Public Holidays and Observances in Nebraska 2026
Nebraska holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, NE state holidays including Arbor Day and day after Thanksgiving, plus dates and office closures.
Nebraska has a claim to fame that no other state can match: it’s the birthplace of Arbor Day, and it’s the only state that observes Arbor Day as an official paid holiday for state employees. Combined with the day after Thanksgiving, Cornhusker State workers enjoy a slightly fuller calendar than most of their neighbors.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Nebraska 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 |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day and 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 workers get Friday, July 3 off instead.
What Are the State Holidays in Nebraska in 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbor Day | April 24 | Friday | Last Friday in April; Nebraska is birthplace of Arbor Day |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day in Nebraska City back in 1872, and the state has honored that legacy ever since by giving it official holiday status. No other state does this.
What Are the Major Observances in Nebraska?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some businesses on reduced hours |
| Nebraska Statehood Day | March 1 | Commemorates Nebraska joining the Union (1867) |
| Election Day | November 3 | Not a state holiday; employers must allow voting time |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Nebraska?
State government: Offices close for federal holidays, Arbor Day (April 24), and the day after Thanksgiving. Weekend holiday rules shift Saturday closures to Friday, Sunday closures to Monday.
Public schools: Most districts close for Arbor Day in addition to standard holidays like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving. Spring break timing varies—check your local district.
Banks: Federal holiday schedule applies. Arbor Day is a state-only holiday and doesn’t affect banking.
Private businesses: Nebraska doesn’t mandate holiday closures or holiday pay. Some employers follow the state calendar; others offer premium pay for holiday shifts. Policies vary widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbor Day a state holiday in Nebraska?
Yes, Arbor Day is an official state holiday in Nebraska, celebrated on the last Friday in April. Nebraska is the birthplace of Arbor Day, founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872. In 2026, Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 24.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday in Nebraska?
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in Nebraska. State offices close and employees are paid for the day. In 2026, the day after Thanksgiving falls on Friday, November 27.
When is Independence Day observed in Nebraska in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Nebraska state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Does Nebraska observe Juneteenth as a state holiday?
Yes, Juneteenth (June 19) is recognized as a state holiday in Nebraska. State offices close on this day. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19.
Are Nebraska state employees paid for holidays?
Yes, Nebraska state offices are closed on legal holidays and all state employees are paid for the time off. Private employers are not required by state law to provide paid holidays to employees.
How Should Employers Plan for Nebraska Holidays?
Nebraska’s Arbor Day holiday (April 24, 2026) creates a Friday closure that most neighboring states don’t observe—worth noting if you coordinate schedules across state lines. The day after Thanksgiving extends the holiday weekend for state employees but isn’t universal in the private sector.
For more scheduling guidance, see our federal holidays overview, floating holiday guide, and time-off request tips.
