The State of New York 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 New York.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King’s Birthday (3rd Monday in January)
- Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)
- Washington’s Birthday (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Flag Day (2nd Sunday in June)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- 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)
- General election day
NY General Construction Law 24
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. NY General Construction Law 24
The governor may appoint other days of general thanksgiving, general fasting and prayer, or other general religious observances and may limit them to any city or county he or she chooses. NY General Construction Law 24; NY Executive Law 7
Public employers
New York statutes do not specifically grant public employees paid holiday leave.
Private employers
Private employers in New York 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 New York’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
