Public Holidays and Observances in Ohio 2026

Ohio observes all federal holidays and celebrates Rosa Parks Day on December 1. The state also has unique Election Day provisions requiring employers to provide voting time. From Cleveland’s manufacturing sector to Columbus’s tech hub, here’s what 2026 holds.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Ohio 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 Ohio 2026?

Many Ohio state agencies observe the day after Thanksgiving in place of Columbus Day, giving employees Friday off for a four-day weekend.

What Are the Major Observances in Ohio?

When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Ohio?

Government offices close on federal holidays. State agencies may observe the day after Thanksgiving in place of Columbus Day. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday—Saturday holidays are observed on Friday, Sunday holidays on Monday.

Election Day has special provisions in Ohio. Election Day is a legal holiday between 12 noon and 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Employers must provide reasonable time off to vote during these hours if requested.

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

• Winter Break: Typically late December through early January
• Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026
• Spring Break: Dates vary by district, often in March or April

Check your local school district or the Ohio Department of Education for specific dates.

Banks close on federal holidays including Columbus Day.

Private businesses in Ohio vary by industry. Manufacturing in Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo often runs continuous shifts with shift differential pay for holiday workers. Healthcare facilities operate 24/7 with mandatory overtime policies. Retail and hospitality remain open on most holidays, often offering premium pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rosa Parks Day in Ohio?

Rosa Parks Day is celebrated in Ohio on December 1 each year, commemorating the civil rights icon who refused to give up her bus seat in 1955. It is a state observance but not a paid holiday for most workers.

What are Ohio employer voting time requirements on Election Day?

Ohio law designates Election Day (November 3, 2026) as a legal holiday between 12 noon and 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Employers must provide reasonable time off to vote during these hours if an employee requests it.

Do Cleveland manufacturing plants close on holidays?

Many Cleveland-area manufacturing plants operate through holidays with reduced crews or skeleton shifts. Workers typically receive premium pay (time-and-a-half or double time) for holiday work, with full crews returning after major holidays.

How do Columbus tech companies handle holiday time off?

Tech companies in Columbus often provide more generous holiday schedules than state minimums, including extended winter breaks. Many offer flexible PTO policies that let employees choose additional days around federal holidays.

Are Ohio hospitals open on Christmas Day?

Yes, Ohio hospitals operate 24/7 including Christmas Day. Healthcare workers typically receive holiday premium pay and may get a floating holiday to use later. Emergency services and critical care remain fully staffed.

Summary

Ohio observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 and celebrates Rosa Parks Day on December 1. Many state agencies also observe the day after Thanksgiving. Plan staffing around Election Day voting time requirements and the Thanksgiving weekend, especially for manufacturing and healthcare operations.

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

Sources

• Ohio State University Office of Human Resources – Holiday Calendar
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Ohio Department of Education