Houston Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Houston 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 Texas Observe?

Texas observes several state-specific holidays. Texas Independence Day (March 2) and San Jacinto Day (April 21) are optional holidays for state employees. Emancipation Day (June 19) is recognized alongside the federal Juneteenth holiday.

Juneteenth originated in Texas and is observed as both a state and federal holiday. Expect widespread closures on June 19.

What Local Events Affect Houston Schedules in 2026?

• NRG Park area congestion, multi-week impact – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (late February through March) draws millions of visitors. Expect heavy traffic near NRG Stadium and increased absenteeism as employees attend.
• Downtown street closures – Houston Pride Parade (June) affects Montrose and downtown access.
• Third Ward and downtown events – Juneteenth celebrations (June 19) include parades and festivals. Some street closures; heavy foot traffic in historic areas.
• Downtown street closures – Thanksgiving Day Parade closes streets in downtown Houston on Thanksgiving morning.
• Marathon route closures – Chevron Houston Marathon (January) closes streets through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

When Do Houston Government Offices Close?

City 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 or full closures.

Harris County offices follow a similar schedule but may include additional days around major holidays.

When Are HISD Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Houston Independent School District schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

• All federal holidays
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (March)
• Good Friday (April)

Note: The Houston Rodeo (late February through March) often increases student absences, though it’s not an official school holiday.

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

How Do Houston Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, energy, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. The Rodeo significantly impacts staffing for nearly three weeks—expect higher absenteeism and time-off requests. Holiday weekends and school closures increase scheduling complexity.

Staff accordingly. Build coverage plans around these dates, especially during Rodeo season.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; the Houston Rodeo (March 2–22) disrupts schedules for nearly three weeks; Juneteenth is a major observance in Houston with widespread closures and events. Plan for increased absenteeism during Rodeo season.

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 Houston holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays, including Juneteenth (June 19). They remain open on Texas state holidays like Texas Independence Day (March 2) and San Jacinto Day (April 21). Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is METRO running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

Yes. METRO buses and METRORail run on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25), but with reduced Sunday/holiday schedules. Expect longer wait times.

How long does the Houston Rodeo affect traffic?

The Houston Rodeo runs for three weeks (March 2–22, 2026). Expect heavy traffic near NRG Park daily, especially on weekends and concert nights. The BBQ Contest (February 26–28) adds traffic before the main event.

Do private employers have to give time off for Juneteenth?

Private employers are not legally required to close for Juneteenth, but many Houston businesses do. Juneteenth is both a federal and Texas state holiday. Expect widespread closures on June 19, especially in Houston where the holiday originated.

Related Guides

• Texas Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Dallas Holidays 2026 – State Fair impact on North Texas schedules
• San Antonio Holidays 2026 – Fiesta San Antonio and South Texas holidays

Sources

• City of Houston – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Houston Independent School District – School Calendar