Holidays in California

There are 11 federal holidays in the US. Most of them are also state holidays. California also has its own holiday, Farmworkers Day. Only five of the federal holidays are observed on the same calendar date each year. Moreover, the names of the holidays come from the US laws that define holidays for federal employees.

We bring you the list of all federal holidays, plus California’s Farmworkers Day.

New Year's Day

Celebrated on January 1 every year, it is the beginning of a new year according to Gregorian calendar and is followed up with many parties and festivities that usually start the previous evening.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Although a civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, his day is being observed on a third Monday of January every year.

Washington’s Birthday

Celebrated on the third Monday of February, this is the holiday that honors George Washington, the first president of the United States. It is sometimes labeled as “Presidents Day” but the official name is still Washington’s Birthday.

Farmworkers Day

Celebrated on March 31, this California state holiday honors farmworkers and the labor movement. It was known as Cesar Chavez Day until the state renamed it in 2026.

Memorial Day

A holiday that is also known as “Decoration Day”, celebrated on last Monday of May, is a day to remember all American soldiers that gave their lives for the Homeland. It is also considered the beginning of summer and the end of the school year in the US.

Juneteenth

Celebrated on June 19, it marks the end of slavery in the United States, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. It became a federal holiday in 2021.

Independence Day

This is one of the most famous and well-known American holidays worldwide, a federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Also, it is popularly known as the “Fourth of July” because it’s celebrated on that date.

Labor Day

This holiday is celebrated on first Monday of September and it celebrates all the achievements of workers and the labor movement in the US. Also, it is unofficially considered the end of summer and the beginning of the school year.

Columbus Day

Celebrated on the second Monday of October, this holiday marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, an event which happened on October 12, 1492 (Julian calendar).

Veterans Day

A holiday that celebrates the ending of World War I is also known as Armistice Day. It is occasionally called “Remembrance Day” and is celebrated on November 11, the date when the World War I ended. It is also an American version of the international holiday and in the US it honors all the veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Thanksgiving

The holiday widely known for the turkey dinner that many Americans enjoy on this holiday. It is celebrated on fourth Thursday of November and it means that Christmas is near.

Christmas

Observed on December 25, it is a worldwide holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. On that holiday it is popular to give gifts, have a family dinner and decorate the house, in the US as well as anywhere in the world.

So, if you are planning a trip to California and you need an economical and reliable transportation, you can always rent a car. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel wherever you want. Choose a car you like and enjoy your holidays in the US!