Public Holidays and Observances in Massachusetts 2026
Massachusetts holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, MA state holidays like Patriots' Day and Evacuation Day, plus dates and office closures.
From the Boston Marathon on Patriots’ Day to Evacuation Day celebrations in Suffolk County, Massachusetts has a holiday calendar shaped by Revolutionary War history. The Bay State observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 alongside unique state holidays that most other states don’t recognize. Here’s what employers and employees need to know.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Massachusetts in 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 |
Since Independence Day lands on Saturday, July 4, 2026, state offices will close the preceding Friday (July 3).
What Are the State Holidays in Massachusetts in 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patriots’ Day | April 20 | Monday | Commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord (1775) |
| Evacuation Day | March 17 | Tuesday | Suffolk County only; marks British departure from Boston |
| Bunker Hill Day | June 17 | Wednesday | Suffolk County only; honors the Battle of Bunker Hill |
Massachusetts shares Patriots’ Day with Maine—no other states observe this holiday. Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day apply only to Suffolk County (Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop).
What Are the Major Observances in Massachusetts?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day | March 17 | South Boston parade; coincides with Evacuation Day |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Schools closed; some businesses on reduced hours |
| Boston Marathon | April 20 | Held on Patriots’ Day; expect transit and road closures |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | No closures; state observance only |
| Election Day | November 3 | Not a state holiday; employers must allow voting time |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Massachusetts?
State and local government: Offices close for federal holidays plus Patriots’ Day statewide. In Suffolk County, expect additional closures on Evacuation Day (March 17) and Bunker Hill Day (June 17). When a holiday falls on a weekend, the state shifts observance to the nearest weekday.
Public schools: Each district sets its own calendar. Boston Public Schools typically close for:
- Winter break (late December through early January)
- MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and Patriots’ Day
- Good Friday and spring recess in April
The Boston Public Schools calendar has exact 2025–2026 dates. Districts outside Boston may differ—check with your local school system.
Financial institutions: Banks follow the federal holiday schedule. State-only holidays like Patriots’ Day don’t affect bank operations.
Retail and hospitality: Most businesses remain open on holidays. Employees working these days often qualify for premium pay or holiday pay depending on company policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts?
Patriots’ Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts observed on the third Monday of April. It commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. The Boston Marathon is held on this day. In 2026, Patriots’ Day falls on April 20.
Is Evacuation Day a holiday in Boston?
Yes, Evacuation Day (March 17) is a legal holiday in Suffolk County, which includes Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. It commemorates the day British troops evacuated Boston in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. In 2026, Evacuation Day falls on Tuesday, March 17.
Are Massachusetts schools closed on Good Friday?
Good Friday is not an official state holiday in Massachusetts. However, most public schools close for Good Friday as part of spring recess. In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3.
When is Independence Day observed in Massachusetts in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Massachusetts state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Does Massachusetts observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Massachusetts officially observes Columbus Day as a state holiday on the second Monday of October. Some municipalities, including Boston, also recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date. In 2026, Columbus Day falls on October 12.
How Should Employers Plan for Massachusetts Holidays?
Massachusetts workers enjoy 11 federal holidays plus Patriots’ Day, with Suffolk County residents getting two additional days off. The Boston Marathon on Patriots’ Day creates significant traffic and transit impacts, so plan staffing accordingly if your business operates in the Greater Boston area.
Need help managing time-off requests around these dates? Check out our guides on federal holidays, floating holidays, and time-off request best practices.
