Public Holidays and Observances in California 2026
California holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Cesar Chavez Day and Native American Day, plus office closures.
California’s 2026 holiday schedule includes all 11 federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving. With the nation’s largest workforce spanning tech, entertainment, agriculture, and healthcare, California employers must navigate both state-mandated holidays and strict overtime regulations that affect holiday pay calculations.
What Are the Federal Holidays in California 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 California 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | Official state holiday; state offices closed |
| Cesar Chavez Day | March 31 | Tuesday | Optional holiday for state employees |
| Native American Day | September 25 | Friday | Optional holiday for state employees |
| Lunar New Year | February 17 | Tuesday | Optional holiday for state employees |
| Genocide Remembrance Day | April 24 | Friday | Optional holiday for state employees |
California state employees may elect optional holidays in place of other personal days. The day after Thanksgiving is the only additional mandatory state holiday.
What Are the Major Observances in California?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar New Year | February 17 | Many schools closed; SF/LA parade traffic impacts |
| Cesar Chavez Day | March 31 | Many schools closed; state offices may be closed |
| Cinco de Mayo | May 5 | No closures; celebrations in LA and other cities |
| Native American Day | September 25 | Optional state holiday; some offices closed |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in California?
Government offices close on all federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across California set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Many districts close for:
- Lunar New Year: February 17, 2026 (many districts, especially in Bay Area and LA)
- Cesar Chavez Day: March 31, 2026 (many districts)
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often late March or April
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays.
Private businesses set their own schedules. California law requires overtime pay for work exceeding 8 hours daily—unique among U.S. states. Tech companies often offer flexible schedules during holidays. Film and TV production follows union agreements with specific holiday premium rates. Agricultural operations continue year-round with seasonal workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cesar Chavez Day a state holiday in California?
Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) is an optional state holiday in California. State employees may elect to take it as a holiday. Many schools and some government offices close. It honors labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday in California?
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in California. State offices close on Friday, November 27, 2026.
What is Native American Day in California?
Native American Day is observed on the fourth Friday in September in California. It is an optional holiday for state employees. In 2026, it falls on September 25.
When is Independence Day observed in California 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
California observes all 11 federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving as official state holidays in 2026. State employees may also elect optional holidays including Cesar Chavez Day, Native American Day, and Lunar New Year. 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 California employers, see our guides on exempt vs. non-exempt employees, flextime policies, and double-time pay calculations.
