December Holidays 2026 in USA: Complete Calendar with Federal & State Holidays
December holidays 2026 bring a festive mix of federal holidays, state observances, and cultural celebrations across the United States. This comprehensive guide to december holidays 2026 covers Christmas Day as the only federal holiday, plus numerous state-specific holidays, religious observances, and cultural events that millions of Americans recognize.
Learn about all official december holidays 2026, including federal and state holidays, religious observances, and special events happening throughout the month to help you plan time off, travel, and celebrations effectively.
Overview of December Holidays 2026
December holidays 2026 feature Christmas Day as the only federal holiday, falling on Friday, December 25, 2026. However, december holidays 2026 encompass numerous state-specific holidays, international observances, and cultural celebrations. From Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to New Year’s Eve, december holidays 2026 offer diverse opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community gathering.
Federal Holidays in December Holidays 2026
The United States observes one official federal holiday among december holidays 2026:
- Christmas Day – Friday, December 25, 2026
- All federal government offices closed
- Banks, post offices, and most businesses closed
- Recognized in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition
Since Christmas falls on Friday in 2026, many Americans will enjoy a long weekend, with some businesses extending closures through the weekend.
State Holidays in December Holidays 2026
Beyond federal recognition, several states designate additional days among december holidays 2026 as official state holidays:
Christmas Eve – December 24, 2026 (Thursday)
States observing as official holiday:
- Arkansas
- Kansas (partial day)
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia (partial day)
- Wisconsin
Day After Christmas (Boxing Day) – December 26, 2026 (Saturday)
States observing:
- South Carolina
- Texas
This British Commonwealth tradition has been adopted by select US states as an extended Christmas holiday.
Christmas Holiday – December 28, 2026 (Monday)
States observing:
- North Carolina
North Carolina extends the Christmas celebration with an additional state holiday on the Monday following the weekend.
New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2026 (Thursday)
States observing:
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
While not a federal holiday, these states recognize New Year’s Eve as an official state holiday with government office closures.
Religious Observances in December Holidays 2026
December holidays 2026 feature significant religious observances across multiple faith traditions:
Christian Holidays in December Holidays 2026
| Date | Holiday | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| December 8, 2026 (Tuesday) | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Catholic holy day honoring the conception of Mary |
| December 12, 2026 (Saturday) | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Mexican Catholic celebration of Virgin Mary’s appearance |
| December 13, 2026 (Sunday) | Saint Lucy’s Day | Scandinavian Christian tradition honoring Saint Lucia |
| December 24, 2026 (Thursday) | Christmas Eve | Evening before Christmas, significant in many denominations |
| December 24, 2026 (Thursday) | Feast of the Seven Fishes | Italian-American Christmas Eve seafood tradition |
| December 25, 2026 (Friday) | Christmas Day | Birth of Jesus Christ, central Christian holiday |
Hanukkah (Jewish Festival of Lights)
Dates: December 5-12, 2026 (8 days)
Begins: Sunset Saturday, December 5, 2026
Ends: Nightfall Sunday, December 12, 2026
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The eight-day Jewish celebration includes lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and exchanging gifts. Hanukkah is among the most important december holidays 2026 for the Jewish community.
Kwanzaa (African-American Cultural Celebration)
Dates: December 26, 2026 – January 1, 2027 (7 days)
First Day: Saturday, December 26, 2026
Kwanzaa celebrates African-American culture, community, and family. Each of the seven days focuses on one of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Yule (Winter Solstice)
Date: December 21, 2026 (Monday) at 3:50 PM EST
Yule marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Celebrated in pagan and Wiccan traditions, it represents the rebirth of the sun and the promise of returning light.
