Public Holidays and Observances in Indiana 2026
Indiana holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays plus Indiana state holidays including Good Friday, Primary Election Day, and Lincoln's Birthday.
Indiana recognizes all federal holidays plus unique state holidays including Good Friday, Primary Election Day, and Election Day. The state uniquely observes Lincoln’s Birthday on the day after Thanksgiving and Washington’s Birthday on Christmas Eve. Here’s what Hoosier employers need to plan around in 2026.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Indiana 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. Federal and state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Indiana 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | State offices closed |
| Primary Election Day | May 5 | Tuesday | State holiday for primary elections |
| General Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | State holiday for general elections |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | November 27 | Friday | Observed the day after Thanksgiving in Indiana |
| Washington’s Birthday | December 24 | Thursday | Observed on Christmas Eve in Indiana |
Indiana uniquely observes Lincoln’s Birthday on the day after Thanksgiving (November 27) and Washington’s Birthday on Christmas Eve (December 24). Good Friday is also an official paid state holiday.
What Are the Major Observances in Indiana?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | State observance; no office closures |
| Indianapolis 500 | Sunday before Mem Day | Major event; affects central Indiana workforce |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Observance only; no business closures |
| Indiana Statehood Day | December 11 | Marks 1816 statehood; not a closure |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Indiana?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, Good Friday, Primary Election Day, General Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Indiana BMV branches and state agencies follow this schedule.
School districts set their own calendars. Common closures include:
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026 (most districts closed)
- Spring Break: Varies by district, typically late March or early April
- Indianapolis 500 Weekend: Some central Indiana districts close the Friday before Memorial Day
Check your local school district website for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays only. Good Friday, Primary Election Day, and Washington’s Birthday (December 24) are not federal holidays, so banks remain open on those days.
Private businesses in Indiana’s manufacturing-heavy economy vary in their observances. Automotive plants in Kokomo, Fort Wayne, and the Indianapolis area often schedule maintenance shutdowns around major holidays, offering shift differential pay for workers who stay on. Pharmaceutical companies in Indianapolis follow corporate schedules, while distribution centers along I-70 and I-65 run 4-on-4-off shift patterns with holiday premium pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday a state holiday in Indiana?
Yes, Good Friday is an official state holiday in Indiana. State offices close, and many schools and businesses observe it. In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3.
Is the BMV open on Good Friday in Indiana?
No, Indiana BMV branches are closed on Good Friday. This is an official state holiday in Indiana, so all state government offices including the BMV close.
Why does Indiana celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday in November?
Indiana places Lincoln’s Birthday on the day after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026) rather than February 12. This gives state employees a four-day Thanksgiving weekend while still honoring Lincoln, who spent his formative years in Indiana.
Do Indiana state employees get Christmas Eve off?
Yes, Indiana state employees get Christmas Eve (December 24) off. Indiana designates this day as Washington’s Birthday observance, giving workers a day off before Christmas rather than the federal Presidents’ Day in February.
Is Primary Election Day a paid holiday in Indiana?
Yes, Primary Election Day is a paid state holiday in Indiana. State offices close on this day. In 2026, the Indiana primary election falls on May 5.
Summary
Indiana observes all 11 federal holidays plus Good Friday, Primary Election Day, General Election Day, Lincoln’s Birthday (November 27), and Washington’s Birthday (December 24) in 2026. Government offices and schools close on these dates, while banks follow the federal schedule only. Plan staffing around automotive manufacturing schedules and election-related closures.
See also: our US Federal Holidays breakdown, floating holiday guide, and time off request best practices.
