Public Holidays and Observances in Mississippi 2026

Mississippi’s holiday calendar has some of the most unique observances in the country. The Magnolia State combines Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Robert E. Lee’s Birthday, pairs Memorial Day with Jefferson Davis’ Birthday, and maintains Confederate Memorial Day as a standalone state holiday. If you’re managing employees or running a business in Mississippi, understanding these combined holidays is essential for workforce planning.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Mississippi in 2026?

Since July 4 falls on a Saturday in 2026, expect state offices to close Friday, July 3 instead.

What Are the State Holidays in Mississippi in 2026?

These combined observances make Mississippi’s calendar distinct from most other states. Confederate Memorial Day (April 27 in 2026) is a full state holiday—something only a handful of Southern states still observe.

What Are the Major Observances in Mississippi?

When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Mississippi?

State and county offices: Closed for federal holidays plus Confederate Memorial Day (April 27) and the combined observance days. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.

Schools: Each district sets its schedule. Common closures include MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving week. Whether schools close for Confederate Memorial Day varies—contact your district for specifics.

Banks: Federal holiday schedule only. Confederate Memorial Day and other state-specific holidays don’t affect banking hours.

Businesses: Mississippi has no laws requiring private employers to close or provide paid time off. Many retail and service businesses stay open on holidays, sometimes offering premium pay or overtime rates to employees who work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Mississippi observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Mississippi observes the third Monday of January as both Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Robert E. Lee’s Birthday. State offices close on this combined holiday. In 2026, it falls on Monday, January 19.

What is Confederate Memorial Day in Mississippi?

Confederate Memorial Day is a state holiday in Mississippi observed on the last Monday of April. It honors soldiers who served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. State offices close on this day. In 2026, Confederate Memorial Day falls on Monday, April 27.

When is Jefferson Davis’ Birthday observed in Mississippi?

Mississippi observes Jefferson Davis’ Birthday on the same day as National Memorial Day—the last Monday of May. In 2026, both holidays are observed on Monday, May 25.

When is Independence Day observed in Mississippi in 2026?

Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Mississippi state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Does Mississippi observe Juneteenth?

Juneteenth (June 19) is a federal holiday, but Mississippi does not recognize it as an official state holiday. Federal offices in Mississippi close, but state government offices may remain open. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19.

How Should Employers Plan for Mississippi Holidays?

Mississippi’s combined holidays and state-specific observances require extra attention when building work schedules. Confederate Memorial Day (late April) creates a Monday closure that doesn’t occur in most other states, which can affect multi-state operations.

For general holiday guidance, explore our federal holiday reference, floating holiday strategies, and tips for handling time-off requests.

Sources

• Mississippi Secretary of State – State Holidays
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration – HR State Holidays