Public Holidays and Observances in Vermont 2026
Vermont holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, Vermont state holidays including Town Meeting Day and Bennington Battle Day, plus dates and office closures.
Vermont observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus unique state holidays including Town Meeting Day and Bennington Battle Day. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Vermont 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 |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Vermont observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and will be observed on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Vermont 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Town Meeting Day | March 3 | Tuesday | Annual local government meetings and elections |
| Bennington Battle Day | August 16 | Sunday | Commemorates the 1777 Revolutionary War battle |
Town Meeting Day is a uniquely Vermont tradition that reflects the state’s commitment to direct democracy and local governance.
What Are the Major Observances in Vermont?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Day | March 4 | Celebrates Vermont’s admission to the Union; no closures |
| Arbor Day | First Friday in May | Celebrates tree planting; no closures |
| Green Mountain Day | First Friday in August | State observance; no closures |
| Fall Foliage Season | Late September–October | Peak tourism period; plan for increased traffic |
| Vermont Maple Festival | April | Major event in St. Albans area |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Vermont?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, Town Meeting Day, and Bennington Battle Day. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday. When Bennington Battle Day falls on Sunday (as it does in 2026), it is observed on Monday, August 17.
School districts across Vermont set their own calendars. Most districts observe:
- Winter Break: Late December through early January
- February Break: One week in February (often aligned with Presidents’ Day)
- Town Meeting Day: March 3 (schools closed)
- Spring Break: One week in April
- Bennington Battle Day: During summer break
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like Town Meeting Day and Bennington Battle Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Many Vermont businesses close on Town Meeting Day to allow employees to participate in local government. Retail and hospitality businesses may offer premium pay or holiday pay for holiday work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Vermont have Town Meeting Day as a state holiday?
Town Meeting Day is all about local democracy. On the first Tuesday of March, residents gather in town halls and school gyms to debate and vote on local budgets, school spending, and community issues. Making it a state holiday means working people can actually show up and participate. In 2026, Town Meeting Day falls on March 3.
When did Vermont replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Vermont officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019 through legislative action (Act 18), becoming one of the first states to make the change permanent rather than through annual proclamations. The holiday honors the Indigenous peoples who have lived in Vermont for thousands of years.
What is Bennington Battle Day and why does Vermont celebrate it?
Bennington Battle Day (August 16) commemorates the 1777 Battle of Bennington—a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Vermont militia, led by General John Stark, helped defeat British forces attempting to seize supplies. The victory contributed to the British defeat at Saratoga. In 2026, it falls on Sunday and is observed Monday, August 17.
Do Vermont businesses close on Town Meeting Day?
Many Vermont businesses close or reduce hours on Town Meeting Day so employees can attend their local meetings. Ski resorts remain open since March is still ski season, but local shops, restaurants, and offices in town centers often close. Participating is seen as part of being a good Vermonter.
Summary
Vermont observes all 11 federal holidays plus unique state holidays in 2026, including Town Meeting Day and Bennington Battle Day. The state also celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus 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.
