The State of Colorado has designated several days each calendar year as state holidays. The implications of these state holidays on public employers and private employers are discussed below.
- Public employers
- Private employers
- Federal Holidays
- Is New Year’s a holiday in Colorado?
- Is New Year’s Eve a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday a holiday in Colorado?
- Is President’s Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Good Friday a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Easter a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Memorial Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Juneteenth a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Independence Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Labor Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Columbus Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Election Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Veterans Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Thanksgiving Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is the Friday after Thanksgiving Day a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Christmas Eve a holiday in Colorado?
- Is Christmas Day a holiday in Colorado?
The following list contains the state holidays recognized by Colorado.
| HOLIDAY | DATE |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | 3rd Monday in January |
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | 3rd Monday in February |
| Truman Day | May 8 |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | 1st Monday in September |
| Frances Xavier Cabrini | 1st Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | 4th Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Any day appointed or recommended by the governor of Colorado or the president of the United States as a day of fasting or prayer or thanksgiving |
If a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. If a legal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the prior Friday. CO Statute 24-11-101
Public employers
State employees may be required to work on the legal holidays listed above; however, employees required to work on legal holidays must be granted an alternative day off in the same fiscal year or be paid in accordance with the state personnel system or state fiscal rules. CO Statute 24-11-101 An state employee may choose to take a paid day off on Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) in lieu of one of the other paid legal holidays. CO Statute 24-11-112
Private employers
Private employers in Colorado are not required to close on any of the listed holidays. Additionally, private employers are not required to allow employees to take either paid or unpaid time off on the holidays nor are they required to pay employees any premium wage rates to employees who work on the holidays. Private employers may establish policies or practices granting employees time off on any of the listed holiday or agree to pay premium wage rates to employees who work on those days. Employers who establish such policies or practices may be required to comply with them.
Find out more about Colorado’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
Is New Year’s a holiday in Colorado?
New Year’s day is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on New Year’s day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on New Year’s Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on New Year’s Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on New Year’s Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the days of the week on which New Year’s Day will fall in future years:
| YEAR | DAY OF WEEK |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024 | Monday |
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026 | Thursday |
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027 | Friday |
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2028 | Saturday |
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2029 | Monday |
| New Year’s Day, January 1, 2030 | Tuesday |
Is New Year’s Eve a holiday in Colorado?
New Year’s Eve is not a holiday in Colorado. Also, neither private or public employers are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on New Year’s day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on New Year’s Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the days of the week on which New Year’s Eve will fall in future years:
| YEAR | DAY OF WEEK |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2024 | Sunday |
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2025 | Tuesday |
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2027 | Thursday |
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2028 | Friday |
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2029 | Sunday |
| New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2030 | Monday |
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday a holiday in Colorado?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 15, 2024 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 20, 2025 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 18, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 19, 2028 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 15, 2029 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 21, 2030 |
Is President’s Day a holiday in Colorado?
President’s Day is a holiday in Colorado, although technically Colorado celebrates Washington-Lincoln Day instead of President’s Day.
However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Washington-Lincoln Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Washington-Lincoln Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Washington-Lincoln Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Washington-Lincoln Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Washington-Lincoln Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 19, 2024 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 17, 2025 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 15, 2027 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 14, 2028 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 19, 2029 |
| Washington-Lincoln Day | Monday, February 18, 2030 |
Is Good Friday a holiday in Colorado?
Good Friday is not a holiday in Colorado. Neither private businesses or government agencies are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Good Friday. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Good Friday if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the dates on which Good Friday is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Good Friday | Friday, March 29, 2024 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 18, 2025 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 03, 2026 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 26, 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 14, 2028 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 30, 2029 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 19, 2024 |
Is Easter a holiday in Colorado?
Easter is not a holiday in Colorado. Also, neither private or public employers are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Easter. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Easter Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the dates on which Easter is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DAY OF WEEK |
|---|---|
| Easter | Sunday, March 31, 2024 |
| Easter | Sunday, April 20, 2025 |
| Easter | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Easter | Sunday, March 28, 2027 |
| Easter | Monday, April 16, 2028 |
| Easter | Tuesday, April 1, 2029 |
| Easter | Wednesday, April 21, 2030 |
Is Memorial Day a holiday in Colorado?
Memorial Day is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Memorial Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Memorial Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Memorial Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Memorial Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Memorial Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 27, 2024 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 31, 2027 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 29, 2028 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 28, 2029 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 27, 2030 |
Is Juneteenth a holiday in Colorado?
