Public Holidays and Observances in Georgia 2026
Georgia holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Good Friday and Christmas Eve, plus office closures.
Georgia observes most federal holidays in 2026 plus several unique state holidays—including Washington’s Birthday on Christmas Eve. Atlanta serves as a major logistics hub (home to the world’s busiest airport and key distribution centers), while the state’s growing film industry operates on production schedules independent of traditional holidays.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Georgia 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 Georgia 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | State holiday; state offices closed |
| State Holiday | November 27 | Friday | Day after Thanksgiving; state offices closed |
| Washington’s Birthday | December 24 | Thursday | Observed on Christmas Eve; state offices closed |
Georgia observes Good Friday as a state holiday. Washington’s Birthday is observed on Christmas Eve rather than in February. The day after Thanksgiving is designated as a “State Holiday.”
What Are the Major Observances in Georgia?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Day | February 12 | Commemorates founding of Georgia colony; no closures |
| Arbor Day | Third Friday in February | No closures; state observance only |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Georgia?
Government offices close on all state holidays, including Good Friday, the November State Holiday, and Christmas Eve (Washington’s Birthday). Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Georgia set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for state holidays plus:
- Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026 (many districts, despite no state closure)
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often early April
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on Georgia-specific State Holidays.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Atlanta’s logistics industry—including Delta Air Lines, UPS, and Amazon distribution—requires year-round staffing with rotating schedules. Film and TV production in Georgia follows project-based timelines rather than traditional holidays. Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and other Fortune 500 headquarters typically observe federal holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday a state holiday in Georgia?
Yes, Good Friday is an official state holiday in Georgia. State offices close on April 3, 2026.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday in Georgia?
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in Georgia (November 27, 2026). State offices close. This date was formerly known as Robert E. Lee’s Birthday but is now simply designated as a State Holiday.
Does Georgia observe Christmas Eve as a holiday?
Yes, Georgia observes December 24 (Christmas Eve) as Washington’s Birthday, a state holiday. State offices close. This unique timing means Georgia state employees get Christmas Eve as a paid holiday.
When is Independence Day observed in Georgia 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Georgia observes 13 state holidays in 2026, including most federal holidays plus Good Friday, a State Holiday (day after Thanksgiving), and Washington’s Birthday on Christmas Eve. 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 logistics and distribution scheduling, see our guides on duty rosters, shift supervisor responsibilities, and shift notes best practices.
