Public Holidays and Observances in Colorado 2026
Colorado holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Cabrini Day, plus office closures and scheduling info.
Colorado’s 2026 holiday calendar includes all 11 federal holidays with one notable change: state offices observe Cabrini Day instead of Columbus Day. Ski resorts, outdoor recreation businesses, and Denver’s growing tech sector each handle holiday staffing differently—from peak winter operations to year-round professional services.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Colorado 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. Federal offices observe Columbus Day; Colorado state offices observe Cabrini Day (October 5) instead.
What Are the State Holidays in Colorado 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrini Day | October 5 | Monday | Honors Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini; replaced Columbus Day |
Colorado replaced Columbus Day with Frances Xavier Cabrini Day in 2020. Saint Cabrini was a humanitarian and educator who founded schools and orphanages in Colorado.
What Are the Major Observances in Colorado?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cesar Chavez Day | March 31 | Some schools observe; no statewide closure |
| Arbor Day | Third Friday in April | No closures; state observance only |
| Colorado Day | First Monday in August | Commemorates statehood (1876); no closures |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Colorado?
Government offices close on all state holidays. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Colorado set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for federal holidays plus:
- Fall Break: Varies by district, often October
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often mid-March
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays, including Columbus Day (October 12). Note that Colorado state offices observe Cabrini Day on October 5 instead.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Colorado ski resorts and mountain towns experience peak staffing demands during winter holidays—the opposite of most industries. Seasonal workers make up a significant portion of resort staff. Denver-area tech and aerospace employers typically close during federal holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cabrini Day in Colorado?
Cabrini Day honors Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, a humanitarian and educator who founded schools, orphanages, and hospitals in Colorado. Colorado replaced Columbus Day with Cabrini Day in 2020. It is observed on the first Monday of October (October 5, 2026).
Does Colorado observe Columbus Day?
Colorado replaced Columbus Day with Frances Xavier Cabrini Day in 2020. State offices close on the first Monday of October, but it is now called Cabrini Day. Federal offices still observe Columbus Day.
Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Colorado?
Yes, Juneteenth is an official state holiday in Colorado. State offices close on June 19, 2026 (Friday).
When is Independence Day observed in Colorado 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Colorado observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026, with Cabrini Day replacing Columbus Day on the first Monday of October. 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 resort and hospitality scheduling, see our guides on swing shifts, double shifts, and holiday accrual policies.
