NYC Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

This guide covers the 2026 dates that close schools, shut city offices, disrupt transit, or require adjusted staffing in New York City. Use it to plan schedules and time-off requests. For statewide holidays, see our New York State holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in NYC for 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 falls on Saturday. Most city offices and federal agencies will close Friday, July 3 instead.

City offices, courts, and most government services close on all dates above. Many private employers follow the same schedule.

What State Holidays Does New York Observe?

Election Day (Tuesday, November 3, 2026) closes public schools and gives public employees time off. Expect reduced city services.

Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12) is optional. Some government offices close; most private employers stay open.

What Local Events Affect NYC Schedules in 2026?

Street closures across Manhattan – NYC Pride March (June) shuts down routes through Midtown and the Village. Plan for transit delays and limited business access.
Fifth Avenue closed, heavy traffic disruption – Puerto Rican Day Parade (June) affects Midtown access. Many nearby businesses adjust hours.
Citywide street closures, major transit impact – NYC Marathon (November 1) blocks routes in all five boroughs. Expect delivery delays and limited access for several hours.
Schools closed, heavy foot traffic in Chinatown – Lunar New Year (February 17) is an NYC public school holiday. Some businesses close; others extend hours.
Schools closed, localized congestion – Diwali (November 8) closes NYC public schools. Expect heavier traffic in Queens and nearby neighborhoods.
Fifth Avenue closed, Midtown access limited – Italian Heritage Day/Columbus Day Parade (October) affects business access along the parade route.

When Do NYC Government Offices Close?

City offices close on all federal holidays and Election Day. The day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve often have reduced hours or full closures.

When Are NYC Public Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close NYC public schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

All federal holidays
Lunar New Year (February 17)
Diwali (November 8)
Election Day (November 3)
Winter recess (late December through early January)
Mid-winter recess (February)
Spring recess (April)

The official 2026–2027 school calendar releases in spring 2026. Confirm specific dates then.

How Do NYC Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. Parade days and the marathon create delivery delays and access issues.

Staff accordingly. Build coverage plans around these dates.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices and courts; Election Day closes schools; major parades and the marathon disrupt transit and street access. Lunar New Year and Diwali add two school closures most employers overlook.

Use this list to build shift schedules, approve time-off requests, and avoid staffing gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are banks and post offices open on NYC holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. They remain open on state holidays like Election Day and school holidays like Lunar New Year and Diwali. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is the NYC subway running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

Yes. The NYC subway runs 24/7 including Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25), but with reduced holiday schedules. Expect longer wait times and fewer express trains.

How long are streets closed for the NYC Marathon?

Streets close for 6–8 hours on November 1, 2026. The route spans all five boroughs. Plan for no vehicle access across marathon crossings from early morning until mid-afternoon.

Do private employers have to give time off for Lunar New Year or Diwali?

No. Lunar New Year and Diwali are NYC public school holidays, not government or private-sector holidays. Private employers are not required to close, but many offer floating holidays or flexible time off.