DC government holidays 2026
The DC government holidays for 2026 give DC government employees 12 days off, starting with New Year's Day on . A holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the Friday before; one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
Last verified: October 16, 2026Sources & methodologyFound an error? Tell us
How District of Columbia sets its holidays
These are the days off for District of Columbia government employees. They come from D.C. Code § 1-612.02; DCHR legal public holidays issuance. Private employers, banks and schools in District of Columbia may follow their own schedules.
Weekend rule
A holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the Friday before; one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
In 2026, one holiday is observed on a different day because of the weekend: Independence Day.
Compared with the federal calendar
District of Columbia adds a holiday that the federal calendar does not have: D.C. Emancipation Day.
Every federal holiday is also a District of Columbia holiday.
Listed under a District of Columbia name: Presidents' Day as “Washington's Birthday”, Juneteenth National Independence Day as “Juneteenth”, and Columbus Day as “Indigenous Peoples' Day”.
Employees on non-standard schedules get "in-lieu-of" days: a holiday on the first non-workday moves to the prior workday, one on the second non-workday to the next workday.
Sources
Every date above is labeled official (confirmed on District of Columbia's own calendar for that year), computed (calculated from statute or written policy) or projected (based on recent official lists). How we check each source: Sources & methodology. Banks in District of Columbia follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, not the state calendar.
More for District of Columbia
- District of Columbia holidays 2027
- Is today a business day in District of Columbia?
- Days until the next District of Columbia holiday
- US federal holidays 2026
- Bank holidays 2026
- Business days calculator
- Delaware holidays 2026
- Florida holidays 2026
- All states
Frequently asked questions
How many paid holidays do DC government employees get in 2026?
12 holidays with a day off.
Is D.C. Emancipation Day a holiday in District of Columbia?
Yes. D.C. Emancipation Day is on the District of Columbia state calendar on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
What happens when a District of Columbia holiday falls on a weekend?
A holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the Friday before; one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
Are District of Columbia bank holidays the same as state holidays?
No. Banks in District of Columbia follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, which closes on 10 days in 2026 and does not move Saturday holidays. See the bank holidays 2026 page.