Public Holidays and Observances in North Dakota 2026

North Dakota observes all federal holidays plus Good Friday as a state holiday. State offices also close at noon on Christmas Eve. From Fargo’s business district to the oil fields of the Bakken, here’s what 2026 holds.

What Are the Federal Holidays in North Dakota 2026?

Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Federal and state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.

What Are the State Holidays in North Dakota 2026?

North Dakota is one of the states that observes Good Friday as an official paid holiday for state employees. State offices also close at noon on Christmas Eve when it falls on Monday through Thursday.

What Are the Major Observances in North Dakota?

When Do Schools and Businesses Close in North Dakota?

Government offices close on all federal holidays plus Good Friday. State offices also close at noon on Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday—Saturday holidays are observed on Friday, Sunday holidays on Monday.

School districts across North Dakota set their own calendars. Common closures include:

• Winter Break: Typically late December through early January
• Good Friday/Easter: April 3, 2026
• Spring Break: Dates vary by district, often in March

Check your local school district or the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for specific dates.

Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like Good Friday since it’s not a federal banking holiday. Check with your specific branch.

Private businesses in North Dakota vary by industry. Energy sector operations in the Bakken oil region often run continuous shifts with shift differential pay for holiday workers. Agricultural businesses adjust schedules around planting and harvest seasons. Retail and hospitality in Fargo and Bismarck typically follow standard holiday schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Good Friday a state holiday in North Dakota?

Yes, Good Friday is an official state holiday in North Dakota. State offices close, and state employees receive paid time off. Good Friday falls on April 3, 2026.

What time do ND state offices close on Christmas Eve 2026?

North Dakota state offices close at noon on Christmas Eve 2026 (Thursday, December 24). This early closure applies when Christmas Eve falls on Monday through Thursday.

Do Bakken oil field workers get holidays off?

Oil and gas operations in the Bakken region typically run 24/7 year-round. Workers usually receive premium pay or compensatory time off for working holidays rather than the day itself off.

Are Fargo businesses open on Good Friday?

Most private businesses in Fargo remain open on Good Friday since it is a state holiday but not a federal one. Banks stay open, and retail operates normal hours. State offices and some schools close.

How do agricultural employers handle holidays in North Dakota?

Agricultural operations in North Dakota adjust schedules around planting (April–May) and harvest (September–October) seasons. During these periods, work often continues through holidays with compensatory time offered later.

Summary

North Dakota observes all 11 federal holidays plus Good Friday in 2026. State offices also close at noon on Christmas Eve. Plan staffing around the Good Friday closure and Christmas Eve early dismissal, especially for state-facing operations and businesses in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.

Learn more about US Federal Holidays, floating holiday implementation, and handling time off requests.

Sources

• North Dakota Secretary of State – State Office Holiday Closings
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• North Dakota Department of Public Instruction