National Observances in December Holidays 2026
December holidays 2026 include important national awareness days and commemorations:
Week 1: Awareness and Remembrance
- December 1 – World AIDS Day: Global health campaign raising HIV/AIDS awareness and supporting those living with the disease
- December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: UN observance promoting rights and well-being of persons with disabilities
- December 4 – National Cookie Day: Fun food holiday celebrating America’s favorite baked treats
- December 5 – International Volunteer Day: UN recognition of volunteer contributions worldwide
- December 6 – St. Nicholas Day: Traditional celebration of the patron saint of children
- December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Commemorates the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Week 2: Human Rights and Cultural Celebrations
- December 10 – Human Rights Day: UN observance marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948
- December 11 – UNICEF Birthday: Celebrates the founding of the United Nations Children’s Fund in 1946
- December 12 – Gingerbread House Day: Fun holiday celebrating the decorated Christmas tradition
- December 15 – Bill of Rights Day: Commemorates the ratification of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution in 1791
Week 3: Shopping and Seasonal Events
- December 14 – Green Monday: Major online shopping day, one of the biggest e-commerce days before Christmas
- December 17 – National Ugly Sweater Day: Popular workplace and party theme celebrating tacky holiday fashion
- December 18 – International Migrants Day: UN observance recognizing migrants’ contributions and challenges
- December 19 – National Wreaths Across America Day: Annual event honoring fallen veterans by placing wreaths on graves
Week 4: Holiday Season Peak
- December 23 – Festivus: Alternative secular holiday popularized by Seinfeld, featuring “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength”
- December 29 – Wounded Knee Memorial: Remembrance of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve: Final day of the year, celebrated with parties, countdowns, and fireworks
December Holidays 2026 Calendar at a Glance
| Date | Day | Holiday/Observance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | Tuesday | World AIDS Day | International |
| Dec 3 | Thursday | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | UN Observance |
| Dec 4 | Friday | National Cookie Day | Fun Observance |
| Dec 5-12 | Sat-Sat | Hanukkah | Jewish Holiday |
| Dec 6 | Sunday | St. Nicholas Day | Christian Observance |
| Dec 7 | Monday | Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | National Observance |
| Dec 8 | Tuesday | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Christian Holiday |
| Dec 10 | Thursday | Human Rights Day | UN Observance |
| Dec 12 | Saturday | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Christian Holiday |
| Dec 13 | Sunday | Saint Lucy’s Day | Christian Observance |
| Dec 14 | Monday | Green Monday | Shopping Event |
| Dec 15 | Tuesday | Bill of Rights Day | National Observance |
| Dec 18 | Friday | International Migrants Day | UN Observance |
| Dec 19 | Saturday | National Wreaths Across America Day | National Observance |
| Dec 21 | Monday | Winter Solstice | Seasonal Event |
| Dec 23 | Wednesday | Festivus | Secular Observance |
| Dec 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve | Christian/State Holiday |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal Holiday |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day / Kwanzaa Begins | State/Cultural Holiday |
| Dec 28 | Monday | Christmas Holiday | State Holiday (NC) |
| Dec 29 | Tuesday | Wounded Knee Memorial | Historical Observance |
| Dec 31 | Thursday | New Year’s Eve | State Holiday (MI, WI) |
Planning Your December Holidays 2026 Schedule
Best Days to Take Time Off
With Christmas falling on Friday, December 25, strategic planning can maximize your december holidays 2026:
- December 22-26 (Mon-Fri): Take 4 days PTO, get 9 consecutive days off (Dec 20-28)
- December 29-31 (Tue-Thu): Take 3 days PTO, extend through New Year’s for 11 consecutive days off
- Full Holiday Bridge: Take December 22-24 and 28-31 (7 days PTO) for 16 consecutive days off
School and Business Closures
Most US schools observe winter break during the last two weeks of December, typically from December 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Many businesses operate on reduced schedules or close entirely between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Government Services During December Holidays 2026
- Federal offices: Closed December 25 only
- State offices: Vary by state; check specific state holiday schedules
- Post offices: Closed December 25; limited service December 24 and 26
- Banks: Closed December 25; some closed December 24
Shopping and Retail Events in December Holidays 2026
December holidays 2026 feature peak retail activity with several major shopping events:
Green Monday – December 14, 2026
Green Monday ranks among the top 10 online shopping days of the year. Retailers offer significant discounts as consumers complete holiday shopping, with e-commerce sales expected to reach billions of dollars.
