Chicago Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

This guide covers the 2026 dates that close schools, shut city offices, disrupt transit, or require adjusted staffing in Chicago. Use it to plan schedules and time-off requests. For statewide holidays, see our Illinois holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Chicago for 2026?

Independence Day falls on Saturday. Most city offices and federal agencies will close Friday, July 3 instead.

City offices, courts, and most government services close on all dates above. Many private employers follow the same schedule.

What State Holidays Does Illinois Observe?

Illinois observes Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12, 2026) as a state holiday. State offices close; CPS schools are closed. Casimir Pulaski Day (March 2, 2026) is also an Illinois state holiday—schools and state offices close.

Election Day (November 3, 2026) is a state holiday in Illinois. Schools close for use as polling locations.

What Local Events Affect Chicago Schedules in 2026?

• Downtown and River North street closures – St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14) shuts down Columbus Drive and surrounding streets. The river dyeing draws large crowds; expect major traffic disruption.
• Lakefront and downtown closures – Chicago Marathon (October) closes streets throughout the Loop and along the lakefront. Plan for several hours of limited access.
• Boystown and Lakeview street closures – Chicago Pride Parade (June) affects North Side access. Many businesses adjust hours.
• Grant Park closures, heavy transit demand – Lollapalooza (late July/early August) closes Grant Park for setup and the event. Expect CTA crowding.
• Taste of Chicago closures – Grant Park (July) experiences street closures and heavy foot traffic.

When Do Chicago Government Offices Close?

City offices close on all federal holidays, Lincoln’s Birthday, Pulaski Day, and Election Day. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.

Cook County offices follow a similar schedule.

When Are CPS Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Chicago Public Schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

• All federal holidays
• Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)
• Casimir Pulaski Day (March 2)
• Election Day (November 3)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (April)

The official 2026–2027 CPS calendar releases in early 2026. Confirm specific dates then.

How Do Chicago Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Chicago Marathon create significant traffic disruption.

Staff accordingly. Build coverage plans around these dates.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; Lincoln’s Birthday and Pulaski Day close schools (dates many employers overlook); Election Day closes schools; the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Marathon disrupt downtown traffic.

Use this list to build shift schedules, approve time-off requests, and avoid staffing gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are banks and post offices open on Chicago holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. They remain open on Illinois state holidays like Pulaski Day (March 2), Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12), and Election Day (November 3). Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is the CTA running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

Yes. The CTA runs on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25), but with reduced Sunday/holiday schedules. Expect longer wait times on L trains and buses.

How long are streets closed for the Chicago Marathon?

Streets close for 6–8 hours in October 2026. The route runs through the Loop and along the lakefront. Plan for limited vehicle access from early morning until mid-afternoon.

Do private employers in Illinois have to give time off for Pulaski Day?

No. Pulaski Day is an Illinois state holiday, but private employers are not required to close. State offices and CPS schools close. Most private employers stay open.

Related Guides

• Illinois Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Michigan Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• New York City Holidays 2026 – Compare major metro holiday schedules

Sources

• City of Chicago – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Chicago Public Schools – School Calendar