Public Holidays and Observances in Tennessee 2026
Tennessee holidays 2026: full list including Good Friday and the day after Thanksgiving. See dates, office closures, and school schedules.
Tennessee observes Good Friday as a state holiday and replaces Columbus Day with the Friday after Thanksgiving. From Nashville’s entertainment industry to Memphis’s logistics hub, here’s what 2026 holds for the Volunteer State.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Tennessee 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 |
| 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. Tennessee does not observe Columbus Day.
What Are the State Holidays in Tennessee 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | State offices closed; religious observance |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | Replaces Columbus Day in state calendar |
Tennessee is one of the states that observes Good Friday as an official paid holiday for state employees. The Friday after Thanksgiving replaces Columbus Day, giving employees a four-day Thanksgiving weekend.
What Are the Major Observances in Tennessee?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Statehood Day | June 1 | Tennessee became 16th state in 1796; no closures |
| Elvis Week | August | Memphis celebration; major tourism event |
| CMA Fest | June | Nashville music festival; affects downtown traffic |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Tennessee?
Government offices close on all federal holidays (except Columbus Day) plus Good Friday and the day after Thanksgiving. When a holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed. When it falls on Sunday, the following Monday is observed.
School districts across Tennessee set their own calendars. Common closures include:
- Winter Break: Typically late December through early January
- Good Friday/Easter: April 3, 2026
- Spring Break: Dates vary by district, often in March or April
Check your local school district or the Tennessee Department of Education for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays including Columbus Day, even though Tennessee state offices remain open on that day.
Private businesses in Tennessee vary by industry. Nashville’s entertainment and hospitality sector operates through holidays, often with premium pay for holiday workers. Memphis logistics and distribution (FedEx headquarters) may have modified schedules. Healthcare in Nashville operates 24/7 with shift differential pay. Automotive manufacturing in Middle Tennessee follows standard holiday schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tennessee observe Good Friday instead of Columbus Day?
Tennessee replaced Columbus Day with the Friday after Thanksgiving in its state holiday calendar. The state also observes Good Friday (April 3, 2026) as a paid holiday, reflecting regional traditions.
Do Nashville entertainment venues close on holidays?
Most Nashville entertainment venues, honky-tonks, and music halls remain open on holidays—often with special events. The tourism and hospitality industry operates year-round with premium pay for holiday workers.
How does FedEx handle holidays in Memphis?
FedEx, headquartered in Memphis, operates modified schedules on major holidays. Package sorting and delivery may continue with reduced service, and workers typically receive holiday premium pay.
Are Tennessee hospitals open on Good Friday?
Yes, Tennessee hospitals and healthcare facilities operate 24/7 including Good Friday. Healthcare workers receive holiday premium pay or a floating day off to use later.
What holidays affect Nashville tourism staffing?
Major events like CMA Fest (June), July 4th celebrations, and New Year’s Eve require full tourism staffing in Nashville. Hotels and entertainment venues typically offer premium pay during these peak periods.
Summary
Tennessee observes all federal holidays except Columbus Day in 2026, plus Good Friday (April 3) and the day after Thanksgiving (November 27). Plan staffing around the four-day Thanksgiving weekend and Good Friday closure, especially for state-facing operations and healthcare facilities.
Learn more about US Federal Holidays, floating holiday implementation, and handling time off requests.
