Detroit Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Detroit for 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

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 Michigan Observe?

Michigan observes the day after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026), Christmas Eve (December 24), and New Year’s Eve (December 31) as state holidays. State offices close.

Michigan also observes Election Day (November 3, 2026) as a state holiday in even-numbered years. State offices close.

What Local Events Affect Detroit Schedules in 2026?

Downtown street closures – America’s Thanksgiving Parade (November 26) closes Woodward Avenue from Kirby to Congress. This is America’s oldest Thanksgiving parade. Plan for no downtown vehicle access during the parade.
Huntington Place traffic – North American International Auto Show (January) creates significant downtown traffic and hotel demand. Plan for extended commute times.
Hart Plaza and riverfront closures – Detroit Jazz Festival (Labor Day weekend) affects access to downtown and the riverfront. Movement Electronic Music Festival (Memorial Day weekend) has similar impact.
Sports events – Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings games create localized traffic around Comerica Park and Ford Field. Plan alternate routes on game days.
Woodward Dream Cruise – The world’s largest one-day automotive event (August) closes Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac. Significant traffic impact throughout metro Detroit.

When Do Detroit Government Offices Close?

City of Detroit offices close on all federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve often have reduced hours.

Wayne County offices follow a similar schedule.

When Are DPSCD Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Detroit Public Schools Community District. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

All federal holidays
Mid-winter break (February)
Spring break (April)
Winter break (late December through early January)

DPSCD approves the academic calendar each spring. Confirm 2026–2027 break dates on the district website once posted.

How Do Detroit Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. The automotive industry historically closes for summer shutdown periods (July) and holiday shutdowns (late December).

Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. The Thanksgiving Parade and Auto Show create significant traffic disruption. Staff accordingly.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; America’s Thanksgiving Parade closes downtown Woodward Avenue; the Auto Show creates January traffic; the Woodward Dream Cruise affects August weekend 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 Detroit holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is DDOT and SMART transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

DDOT and SMART run on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25). Some routes may not operate. The QLINE streetcar also runs reduced hours. Check transit websites for specific route information.

How does the Thanksgiving Day Parade affect downtown Detroit traffic?

America’s Thanksgiving Parade closes Woodward Avenue from Kirby to Congress. Streets close early morning and reopen by early afternoon. Expect no vehicle access through downtown during the parade.

When is the Detroit Auto Show in 2026?

The North American International Auto Show takes place in January 2026 at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center). Expect heavy downtown traffic during the show dates and increased hotel demand throughout metro Detroit.

Do auto plants close for holidays?

Yes. The Big Three automakers (GM, Ford, Stellantis) traditionally observe extended shutdowns around Christmas/New Year’s and often in July. These “plant shutdowns” affect thousands of workers and suppliers. Check with individual employers for 2026 shutdown schedules.