Public Holidays and Observances in Delaware 2026
Delaware holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Good Friday and Return Day, plus office closures.
Delaware observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 plus Good Friday, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. As the corporate home to more than half of U.S. public companies, Delaware’s banking and financial services sector follows federal holidays closely, while pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing facilities maintain continuous operations.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Delaware 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 observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Delaware 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Official state holiday; state offices closed |
| Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | Official state holiday; state offices closed |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | Official state holiday; state offices closed |
Delaware is one of few states that observes Good Friday and Election Day as official state holidays with government closures.
What Are the Major Observances in Delaware?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Day | December 7 | Celebrates first state to ratify Constitution |
| Return Day | November 5 | Unique Sussex County tradition; local closures |
| Separation Day | June 15 | Commemorates separation from Pennsylvania |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Delaware?
Government offices close on all state holidays, including Good Friday, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Delaware set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for state holidays plus:
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026 (most schools)
- Winter Break: Typically December 23 – January 2
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often mid-April
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but may remain open on state-only holidays like Good Friday.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Wilmington’s banking and credit card processing centers (home to major banks including Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America operations) follow federal banking holidays. Pharmaceutical manufacturing at sites like AstraZeneca and DuPont runs continuous shift operations. Beach resort towns along the coast hire seasonal staff for summer tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday a state holiday in Delaware?
Yes, Good Friday is an official state holiday in Delaware. State offices close on April 3, 2026. Delaware is one of a handful of states that recognizes Good Friday as a full state holiday.
What is Return Day in Delaware?
Return Day is a unique Delaware tradition held two days after Election Day in Georgetown, Sussex County. Dating back to colonial times, it celebrates the announcement of election results. In 2026, Return Day falls on November 5. Local businesses may close.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday in Delaware?
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in Delaware. State offices close on Friday, November 27, 2026.
When is Independence Day observed in Delaware 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Delaware observes 14 state holidays in 2026, including all federal holidays plus Good Friday, Election Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. The state also celebrates Delaware Day on December 7, marking its distinction as the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. 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 financial services and manufacturing scheduling, see our guides on Pitman schedules, call-off procedures, and contract staffing.
