The State of Connecticut 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.
The following list contains the state holidays recognized by Connecticut.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (1st Monday occurring on or after January 15)
- Lincoln Day (February 12)
- Washington’s Birthday (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day or Decoration Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- any day appointed or recommended by the Governor of Connecticut or the President of the United States as a day of thanksgiving, fasting or religious observance
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. CT Statute 2-1-4
Public employers
Full-time state employees must be granted time off with pay on legal holidays. If a state holiday falls on a Saturday, employees will be granted time off on the prior Friday or given another day off. CO Statute 67-11-101
Public Schools
Public schools may not be in session on legal holidays that fall in December and January. Local and regional boards of education may choose to close public schools on legal holidays that do not fall in December and January. CT Statute 2-1-4
Private employers
Private employers in Connecticut 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 holidays 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 Connecticut’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
