Public Holidays and Observances in Virginia 2026
Virginia holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, Virginia state holidays including Election Day, plus dates and office closures for workforce planning.
Virginia observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus Election Day as a state holiday. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Virginia 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 Virginia 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | State holiday for voting in general elections |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday | State offices close at noon or for the full day |
Virginia made Election Day a state holiday in 2020, replacing Lee-Jackson Day. This change reflects the state’s commitment to encouraging voter participation.
What Are the Major Observances in Virginia?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington Day | February 16 | Presidents’ Day; honors Virginia-born president |
| Virginia Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Celebrates tree planting; no closures |
| Confederate Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Observance only; not a state holiday |
| Virginia Independence Day | July 4 | Local celebrations and events throughout the state |
| Yorktown Victory Day | October 19 | Commemorates Revolutionary War victory; no closures |
| Apple Butter Festivals | October | Fall events throughout Shenandoah Valley |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Virginia?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. State offices also typically close early or fully on Christmas Eve. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Virginia set their own calendars. Most districts observe:
- Winter Break: Late December through early January
- Spring Break: One week in March or April
- Election Day: Many districts close to use schools as polling locations
- Fall Break: Some districts have a fall break in October
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates. Major districts include Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Loudoun County Public Schools.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like Election Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Northern Virginia businesses often follow the federal holiday schedule due to the large number of federal workers in the region. Retail and hospitality businesses may offer premium pay or holiday pay for holiday work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Virginia make Election Day a state holiday?
Virginia made Election Day a state holiday in 2020 to make it easier for people to vote. It replaced Lee-Jackson Day on the holiday calendar. Virginia is now one of the few states where Election Day is an official paid holiday for state employees. In 2026, Election Day falls on November 3.
Do federal contractors in Northern Virginia follow state or federal holidays?
Federal contractors typically follow federal holidays, not Virginia state holidays. The thousands of defense contractors and government agencies in the DC metro area usually observe the 11 federal holidays. Whether contractors get Election Day off depends on individual contract terms and company policy.
How many paid holidays do Virginia state employees receive?
Virginia state employees receive 13 paid holidays: the 11 federal holidays plus Election Day and the day after Thanksgiving. The Governor may also grant additional time off (typically 4-8 hours) around Thanksgiving and Christmas at their discretion.
Do Virginia state employees get Christmas Eve off?
Christmas Eve is not an automatic state holiday in Virginia. However, the Governor traditionally grants additional holiday time around Thanksgiving and Christmas each year—usually a half day before each holiday. This varies year to year based on the Governor’s proclamation.
Summary
Virginia observes all 11 federal holidays plus Election Day and the day after Thanksgiving in 2026. The state made Election Day an official holiday in 2020 to encourage voter participation. 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.
