Public Holidays and Observances in Minnesota 2026
Minnesota holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, MN state holidays including Christmas Eve and day after Thanksgiving, plus dates and office closures.
Minnesota renamed Columbus Day to “Christopher Columbus Indigenous Peoples Day” but kept it off the paid holiday list for executive branch workers—a quirk that confuses many employers. The Land of 10,000 Lakes follows federal holidays closely while adding Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving for most state employees. Here’s how the 2026 calendar breaks down.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Minnesota 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 |
Independence Day lands on Saturday (July 4, 2026), so state offices observe it Friday, July 3. The second Monday of October is officially “Christopher Columbus Indigenous Peoples Day” in Minnesota, though executive branch employees don’t receive it as a paid holiday.
What Are the State Holidays in Minnesota in 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday | Observed by many state agencies |
State agencies generally follow the federal calendar, with Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving as bonuses for most employees. Policies can differ between agencies, so verify with your specific employer.
What Are the Major Observances in Minnesota?
| 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 |
| Minnesota Day | May 11 | Commemorates Minnesota statehood (1858) |
| Election Day | November 3 | Not a state holiday; employers must allow voting time |
| Leif Erikson Day | October 9 | Honors Norse explorer; reflects state’s Scandinavian heritage |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Minnesota?
Government: State offices close for federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and often Christmas Eve. When holidays fall on weekends, Friday or Monday becomes the observed day.
Public schools: Districts set their own calendars, but common closures include:
- Thanksgiving break (Thursday–Friday minimum, often longer)
- Winter break through early January
- MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and Memorial Day
- Spring break (timing varies—check your district)
Banks: Open on state-specific holidays; closed on federal holidays only.
Private employers: Minnesota law doesn’t mandate holiday closures or premium pay. Company policies vary—some match the state calendar, others offer floating holidays or holiday pay for those who work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas Eve a state holiday in Minnesota?
Christmas Eve is observed as a holiday by many Minnesota state agencies and local governments, though specific policies vary by employer. In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on Thursday, December 24.
Does Minnesota observe the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes, many Minnesota state agencies observe the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday. In 2026, the day after Thanksgiving falls on Friday, November 27.
When is Independence Day observed in Minnesota in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Minnesota state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Does Minnesota observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Minnesota officially renamed the second Monday of October to “Christopher Columbus Indigenous Peoples Day.” However, this day is not a paid holiday for executive branch state employees—instead, they receive the Friday after Thanksgiving off. Other branches of government and political subdivisions may choose to observe it. In 2026, it falls on October 12.
Is Good Friday a holiday in Minnesota?
Good Friday is not an official state holiday in Minnesota. However, some schools and businesses may close or operate on reduced hours. Good Friday falls on April 3, 2026.
How Should Employers Plan for Minnesota Holidays?
Minnesota’s holiday calendar closely tracks federal holidays, with Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving as common additions for state workers. The Columbus Day situation is unique—it’s been renamed but isn’t a paid day off for most state employees. Private employers have full discretion over their own policies.
Looking for guidance on building holiday schedules? Our federal holiday overview and time-off request guide can help you create fair, consistent policies.
