Employees need long weekends to rest, recharge, and restore balance in their busy lives. These breaks reduce stress and burnout, allowing people to return to work more focused, energized, and productive. Long weekends also strengthen work life balance by giving employees more time for family, travel, and leisure.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the Texas long weekends in 2026 so you can plan ahead, take advantage of extra days off, and enjoy more quality time throughout the year.
2026 Long Weekends in Texas
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New Year’s Day: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Thursday, January 1, 2026
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Saturday, January 17 – Monday, January 19, 2026
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Confederate Heroes Day: Monday, January 19, 2026 (same day as MLK Day)
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Presidents’ Day: Saturday, February 14 – Monday, February 16, 2026
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Good Friday: Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 5, 2026
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Memorial Day: Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25, 2026
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Independence Day: Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
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Lyndon B. Johnson Day: Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30, 2026
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Labor Day: Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7, 2026
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Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (extendable with time off)
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Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, November 29, 2026
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Christmas Holiday: Thursday, December 24 – Sunday, December 27, 2026
2026 Texas Long Weekends in Detail
New Year’s Day: Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026
The new year begins midweek, and by taking Friday, January 2 off, you can enjoy a four-day long weekend. It’s a great time to unwind after the holidays, set resolutions, and spend time with loved ones.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan 17 – Jan 19, 2026
Observed on the third Monday in January, MLK Day (Jan 19) creates a three-day weekend starting Saturday, January 17. Texans honor Dr. King’s legacy through volunteer events, community gatherings, and reflection on equality and service.
Note: Confederate Heroes Day also falls on January 19, observed by some state employees.
Presidents’ Day: Feb 14 – Feb 16, 2026
Falling on the third Monday in February, Presidents’ Day (Feb 16) brings another three day weekend. It’s an ideal time for family road trips, outdoor activities, or simply recharging at home before spring arrives.
Good Friday: Apr 3 – Apr 5, 2026
While not a federal holiday, Good Friday is observed by many Texans, especially within religious organizations and schools. It falls on April 3, 2026, leading into a relaxing three day weekend when paired with Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Memorial Day: May 23 – May 25, 2026
Memorial Day (May 25) honors the men and women who died in military service. This federal holiday creates a three day weekend, often seen as the start of summer. Expect community parades, memorial ceremonies, and plenty of barbecues across Texas.
Independence Day: July 3 – July 5, 2026
In 2026, Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, but the federal observance is Friday, July 3, making for a three day weekend. Texans celebrate with fireworks, festivals, and family gatherings from Dallas and Austin to the Gulf Coast.
Lyndon B. Johnson Day: Aug 28 – Aug 30, 2026
Lyndon B. Johnson Day (Aug 27) honors the 36th U.S. President and Texas native. State employees often enjoy time off, and by taking Friday, August 28 off, many Texans can turn it into a three day weekend perfect for late summer relaxation or short trips.
Labor Day: Sep 5 – Sep 7, 2026
Labor Day (Sept 7) is celebrated on the first Monday of September, marking a three day weekend dedicated to America’s workforce. Texans use this time to enjoy outdoor activities, lake trips, and one last summer getaway before fall begins.
Veterans Day: Nov 11, 2026
Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday in 2026, but employees can create an extended weekend by taking Thursday and Friday off. It’s a special time to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces through parades, tributes, and community events across the state.
Thanksgiving Day: Nov 26 – Nov 29, 2026
Thanksgiving (Nov 26) brings one of the most cherished holidays of the year. By combining Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday (Nov 27), and the weekend, you get a four day break. Texans celebrate with family feasts, football, and gratitude for life’s blessings.
Christmas Holiday: Dec 24 – Dec 27, 2026
With Christmas Eve on Thursday, Dec 24, and Christmas Day on Friday, Dec 25, the holiday naturally extends through the weekend a four day long weekend. Expect festive lights, family gatherings, and plenty of Texas style Christmas cheer.
Conclusion
Texas long weekends in 2026 offer perfect opportunities to rest, travel, and reconnect whether that means a road trip to Big Bend, a beach escape to Galveston, or quality time with family at home.
Extended weekends not only boost morale and mental health but also support a more balanced and productive work life. To make the most of your time off, plan ahead and use helpful tools like the Day Off app to track holidays, schedule leave, and manage your PTO effortlessly.