Public Holidays and Observances in New Hampshire 2026

New Hampshire keeps its holiday calendar fairly simple—federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving. One notable distinction: the Granite State recognizes the third Monday of January as both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Civil Rights Day, a dual designation that reflects a broader commitment beyond any single figure. Here’s the complete 2026 breakdown.

What Are the Federal Holidays in New Hampshire in 2026?

Since July 4 falls on a Saturday in 2026, state offices close Friday, July 3 instead.

What Are the State Holidays in New Hampshire in 2026?

The day after Thanksgiving is the only state-specific addition to the federal calendar, giving state employees a four-day weekend.

What Are the Major Observances in New Hampshire?

When Do Schools and Businesses Close in New Hampshire?

State government: Full-time employees get paid holidays starting on day one of employment. Offices close for federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving.

Schools: Districts create their own calendars. Expect closures for MLK Day/Civil Rights Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving week. Spring break timing varies across the state.

Banks: Federal holiday schedule. The day after Thanksgiving doesn’t affect banking operations.

Private employers: New Hampshire imposes no holiday requirements. Whether businesses close—and whether employees get premium pay or holiday pay—is entirely at employer discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Hampshire observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Civil Rights Day?

New Hampshire observes the third Monday of January as both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Civil Rights Day. The dual designation reflects the state’s broader commitment to civil rights. In 2026, this holiday falls on Monday, January 19.

Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday in New Hampshire?

Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in New Hampshire. State offices close and employees receive paid time off. In 2026, the day after Thanksgiving falls on Friday, November 27.

When is Independence Day observed in New Hampshire in 2026?

Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. New Hampshire state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Do New Hampshire state employees get floating holidays?

Yes, some New Hampshire state employees may be eligible to accrue two or three floating holidays depending on the agency they work for. These can be used at the employee’s discretion.

Does New Hampshire observe Juneteenth as a state holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth (June 19) is recognized as a state holiday in New Hampshire. State offices close on this day. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19.

How Should Employers Plan for New Hampshire Holidays?

New Hampshire’s streamlined holiday calendar—federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving—makes scheduling relatively straightforward compared to states with multiple unique observances. The Civil Rights Day designation is worth noting for employee communications around the January holiday.

See our federal holidays guide for national dates, and explore floating holiday options or time-off request processes to build out your policies.

Sources

• New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services – State Holiday Schedule
• New Hampshire Supreme Court – 2026 Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays