California Public & National Holidays (2026)

California is a part of the United States, famous for its golden coast, and is the most populous state in the country. It is the only state to host both Summer and Winter Olympics. You can find the Hollywood entertainment industry in Los Angeles and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Public holidays in California are also observed by all other states. These federal or state holidays are considered paid day-offs for employees and are marked with celebrations and festivities.

When are public holidays in California?

What are the public holidays in California?

New Year’s Day
Celebrated every 1st of January, New Year’s Day commemorates the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This holiday is observed every 3rd Monday of January each year, in commemoration of the birthday of Martin Luther King. He was an advocate for the civil rights movement in the United States.

Presidents’ Day
This birthday is celebrated in commemoration of George Washington’s birthday on February 22, 1732. He is the first president of the United States. The holiday is celebrated every third Monday of February.

Cesar Chavez Day
This is a new holiday declared by former president Barrack Obama which is celebrated every March 31. Cesar Chavez was a civil rights and labor movement activist. It is a state holiday in California and other states.

Mother’s Day
Mother’s day is celebrated every 2nd Sunday in May to remember all mothers.

Memorial Day
A federal holiday in the United States, Memorial Day or Decoration Day remembers the members of the armed forces who died serving the country.

Father’s Day
The holiday celebrated every 16th Sunday of June remembers fathers all throughout the country.

Independence Day
The United States was declared independent on July 04, 1776, free from British rule. Independence Day holiday in the United States is held with parades, fairs, carnivals, reunions, fireworks, and baseball games.

Labor Day
A public holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day celebrates laborers’ and workers’ rights and contribution to the state.

Veterans Day
This holiday honors military veterans serving the United States Armed Forces every November 11.

Thanksgiving
A holiday celebrated every 4th Thursday of November, Thanksgiving Day is a day to thank God for blessings. This holiday is held before Black Friday.

Day after Thanksgiving
This holiday is celebrated after the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. Almost all employees in the US are also given a paid day off during this day.

Christmas Day
Christmas Day falls every December 25 of each year which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

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