Juneteenth Day (aka Emancipation Day) is not a holiday in Colorado. Also, neither private or public employers are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Juneteenth Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Juneteenth Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the dates on which Juneteenth Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DAY OF WEEK |
|---|---|
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2025 | Thursday |
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2026 | Friday |
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2027 | Saturday |
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2028 | Monday |
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2029 | Tuesday |
| Juneteenth, June 19, 2030 | Wednesday |
Is Independence Day a holiday in Colorado?
Independence Day (July 4) is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Independence Day. Employees may only be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Independence Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Independence Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Independence Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Independence Day is celebrated in future years. Also, if Independence Day falls on a Saturday, businesses and the government may provide holiday time off on July 3. If Independence Day falls on a Sunday, businesses and the government may provide holiday time off on July 5:
| YEAR | DAY OF THE WEEK |
|---|---|
| Independence Day, July 4, 2024 | Thursday |
| Independence Day, July 4, 2025 | Friday |
| Independence Day, July 4, 2026 | Saturday |
| Independence Day, July 4, 2027 | Sunday |
| Independence Day, July 4, 2028 | Tuesday |
| Independence Day, July 4, 2029 | Wednesday |
| Independence Day, July 4, 2030 | Thursday |
Is Labor Day a holiday in Colorado?
Labor Day is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Labor Day. Employees may entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Labor Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Labor Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Labor Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Labor Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | Monday, September 2, 2024 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7, 2026 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 6, 2027 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 4, 2028 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 3, 2029 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 2, 2030 |
Is Columbus Day a holiday in Colorado?
Columbus Day is not a holiday in Colorado. Also, neither private or public employers are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Columbus Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Columbus Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the dates on which Columbus Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 14, 2024 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 13, 2025 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 11, 2027 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 9, 2028 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 8, 2029 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 14, 2030 |
Is Election Day a holiday in Colorado?
Election Day is not a holiday in Colorado. However, Colorado law requires employers to provide employees with up to two (2) hours of paid leave to vote, unless:
- an employee has not requested the leave at least one day prior to the vote date, or
- the employee has three (3) or more hours after the opening or before the closing of the polls during which the voter is not required to be on the job.
An employer may specify the hours an employee may take leave to vote, but the period must fall at the beginning or end of the work period if the employee so requests.
Below are the dates on which Election Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 5, 2024 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 2, 2027 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 7, 2028 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 6, 2029 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 5, 2030 |
Is Veterans Day a holiday in Colorado?
Veterans Day is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Veterans Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Veterans Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Veterans Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Veterans Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Veterans Day is celebrated in future years. Also, if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, businesses and the government may provide holiday time off on Friday, November 10. If Veterans Day falls on a Sunday, businesses and the government may provide holiday time off on Monday, November 12:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Veterans Day | Monday, November 11, 2024 |
| Veterans Day | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Veterans Day | Thursday, November 11, 2027 |
| Veterans Day | Saturday, November 11, 2028 |
| Veterans Day | Sunday, November 11, 2029 |
| Veterans Day | Monday, November 11, 2030 |
Is Thanksgiving Day a holiday in Colorado?
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Thanksgiving Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Thanksgiving Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Thanksgiving Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Thanksgiving Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 27, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 25, 2027 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 23, 2028 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 22, 2029 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 28, 2030 |
Is the Friday after Thanksgiving Day a holiday in Colorado?
The Friday after Thanksgiving Day is not a holiday in Colorado. Neither private businesses nor public agencies are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on the day after Thanksgiving Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the dates on which the Friday after Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 29, 2024 |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 28, 2025 |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 26, 2027 |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 24, 2028 |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 23, 2029 |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | Friday, November 29, 2030 |
Is Christmas Eve a holiday in Colorado?
Christmas Eve is not a holiday in Colorado. Neither private or public employers are required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Christmas Eve. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Christmas Eve if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
| YEAR | DAY OF WEEK |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2026 | Thursday |
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2027 | Friday |
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2028 | Sunday |
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2029 | Monday |
| Christmas Eve, December 24, 2030 | Tuesday |
Is Christmas Day a holiday in Colorado?
Christmas Day is a holiday in Colorado. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Christmas Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Christmas Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Colorado state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Christmas Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Christmas Day they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
Below are the dates on which Christmas Day is celebrated in future years. Also, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, businesses and the government may provide holiday time off on Friday, December 24. If Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, businesses and the government may provide holiday time off on Monday, December 26:
| YEAR | DAY OF WEEK |
|---|---|
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2024 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2026 | Friday |
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2027 | Saturday |
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2028 | Monday |
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2029 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day, December 25, 2030 | Wednesday |
