Public Holidays and Observances in Texas 2026
Texas holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, Texas state holidays like Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day, plus dates and office closures.
Texas observes 10 federal holidays in 2026 (not Columbus Day) plus several state-specific holidays and optional holidays. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Texas 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: Texas does not observe Columbus Day as a state holiday, though federal employees receive the day off. Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and will be observed on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Texas 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Independence Day | March 2 | Monday | Commemorates Texas’s declaration of independence |
| San Jacinto Day | April 21 | Tuesday | Honors the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 |
| Emancipation Day | June 19 | Friday | Texas origin of Juneteenth, now a federal holiday |
| LBJ Day | August 27 | Thursday | Honors President Lyndon Baines Johnson |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day are uniquely Texan holidays that commemorate the state’s history as an independent republic.
What Are the Optional State Holidays in Texas?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confederate Heroes Day | January 19 | Monday | Optional holiday; most agencies do not observe |
| Cesar Chavez Day | March 31 | Tuesday | Honors the civil rights and labor leader |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Optional; many schools and courts closed |
| Rosh Hashanah | September 12 | Saturday | Optional for state employees |
| Yom Kippur | September 21 | Monday | Optional for state employees |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday | Partial day holiday for state employees |
| Day After Christmas | December 26 | Saturday | Optional holiday |
Optional holidays allow state employees to take time off at their agency’s discretion.
What Are the Major Observances in Texas?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Arbor Day | First Friday in November | Celebrates tree planting; no closures |
| Fiesta San Antonio | April 16–26 | Major festival; expect event-related schedule impacts |
| Houston Livestock Show | Late February–March | Large event; may affect staffing in Houston area |
| State Fair of Texas | Late September–October | Dallas area event; plan for increased traffic |
| Juneteenth Celebrations | June 19 | Statewide events honoring Texas’s emancipation history |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Texas?
Government offices close on federal holidays and state holidays. State agencies may close on optional holidays at their discretion. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Texas set their own calendars. Major districts like Houston ISD, Dallas ISD, and Austin ISD typically close for:
- Winter Break: Late December through early January
- Spring Break: One week in March (dates vary by district)
- Good Friday: Many districts close
- Texas state holidays: Some districts observe Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like Texas Independence Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Retail and hospitality businesses typically stay open on holidays, often offering premium pay or holiday pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many paid holidays do Texas state employees receive?
Texas state employees receive 10 official paid holidays plus several optional holidays. The state also designates skeleton crew holidays (like Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day) where agencies maintain minimal staffing and employees who work receive compensatory time.
What is the difference between skeleton crew and optional holidays in Texas?
Skeleton crew holidays require agencies to maintain minimal staffing—employees who work these days earn comp time. Optional holidays (Good Friday, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Cesar Chavez Day) allow employees to take time off at their agency’s discretion without affecting office operations.
Do oil and gas companies in Texas close on state holidays?
Most Texas energy operations run 24/7 regardless of holidays. Refineries, drilling operations, and pipeline facilities maintain continuous staffing. Employees working holidays typically receive premium pay or compensatory time based on company policy and union agreements.
What is San Jacinto Day in Texas?
San Jacinto Day (April 21) commemorates the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto—the decisive 18-minute battle where Texas won independence from Mexico. It’s a skeleton crew holiday, meaning state offices stay partially open while most employees get the day off.
Summary
Texas observes 10 federal holidays (not Columbus Day) plus unique state holidays in 2026, including Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, and Emancipation Day. The state also offers several optional holidays. 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.
