In 2026, Virginia will observe a slate of official holidays that reflect the Commonwealth’s history and values and that also shape work schedules, school closures, and public services. Below you’ll find every Virginia state holiday for 2026, including special “additional time off” hours that the Commonwealth grants around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Make the most of these built in breaks to rest, celebrate, and recharge.
Virginia State Official Holidays 2026
Thursday, Jan 01, 2026 — New Year’s Day.
Monday, Jan 19, 2026 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Monday, Feb 16, 2026 — George Washington Day.
Monday, May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day.
Friday, Jun 19, 2026 — Juneteenth.
Friday, Jul 03, 2026 — Independence Day (observed).
Saturday, Jul 04, 2026 — Independence Day (actual).
Monday, Sep 07, 2026 — Labor Day.
Monday, Oct 12, 2026 — Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day.
Tuesday, Nov 03, 2026 — Election Day.
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 — Veterans Day.
Wednesday, Nov 25, 2026 — 4 hours additional holiday time (Thanksgiving Eve).
Thursday, Nov 26, 2026 — Thanksgiving Day.
Friday, Nov 27, 2026 — Day After Thanksgiving.
Thursday, Dec 24, 2026 — 8 hours additional holiday time (Christmas Eve).
Friday, Dec 25, 2026 — Christmas Day.
Notes:
• “Observed” means state offices close on Friday, July 3, since Independence Day falls on a Saturday in 2026.
• “Additional holiday time” (4 or 8 hours) is granted by the Commonwealth around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Agencies may vary employees should confirm with their HR office.
These holidays are widely observed by Virginia public sector employers and often by private employers as well (policies vary by company). They provide time for rest, family, and community helping employees maintain a healthier work life balance.
Virginia’s approach to official holidays
Virginia’s calendar blends federal observances with state specific history. Two notable updates in recent years shape the 2026 schedule:
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Election Day is a Virginia state holiday, reflecting the Commonwealth’s focus on civic participation. Virginia HRM
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Lee-Jackson Day was eliminated in 2020 and replaced by Election Day; it is no longer observed.
Holidays like Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day speak to Virginia’s Revolutionary War heritage, while observances such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth acknowledge the broader American journey toward equality and freedom. Together, these dates honor the past and foster shared community time in the present.