Public Holidays and Observances in New York 2026
New York holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, NY state holidays like Lincoln's Birthday and Election Day, plus dates and office closures.
New York follows all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus several state-specific holidays. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.
What Are the Federal Holidays in New York 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 |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Federal and state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in New York 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 | Thursday | Honors President Abraham Lincoln’s birth |
| Susan B. Anthony Day | February 15 | Sunday | Commemorates the women’s suffrage leader |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Sunday | Honors the adoption of the United States flag |
| Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | State holiday for voting in general elections |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
New York is one of the few states that marks Lincoln’s Birthday separately from Presidents’ Day.
What Are the Major Observances in New York?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar New Year | February 17 | NYC schools closed; plan for reduced staff availability |
| St. Patrick’s Day | March 17 | Major NYC parade; expect Midtown traffic delays |
| Good Friday | April 3 | NYC schools closed; some businesses on reduced hours |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | No closures; state observance only |
| Puerto Rican Day | Second Sunday in June | Large NYC parade; Fifth Avenue closures affect transit |
| Patriot Day | September 11 | NYC memorial events; no official closures |
| Evacuation Day | November 25 | NYC observance only; no business impact |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in New York State?
Government offices close on federal holidays and major state holidays, including Lincoln’s Birthday and Election Day. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across New York State set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. NYC public schools follow an expanded calendar with additional closures:
- Mid-Winter Recess: February 16–20, 2026 (includes Presidents’ Day and Lunar New Year)
- Eid al-Fitr: March 20, 2026 (schools closed)
- Spring Recess: April 2–10, 2026 (includes Good Friday and Easter)
- Diwali: November 8, 2026 (schools closed)
Check the NYC DOE calendar for the complete schedule.
Banks close on federal holidays but stay open on state-only holidays like Lincoln’s Birthday.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Most retail and hospitality businesses stay open on holidays, often offering premium pay or holiday pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday a holiday in New York?
Good Friday is not an official state holiday in New York. However, NYC public schools close, and many businesses operate on reduced hours. Good Friday falls on April 3, 2026.
Is Election Day a paid holiday for NY state employees?
Yes, Election Day is an official paid holiday for New York state employees during general election years. Private employers are not required to provide paid time off but must allow employees time off to vote.
Are NYC schools closed on Lunar New Year?
Yes, NYC public schools close for Lunar New Year. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17 (Tuesday).
Are NYC schools closed on Juneteenth?
Yes, Juneteenth (June 19) is a federal holiday and NYC public schools are closed. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on a Friday.
When is Independence Day observed in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Federal and state offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
New York observes all 11 federal holidays plus state holidays in 2026, including Lincoln’s Birthday and Election Day. School and business closures vary by district and industry. Use this guide to plan staffing, approve time-off requests, and manage schedules around key dates.
For more on holiday scheduling, see our US Federal Holidays guide, floating holiday policies, and time off request best practices.
