Public Holidays and Observances in Utah 2026
Utah holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, Utah state holidays including Pioneer Day, plus dates and office closures for workforce planning.
Utah observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus Pioneer Day, the state’s signature holiday. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Utah 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. State offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Utah 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Day | July 24 | Friday | Commemorates Mormon pioneers’ arrival in Salt Lake Valley |
Pioneer Day is Utah’s most celebrated state holiday, marked by parades, fireworks, and community events throughout the state.
What Are the Major Observances in Utah?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Statehood Day | January 4 | Celebrates Utah becoming a state in 1896; no closures |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Celebrates tree planting; no closures |
| Days of ‘47 Rodeo | Mid-July | Major Salt Lake City event leading up to Pioneer Day |
| Pioneer Day Celebrations | July 24 | Statewide parades and fireworks |
| Sundance Film Festival | Late January | Park City event; may affect local staffing |
| Utah State Fair | September | Salt Lake City event |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Utah?
Government offices close on all federal holidays and Pioneer Day. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Utah set their own calendars. Most districts observe:
- Winter Break: Late December through early January
- Spring Break: One week in March or April (dates vary by district)
- Pioneer Day: July 24 (during summer break)
- Fall Break: Some districts have a fall break in October
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates. Major districts include Granite School District, Davis School District, and Jordan School District.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on Pioneer Day, as it is not a federal holiday.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Many Utah businesses close on Pioneer Day, especially in the Salt Lake City area. Retail and hospitality businesses may offer premium pay or holiday pay for holiday work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pioneer Day and why is it unique to Utah?
Pioneer Day (July 24) commemorates the 1847 arrival of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. It’s Utah’s most celebrated state holiday—parades, rodeos, and fireworks rival July 4th festivities. The “Days of ‘47” celebration in Salt Lake City is one of the nation’s largest parades. In 2026, Pioneer Day falls on Friday, creating a long weekend.
Do Utah ski resorts close on holidays?
No, Utah ski resorts operate throughout the winter holiday season—it’s their busiest and most profitable time. Park City, Snowbird, Alta, and other resorts maintain full staffing from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Employees typically receive premium pay for working these peak periods.
How many paid holidays do Utah state employees receive?
Utah state employees receive 12 paid holidays: the 11 federal holidays plus Pioneer Day. Employees also earn one Personal Preference Day annually, which they can schedule with supervisor approval.
Do private employers in Utah have to give Pioneer Day off?
No, Utah law doesn’t require private employers to observe Pioneer Day or provide paid time off. However, many businesses close voluntarily, especially along the Wasatch Front where community celebrations draw large crowds. Tech companies in Silicon Slopes typically follow federal holidays but often close for Pioneer Day to honor the local tradition.
Summary
Utah observes all 11 federal holidays plus Pioneer Day in 2026. Pioneer Day (July 24) is the state’s most distinctive holiday, celebrated with major events throughout Utah. 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.
