New York State Holidays Calendar: Dates, Meanings & How to Celebrate

New York's Unique State Holidays and Celebrations

Each year, the State of New York designates several official state holidays that are recognized across government institutions, schools, and many private businesses.

These holidays play a key role in shaping work schedules, business operations, and public services throughout the year. For public sector employees, state holidays generally mean a paid day off, as government offices, courts, and public schools close in observance.

Essential services such as police, fire departments, and hospitals, however, remain operational. In the private sector, the impact can vary depending on the employer.

While many companies follow the state holiday calendar and offer employees a day off or holiday pay, others may continue regular operations based on business needs.

Understanding which holidays are officially recognized helps both employers and employees plan ahead, ensuring business continuity and compliance with labor laws. Below, we will outline the key state holidays in New York and how they typically influence workplace practices in both the public and private sectors.

Lincoln's Birthday, Federal Holidays in New York

Abraham Lincoln’s birthday

In some U.S. states, February 12 is Lincoln's Birthday, which is a legal holiday.

Abraham Lincoln's birthday is a state holiday in Illinois, New York, California, and New York, and it always falls on February 12th, no matter what day of the week it is.

Lincoln was born in LaRue County, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809.

In 1860, he was elected as the 16th president of the United States. He was president during the American Civil War and signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law in 1863.

John Wilkes Booth killed him while he was watching a play at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865, less than two weeks after the Confederates gave up.

On this day, wreaths are laid at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and at the site where he was born in Kentucky.

Some people disagree on when Lincoln's Birthday became a holiday for the first time. Some people tried to make it a legal holiday, but it never worked out because Lincoln's birthday was close to that of another famous president, George Washington, who was born on February 22nd and whose birthday was already a national holiday.

Washington's birthday is now officially known as Presidents' Day. This is done to honor both Washington and Lincoln, as well as the service that all Presidents have rendered to the United States of America.

Juneteenth, Federal Holidays in New York

National Independence Day, Juneteenth, is a federal holiday in the US. President Joe Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021.

On June 19, every year, 29 states, including New York and Washington, D.C., celebrate Juneteenth as a state holiday.

There will be a federal holiday and most state holidays on the next working weekday if June 19th falls on a weekend. July 16 is a state and public holiday in New Jersey, and it falls on the third Friday of June.

Every other state recognizes Juneteenth and has a formal event to mark the day, and most states have celebrations.

Juneteenth is a combination of the words "June" and "nineteenth." It is also known as "Emancipation Day," "Independence Day," and "Freedom Day." The name comes from combining the words "June" and "nineteenth." Juneteenth celebrates the date on June 19, 1865, when it was announced that slavery would end in Texas and that African-American slaves in the Confederate South would be freed.

Election Day, Federal Holidays in New York

Every even-numbered year, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, a number of states observe Election Day as a state holiday.

November 2nd is the earliest possible date for Election Day, while November 8th is the latest possible date.

The method by which each state selects its electors for the office of president and vice president is determined by that state, and the election takes place every four years in even-numbered years.

The United States Senate and House of Representatives are elected every two years.

This day might also see elections for other levels of state and municipal government.

This date in 1848 marked the beginning of the presidential election. The reasoning behind choosing a Tuesday as the election day is that many voters would have to travel more than one day to cast their ballots, which is inconvenient because they shouldn't have to travel on a Sunday.

The 1840s–1890s were the most popular years for voters, according to USA Today. It was common practice to organize celebrations and public gatherings on the day that Americans were given a day off from work. "Even children too young to vote were involved in these festivities, which got them in the practice of civic participation and instilled a sense that it was important and fun," the paper was told by Holly Jackson, an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts.

There has been an effort to make Election Day a national holiday in recent years due to dissatisfaction with the low voter turnout. Although several similar bills have been introduced in the past few years, none of them have yet to pass into law.

A holiday named Democracy Day was proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in November 2014 in response to a voter turnout of less than 40%; however, no action was taken on the matter during the 113th Congress.

Some have proposed combining Veterans Day with Election Day since they are both federal holidays that fall near to each other.

Full List of Federal Holidays in New York

New Year: 1 January.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday of January. In honour of Martin Luther King Jr who fought to defend racial equality.

President’s Day: Third Monday of February. Celebrated in honour of George Washington and all of United States’ Presidents.

Memorial Day: Last Monday of May. To remember the soldiers who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

Independence Day: 4 July. On July 4, 1776, 13 colonies became independent from British domination and formed the first States of the country.

Labor day: First Monday of September

Columbus Day: Second Monday of October. Remembers Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas on 12 October, 1492.

Veterans Day: 11 November. The anniversary of the signing of the armistice.

Thanksgiving Day: Last Thursday of November.

Christmas: 25 December.

In Conclusion

Beyond its well-known public holidays, New York feels like a city that celebrates every single day. With its vibrant energy, museums, shops, and attractions rarely follow strict closing hours, keeping the city alive year-round. Even on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, while many stores close, some still keep their doors open for last-minute shoppers and tourists.

In addition to federal holidays, New York also honors specific state holidays, including Lincoln’s Birthday, Election Day, and more. These unique observances add extra character to the city’s calendar, influencing everything from business operations to cultural events. Below, you’ll find a complete overview of New York’s official (bank) holidays to help you plan your visit or work schedule effectively.

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