Arkansas State Holidays
Discover upcoming public holiday dates for Arkansas and start planning to make the most of your time off.
Arkansas recognizes the same federal holidays as other states, such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and Christmas. However, there are a few differences in Arkansas related to some federally recognized holidays.
The third Monday in January is not only a celebration in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but is also celebrated as Robert E. Lee’s birthday. The third Monday in February is not only celebrated in honor of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, known as President’s Day in other states, it is also known as Daisy Gatson Bates Day. Daisy Gatson Bates was an American civil rights activist and journalist who played a pivotal role in integrating schools in Little Rock. Christmas Eve is also considered a legal holiday in Arkansas.
All state offices are closed on legal holidays and employees are not required to report to work unless their profession is essential to protection of peace, health and safety. State employees are also granted one additional holiday each year for their birthday. Any state employee who is required to work on a holiday is provided equivalent time off at a later date. This includes those who are employed at institutes of higher learning in Arkansas. The law does not require any private employers to provide paid holidays for their employees.
Like many states, if a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated on the Friday before while holidays that fall on Sunday are celebrated on the following Monday.