Public Holidays and Observances in Washington State 2026

Washington State observes 10 federal holidays in 2026 (not Columbus Day) plus Native American Heritage Day. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Washington State 2026?

Note: Washington State does not observe Columbus Day as a state holiday. Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and will be observed on Friday, July 3.

What Are the State Holidays in Washington 2026?

Washington State replaced the day after Thanksgiving holiday with Native American Heritage Day to recognize the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

What Are the Major Observances in Washington State?

When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Washington State?

Government offices close on all federal holidays (except Columbus Day) and Native American Heritage Day. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.

School districts across Washington set their own calendars. Most districts observe:

• Winter Break: Late December through early January
• Mid-Winter Break: One week in February (often aligned with Presidents’ Day)
• Spring Break: One week in March or April
• Native American Heritage Day: November 27 (schools closed)

Check your local school district calendar for specific dates. Major districts include Seattle Public Schools, Tacoma Public Schools, and Spokane Public Schools.

Banks close on federal holidays, including Columbus Day (which is still a federal holiday even though Washington State doesn’t observe it).

Private businesses set their own schedules. Many businesses in the Seattle area follow the state holiday schedule. Retail and hospitality businesses may offer premium pay or holiday pay for holiday work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Washington State observe Native American Heritage Day instead of Columbus Day?

Washington chose to honor Indigenous peoples by observing Native American Heritage Day on the day after Thanksgiving rather than Columbus Day. This reflects the state’s significant Native American population and history. State offices remain open on the second Monday of October (when federal offices close for Columbus Day), but close on Native American Heritage Day (November 27, 2026).

Do Seattle tech companies follow Washington state holidays?

Most Seattle-area tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google follow federal holidays plus company-specific days off. Many observe the day after Thanksgiving and offer additional floating holidays. Holiday policies vary significantly—some companies close for a full week between Christmas and New Year’s.

How many paid holidays do Washington state employees receive?

Washington state employees receive 11 paid holidays plus one personal holiday they can take any time during the calendar year with supervisor approval. Part-time employees receive pro-rated holiday pay based on their scheduled hours.

Do Boeing plants in Washington close on state holidays?

Boeing facilities follow a mix of federal holidays and company-determined shutdowns. Major closures typically occur during Thanksgiving week and the winter holiday period (Christmas through New Year’s). Specific schedules depend on union contracts, production demands, and whether the facility is unionized.

Summary

Washington State observes 10 federal holidays (not Columbus Day) plus Native American Heritage Day in 2026. The state recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day and celebrates Native American Heritage Day the day after Thanksgiving. 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.

Sources

• Washington Department of Revenue – State Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays