Public Holidays and Observances in Pennsylvania 2026
Pennsylvania holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays plus Flag Day observance. See dates, office closures, and school schedules for the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania observes all federal holidays plus several optional observances including Flag Day. The Keystone State has special historical significance for Independence Day and Flag Day. From Philadelphia’s financial district to Pittsburgh’s tech hub, here’s what 2026 holds.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 2026?
Pennsylvania recognizes all federal holidays as state holidays. The state does not have additional mandatory state holidays beyond the federal calendar, but several optional observances are significant:
| Observance | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 | Thursday | Optional observance; honors 16th president |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Sunday | Optional observance; commemorates US flag adoption |
These optional holidays are not paid time off for state employees but hold cultural significance in Pennsylvania.
What Are the Major Observances in Pennsylvania?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flag Day | June 14 | First American flag sewn in Philadelphia by Betsy Ross |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Declaration signed in Philadelphia; major celebrations |
| Pennsylvania Day | December 12 | Commemorates 1787 ratification of US Constitution |
| Groundhog Day | February 2 | Punxsutawney Phil tradition; no closures |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Pennsylvania?
Government offices close on all federal holidays. If a holiday falls on Sunday, it is observed the following Monday. If it falls on Saturday, it is observed the preceding Friday.
School districts across Pennsylvania set their own calendars. Common closures include:
- Winter Break: Typically late December through early January
- Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026 (many districts close)
- Spring Break: Dates vary by district, often in March or April
Check your local school district or the Pennsylvania Department of Education for specific dates.
Banks close on all federal holidays.
Private businesses in Pennsylvania vary by industry. Philadelphia’s financial and healthcare sectors typically follow federal holiday schedules. Manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley and Pittsburgh area may run continuous shifts with shift differential pay for holiday workers. Retail and hospitality operate through holidays, especially during the busy Philadelphia tourism season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Flag Day significant in Pennsylvania?
Flag Day (June 14) holds special significance in Pennsylvania as the state where Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in Philadelphia in 1776. While not an official paid holiday, many Pennsylvania businesses and schools observe it.
What happens at Independence Hall on July 4th?
Independence Hall in Philadelphia hosts major celebrations on Independence Day weekend, including historical reenactments and public readings of the Declaration of Independence. In 2026, state offices observe July 4th on Friday, July 3.
Do Philadelphia banks close on state holidays?
Philadelphia banks close on federal holidays only. They remain open on Pennsylvania-specific observances like Flag Day and Lincoln’s Birthday since these are not federal banking holidays.
How do Lehigh Valley manufacturers handle holiday scheduling?
Manufacturing facilities in the Lehigh Valley often run continuous operations through holidays with skeleton crews. Workers receive premium pay for holiday shifts, with major shutdowns typically limited to Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.
When did Pennsylvania add Juneteenth as a state holiday?
Pennsylvania established Juneteenth as a paid state holiday under PA 2019 Act 9. State employees receive June 19 as a paid day off. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on a Friday.
Summary
Pennsylvania observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026. The state also recognizes optional observances like Flag Day and Lincoln’s Birthday that hold special significance given Pennsylvania’s role in American history. Plan staffing around Independence Day celebrations in Philadelphia and the Thanksgiving weekend.
Learn more about US Federal Holidays, floating holiday implementation, and handling time off requests.
