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. Arkansas state offices are closed on Columbus Day.
What Are the State Holidays in Arkansas 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy Gatson Bates Day | February 16 | Monday | Honors civil rights activist; combined with Presidents’ Day |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday | Official state holiday; state offices closed |
| Employee Birthday | Varies | Varies | State employees receive one paid birthday holiday |
Arkansas is one of few states that observes Christmas Eve as an official state holiday with government office closures.
What Are the Major Observances in Arkansas?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Day | January (varies) | Commemorates statehood; no closures |
| Arbor Day | Third Monday in March | No closures; state observance only |
| Confederate Flag Day | Saturday before Easter | Observance only; no closures |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Arkansas?
Government offices close on all state holidays. State employees required to work on holidays receive equivalent time off later. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Arkansas set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for state holidays plus:
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often mid-March
- Fall Break: Varies by district
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on Christmas Eve.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Arkansas is home to Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt headquarters—major employers with distinct holiday policies. Poultry processing and food distribution facilities typically maintain 24/7 operations, while retail peaks during holiday shopping seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daisy Gatson Bates?
Daisy Gatson Bates was a civil rights activist who mentored the Little Rock Nine during the 1957 desegregation of Central High School. Arkansas honors her on the third Monday in February alongside George Washington’s Birthday. In 2026, it falls on February 16.
Is Christmas Eve a state holiday in Arkansas?
Yes, Christmas Eve is an official state holiday in Arkansas. State offices close on December 24, 2026 (Thursday). This is one of 10 paid state holidays for government employees.
Do Arkansas state employees get a birthday holiday?
Yes, Arkansas state employees receive one paid holiday to observe their birthday in addition to the ten official state holidays.
When is Independence Day observed in Arkansas 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Arkansas observes 10 official state holidays in 2026, including all major federal holidays plus Christmas Eve. The state also honors Daisy Gatson Bates Day combined with Presidents’ 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 warehouse and distribution workforce planning, see our guides on night shift scheduling, split shifts, and covering shifts.
