The State of Delaware 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 Delaware?
- Is New Year’s Eve a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday a holiday in Delaware?
- Is President’s Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Good Friday a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Easter a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Memorial Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Juneteenth a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Independence Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Labor Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Columbus Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Election Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Veterans Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Thanksgiving Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is the Friday after Thanksgiving Day a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Christmas Eve a holiday in Delaware?
- Is Christmas Day a holiday in Delaware?
The following list contains the state holidays recognized by Delaware.
| HOLIDAY | DATE |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday | 3rd Monday in January |
| Good Friday | Usually falls in March or April |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | 1st Monday in September |
| General Election Day (Biennially) | 1st Tuesday of November |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | 4th Thursday in November |
| Friday After Thanksgiving | 4th Friday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Saturday |
If a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. If a legal holiday falls on a Saturday (except for Saturdays), it is observed on the prior Friday. DE Statute 1-501, DE Statute 29-5104
Public employers
Public employers must observe state holidays. DE Statute 1-501
Public Schools
All schools, including colleges and other institutions of learning, must be closed on any day a general election is held. DE Statute 14-4107 Veteran’s day is a legal holiday of all employees of public school districts and charter School. If Veteran’s Day falls on a Saturday, it is observed the prior Friday. If Veterans’ Day falls on a Sunday, it is observed the following Monday. DE Statute 1-501
Private employers
Private employers in Delaware 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 Delaware’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
Is New Year’s a holiday in Delaware?
New Year’s day is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
New Year’s Eve is not a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
President’s Day is not a holiday in Delaware. 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 President’s Day. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on President’s Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Below are the dates on which President’s Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| President’s Day | Monday, February 19, 2024 |
| President’s Day | Monday, February 17, 2025 |
| President’s Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| President’s Day | Monday, February 15, 2027 |
| President’s Day | Monday, February 14, 2028 |
| President’s Day | Monday, February 19, 2029 |
| President’s Day | Monday, February 18, 2030 |
Is Good Friday a holiday in Delaware?
Good Friday is a holiday in Delaware. However, private businesses are not 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.
Employees who work for a Delaware state agency may be entitled to paid holiday leave on Good Friday. However, there may be exceptions to this rule.
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 Delaware?
Easter is not a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware?
Memorial Day is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
Juneteenth Day (aka Emancipation Day) is a holiday in Delaware. However, private businesses are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Juneteenth. Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid holiday leave on Juneteenth if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Delaware state agency are usually entitled to paid holiday leave on Juneteenth. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Often, when state employees are required to work on Juneteenth they will be paid holiday pay such as one and one half their regular rate of pay.
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 Delaware?
Independence Day (July 4) is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
Labor Day is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
Columbus Day is not a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware?
General Election Day is a holiday in Delaware every other year. However, private employers are not required to either 1) allow workers to take the day off or 2) pay workers for not working on Election Day.
If an employee has vacation time, an employer cannot prevent the employee from using accrued time to act as an election officer, so long as the employee is not in a critical need position. Critical need position is an employee in public safety, corrections, transportation, health care, utilities, a small business employing twenty (20) or fewer people, or necessary for the business or industry to operate on election day.
An employer who refuses to allow an employee to use accrued vacation or personal leave to serve as an election officer may be found guilty of criminal contempt which can result in a fine of up to a $500 or six (6) months in jail or both. Also, if an employer fires an employee in violation of this law, the employee may file a lawsuit within 90 days for lost wages and reinstatement and may be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees.
Also, Employees who work for a Delaware state agency may be entitled to paid holiday leave on Labor Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule.
Below are the dates on which Election Day is celebrated in future years:
| YEAR | DATE |
|---|---|
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 5, 2024 |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 2, 2027 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 7, 2028 |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 6, 2029 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 5, 2030 |
Is Veterans Day a holiday in Delaware?
Veterans Day is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 Delaware?
The Friday after Thanksgiving Day is not a holiday in Delaware. However, private businesses are not 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 Friday after Thanksgiving Day if their employer has established a policy or practice of doing so.
Employees who work for a Delaware state agency may be entitled to paid holiday leave on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. However, there may be exceptions to this rule.
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 Delaware?
Christmas Eve is not a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware?
Christmas Day is a holiday in Delaware. 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 Delaware 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 |