Last-Minute Shopping Days
- December 20-23: Peak in-store shopping days before Christmas
- December 26: Boxing Day sales begin, both online and in stores
- December 29-31: Year-end clearance sales and New Year’s promotions
Travel Considerations for December Holidays 2026
December holidays 2026 rank as one of the busiest travel periods in the United States:
Peak Travel Days
- December 19-23 (Fri-Tue): Heaviest pre-Christmas travel
- December 26-28 (Sat-Mon): Post-Christmas return travel
- December 30-31 (Wed-Thu): New Year’s Eve travel surge
Airport and Highway Tips
- Book flights and accommodations 6-8 weeks in advance for best prices
- Expect higher rates and fuller capacity on all travel modes
- Allow extra time for security screenings and traffic delays
- Monitor weather conditions; winter storms can cause significant disruptions
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over 40 million Americans travel during december holidays 2026, making it essential to plan ahead.
December 2026 Weather and Seasonal Information
The Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2026, at 3:50 PM EST, marking the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Regional Weather Expectations
- Northeast: Cold temperatures (20-40°F), snow likely, especially after mid-month
- Southeast: Mild (40-60°F), occasional cold fronts
- Midwest: Cold (10-35°F), snow and ice storms possible
- Southwest: Cool to mild (40-65°F), generally dry
- West Coast: Cool and rainy (45-60°F), mountain snow
- Hawaii: Warm (70-80°F), rainy season continues
- Alaska: Very cold (-10 to 30°F), limited daylight hours
Check the National Weather Service for specific forecasts and winter weather advisories in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About December Holidays 2026
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday in 2026?
No, Christmas Eve (December 24, 2026) is not a federal holiday. However, 11 states recognize it as a full or partial state holiday among december holidays 2026, including Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
When does Hanukkah start in 2026?
Hanukkah begins at sunset on Saturday, December 5, 2026, and continues through nightfall on Sunday, December 12, 2026. This eight-day Jewish festival is also called the Festival of Lights and is one of the major december holidays 2026.
Is December 26 a holiday in the USA?
December 26, 2026 (Boxing Day) is a state holiday in South Carolina and Texas only. It’s not a federal holiday, though it’s widely celebrated in British Commonwealth countries. December 26 also marks the first day of Kwanzaa, the seven-day African-American cultural celebration.
What day is Christmas in 2026?
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, 2026. This creates a long weekend for many Americans and is the only federal holiday among december holidays 2026.
Is New Year’s Eve a holiday?
New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2026) is a state holiday in Michigan and Wisconsin but not a federal holiday. Many businesses close early or give employees the day off as part of december holidays 2026, though it’s not universally observed as a paid holiday.
When is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually on December 7. In 2026, it falls on Monday, December 7, commemorating the 85th anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which prompted US entry into World War II.
How many days until Christmas 2026?
From January 1, 2026, there are 358 days until Christmas. From December 1, 2026, there are 24 days until Christmas Day, the most celebrated of all december holidays 2026.
What is Bill of Rights Day?
Bill of Rights Day, observed on December 15, commemorates the ratification of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution in 1791. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms including freedom of speech, religion, and due process.
Related Holiday Calendars
Planning for the entire year? Explore our complete monthly holiday calendars:
- January 2026 Holidays
- February 2026 Holidays
- March 2026 Holidays
- April 2026 Holidays
- May 2026 Holidays
- June 2026 Holidays
- July 2026 Holidays
- August 2026 Holidays
- September 2026 Holidays
- October 2026 Holidays
- November 2026 Holidays
For comprehensive year-round planning, visit our 2026 US Holidays Calendar featuring all federal, state, and observance dates.
Make the Most of December Holidays 2026
December holidays 2026 offer Americans diverse opportunities to celebrate, reflect, and connect with family, friends, and communities. Whether you’re observing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any of the month’s many cultural traditions, planning ahead ensures you maximize your december holidays 2026 experience.
Mark your calendar for December 25 (Christmas Day) as the federal holiday, but don’t overlook the rich tapestry of state holidays, religious observances, and awareness days throughout the month. From Pearl Harbor Remembrance on December 7 to New Year’s Eve on December 31, december holidays 2026 invite participation in both solemn remembrance and joyful celebration.
For the latest updates on december holidays 2026 schedules and observances, consult the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for federal holidays and your state government website for state-specific holidays.
Start planning your december holidays 2026 celebrations today and enjoy a memorable holiday season!
Last updated: February 2026 | Sources: U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Time and Date, official state government calendars