Public Holidays and Observances in Michigan 2026
Michigan holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, MI state holidays including Election Day and Christmas Eve, plus dates and office closures.
Michigan stands out as one of the most generous states for public employee holidays. State workers get Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving off—perks that many other states don’t offer. Whether you’re managing a team or planning your own time off, here’s the complete 2026 holiday breakdown for the Great Lakes State.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Michigan in 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 |
With Independence Day falling on Saturday (July 4, 2026), state offices close Friday, July 3 instead.
What Are the State Holidays in Michigan in 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday | State holiday for Michigan employees |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Thursday | State holiday for Michigan employees |
| Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | State holiday in even-numbered years |
Few states match Michigan’s holiday generosity—Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving are all official paid holidays for state employees.
What Are the Major Observances in Michigan?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some schools and businesses closed |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | No closures; state observance only |
| Michigan Week | Third week of May | Celebrates Michigan’s history and culture |
| Sweetest Day | Third Saturday in Oct. | Regional observance popular in Michigan |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Michigan?
State and county employees: Michigan government workers receive all federal holidays plus Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Election Day (even years), and the day after Thanksgiving. Saturday holidays shift to Friday; Sunday holidays shift to Monday.
K-12 schools: Michigan Public Act 101 of 2007 requires districts to follow a common calendar framework. Most schools close for:
- Winter break spanning late December into early January
- MLK Day (January 19) and Presidents’ Day (February 16)
- A spring break week (timing varies by district)
- Memorial Day and the Thanksgiving holiday period
Individual districts may add days—check your local school system for the exact schedule.
Banks and credit unions: Federal holidays mean closures. State-specific holidays (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve) don’t affect banking hours.
Private sector: No state law requires businesses to close or provide holiday pay. Many employers offer premium pay for holiday shifts, but policies vary widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Election Day a state holiday in Michigan?
Yes, Election Day is an official state holiday in Michigan during even-numbered years. State offices close to allow employees to vote. In 2026, Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 3.
Is Christmas Eve a holiday in Michigan?
Yes, Christmas Eve is an official state holiday in Michigan. State employees receive December 24 off. In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on Thursday, December 24.
Is New Year’s Eve a holiday in Michigan?
Yes, New Year’s Eve is an official state holiday in Michigan. State employees receive December 31 off. In 2026, New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, December 31.
When is Independence Day observed in Michigan in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Michigan state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Does Michigan observe the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in Michigan. State employees receive both Thursday and Friday off. In 2026, the day after Thanksgiving falls on Friday, November 27.
How Should Employers Plan for Michigan Holidays?
Michigan’s generous state holiday schedule means public-sector employees enjoy more paid days off than workers in most other states. Private employers aren’t bound by the same rules, but understanding the state calendar helps with workforce planning—especially around the Thanksgiving-to-New-Year stretch when state offices close multiple extra days.
For broader context, see our complete US holiday guide. If you’re building a time-off policy, consider whether to mirror Michigan’s state schedule or offer floating holidays instead.
