Holiday Information

State Holiday Calendar

Below is a list of all legal holidays observed in Massachusetts. State, county, and municipal offices are closed on these days. Holidays falling on Sunday are observed on Monday. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday. Federal offices are only closed on federally-recognized holidays. The term “federal holiday” is not applicable to individual states and the private sector, because each state has jurisdiction over its holidays.

January

New Year’s Day - January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Third Monday in January

February

Washington’s Birthday - Third Monday in February

April

Patriots’ Day - Third Monday in April   (Massachusetts Only)

May

Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

June

Juneteenth Independence Day - June 19

July

Independence Day - July 4

September

Labor Day - First Monday in September

October

Columbus Day - Second Monday in October

November

Veterans Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November

December

Christmas Day - December 25

Commerce Restrictions

In Massachusetts, certain holidays are subject to laws restricting the type of work that may be performed, as well as the kind of business and commercial activities that may remain open:

• Full commerce restrictions apply on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and for parts of Columbus Day (before 12 p.m.), and Veterans’ Day (before 1 p.m.). Liquor stores must be closed during these times.
• Liquor stories may not open before 12 p.m. on Memorial Day.
• Non-retail commerce restrictions apply on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Only retail establishments may be open on these days.

Some businesses may be required to pay premium pay on some holidays. The Department of Labor Standards oversees the approval of local permits allowing businesses to open on Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Contact the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division for guidance on holiday pay and operation laws.