The State of Georgia 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. Georgia has adopted the federal holidays for its legal holidays. GA Statute 1-4-1; OPM Federal Holidays
The following list contains the state holidays recognized by Georgia.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (3rd Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial 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)
- Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Public employers
The governor is required to close state offices and facilities 12 days per year to observe legal holidays and other specified holidays. The 10 legal holidays listed above must be included in the 12 days designated by the governor. Additionally, the governor must designate either January 19, April 26, or June 3, or a suitable date in lieu thereof to commemorate the events now observed by such dates. GA Statute 1-4-1
Private employers
Private employers in Georgia 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 Georgia’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
