Public Holidays and Observances in West Virginia 2026
West Virginia holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, West Virginia state holidays including West Virginia Day, plus dates and office closures.
West Virginia observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus West Virginia Day, the state’s signature holiday. Use this guide to plan staffing, schedules, and time-off requests.
What Are the Federal Holidays in West 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 West Virginia 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Day | June 20 | Saturday | Commemorates statehood in 1863; observed June 19 |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
West Virginia Day celebrates the state’s unique history as the only state formed by seceding from a Confederate state during the Civil War.
What Are the Optional State Holidays in West Virginia?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 | Thursday | Optional; honors President Abraham Lincoln |
| Susan B. Anthony Day | February 15 | Sunday | Commemorates the women’s suffrage leader |
Optional holidays may be observed at individual agency discretion.
What Are the Major Observances in West Virginia?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Statehood | June 20 | Main celebration of West Virginia Day |
| Arbor Day | Second Friday in April | Celebrates tree planting; no closures |
| Bridge Day | Third Saturday in October | Major New River Gorge event; local impacts |
| Mountain State Forest Festival | October | Elkins area event |
| West Virginia State Fair | August | Lewisburg event; may affect local staffing |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in West Virginia?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, West Virginia Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across West Virginia set their own calendars. Most districts observe:
- Winter Break: Late December through early January
- Spring Break: One week in March or April
- West Virginia Day: June 20 (during summer break)
- Election Day: Many schools close to serve as polling locations
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates. Major districts include Kanawha County Schools, Cabell County Schools, and Berkeley County Schools.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like West Virginia Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Many businesses in the Charleston area and throughout the state observe West Virginia Day. Retail and hospitality businesses may offer premium pay or holiday pay for holiday work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does West Virginia have 13 paid state holidays?
West Virginia offers 13 paid holidays—more than most states. This includes all 11 federal holidays plus West Virginia Day and the day after Thanksgiving. In 2026, West Virginia Day (June 20) is observed on Friday, June 19, which is also Juneteenth—so employees get 12 actual days off that year.
What is West Virginia Day and why is it significant?
West Virginia Day (June 20) commemorates the state’s admission to the Union in 1863—making it the only state formed by seceding from a Confederate state during the Civil War. In 2026, West Virginia Day falls on Saturday, so state employees observe it on Friday, June 19 (which is also Juneteenth).
Is Susan B. Anthony Day a holiday in West Virginia?
Election Day in even-numbered years (like 2026) is designated as Susan B. Anthony Day in West Virginia, honoring the women’s suffrage leader. While not an official paid holiday with office closures, it recognizes the importance of voting rights. Employers must allow reasonable time for employees to vote.
Do coal mines and chemical plants in West Virginia close on holidays?
Most industrial operations in West Virginia run continuously regardless of holidays. Coal mines, chemical plants, and natural gas facilities maintain staffing year-round. Employees working holidays typically receive premium pay (often time-and-a-half or double time) per union agreements and company policy.
Summary
West Virginia observes all 11 federal holidays plus West Virginia Day and the day after Thanksgiving in 2026. West Virginia Day (June 20) celebrates the state’s unique founding during the Civil War. 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.
