Jacksonville Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

Jacksonville runs on two calendars: one for offices, one for the beach. Here’s what you need to know for 2026. For statewide holidays, see our Florida holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Jacksonville for 2026?

Independence Day falls on Saturday. Most city offices and federal agencies will close Friday, July 3 instead.

City offices, courts, and most government services close on all dates above. Many private employers follow the same schedule.

What State Holidays Does Florida Observe?

Florida observes the day after Thanksgiving as an official state holiday. State offices close on Friday, November 27, 2026.

Florida does not observe Columbus Day as a state holiday. State offices remain open, though federal offices close.

What Local Events Affect Jacksonville Schedules in 2026?

Specific 2026 dates for major events are typically announced in late 2025 or early 2026. Check official event websites for confirmed schedules.

• Downtown street closures, Memorial Day weekend – Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May) closes streets around Metro Park. Expect heavy foot traffic, parking shortages, and increased hospitality demand.
• Ponte Vedra traffic for a week – THE PLAYERS Championship (March) at TPC Sawgrass draws large crowds. Expect heavy traffic on A1A and in the Ponte Vedra area.
• Stadium area congestion – Jaguars home games create heavy traffic around TIAA Bank Field. Sunday games and Thursday Night Football compound with holiday schedules.
• Downtown and Riverside events – Jacksonville Light Parade (November) closes downtown streets for the holiday boat parade. Expect evening traffic disruption.
• Beach traffic – Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends create heavy traffic to Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach.

When Do Jacksonville Government Offices Close?

City and Duval County offices shut down on federal holidays. The Friday after Thanksgiving is off. Expect early closures on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

When Are Duval County Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Duval County Public Schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

• All federal holidays
• Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (March)
• Teacher planning days (dates vary)

The official 2026–2027 DCPS calendar releases in early 2026. Confirm specific dates then.

How Do Jacksonville Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Beach businesses run opposite schedules from offices—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are your busiest days, not days off. THE PLAYERS in March floods Ponte Vedra with golf money. Downtown clears out on federal holidays but packs during Jazz Fest.

Summary

Think of Jacksonville as two cities: the beaches peak when offices close, and downtown peaks during events. THE PLAYERS (March) and Jazz Fest (Memorial Day weekend) need advance planning. Federal holidays empty government buildings but fill the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jacksonville Beach businesses open on holidays?

Most stay open—beach areas see peak traffic on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Restaurants and retail typically extend hours, not close. If you run a beach business, staff up for holiday weekends; they’re your busiest days.

How does THE PLAYERS Championship affect Jacksonville staffing?

THE PLAYERS runs for a week in March at TPC Sawgrass. Hotels from downtown to St. Augustine sell out. If your business serves Ponte Vedra or the Beaches, expect 30-40% higher demand. Transportation and hospitality workers often request time off to work the tournament instead.

Do Jaguars games affect Sunday staffing in Jacksonville?

Yes. Home games create traffic jams around TIAA Bank Field for 3-4 hours. Staff who commute through downtown may arrive late. For businesses near the stadium, game days mean higher foot traffic but parking headaches. Schedule accordingly from September through January.

Is the day after Thanksgiving a paid holiday in Florida?

For state employees, yes. For private employers, it’s optional—but most office-based businesses close. Retail and hospitality stay open for Black Friday. Plan for skeleton crews in offices and full staffing in customer-facing roles.

Related Guides

• Florida Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Charlotte Holidays 2026 – Nearby Southeast metro holiday schedules
• Georgia Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule

Sources

• City of Jacksonville – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Duval County Public Schools – School Calendar