The State of Utah 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 national and state holidays recognized by Utah.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
- Washington and Lincoln Day (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Pioneer Day (July 24)
- 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)
If a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. UT Code 63G-1-301(1)(b) If any of these holidays falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the prior Friday. UT Code 63G-1-301(1)(c)
Public employers
State agencies are not required to be open on the legal holidays listed above. UT Code 67-25-201(2)(a) In addition to the holidays above, state employees may select a personal preference day which is scheduled pursuant to rule adopted by the Utah Department of Human Resource Management. UT Code 63G-1-301(1)(d)
Private employers
Private employers in Utah 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 Utah’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
