For employers, navigating California state holidays requires a clear understanding of both official dates and complex pay regulations. While the state recognizes numerous federal and state-specific holidays, the rules governing time off and pay differ significantly between public and private sector employers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 holiday schedule and clarifies employer obligations for paid leave, helping you maintain compliance and manage your workforce effectively.
- Official California State Holidays 2026
- Holiday Pay and Time Off Laws for California Employers
- Manage time off, timesheets, payroll, and more
- FAQs
Key Considerations for Employers
- Employer Obligations: According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, California law does not require private employers to provide paid time off for holidays. It is a voluntary benefit.
- Common Practice: According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 81% of private industry workers in the U.S. receive paid holidays as a benefit.
- State Employees: California state government employees are entitled to a set schedule of paid holidays as defined in the state’s Government Code.
- Holiday Pay Rules: If a private employer establishes a policy or contract for paid holidays, they are legally bound to adhere to it.
Official California State Holidays 2026
The state of California officially observes a schedule of public holidays each year, which applies to state government offices and employees. Many of these are also federal holidays widely observed by private businesses. For 2026, the official state holidays are:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Cesar Chavez Day: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026
- Juneteenth: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day: Friday, July 3, 2026 (Observed, as July 4th is a Saturday)
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 27, 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026
Note: While Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12) and Admission Day (September 9) are listed in the Government Code, they are typically not observed as paid days off for state employees. Columbus Day is not an official paid holiday for California state employees.
Optional Holidays for State Employees
In addition to the official paid holidays, the California Government Code allows most state employees to use a personal holiday credit to observe a day of cultural or religious significance. Employees may elect to take one of the following days in lieu of a personal holiday:
- Lunar New Year: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Genocide Remembrance Day: Friday, April 24, 2026
- Native American Day: Friday, September 25, 2026
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional holidays celebrated by Asian cultures around the world. It marks the beginning of a new year on the Chinese calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun.
The date of Lunar New Year varies annually. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17. The celebration of Lunar New Year typically lasts for 15 days, and it is a time for family reunions, feasting, and gift-giving.
The state of California celebrates Lunar New Year in a variety of ways. For instance, many cities and towns hold festivals and events, and businesses often decorate their storefronts with red lanterns and other traditional symbols. In addition, many schools and universities offer classes and programs on Lunar New Year culture and history.
César Chávez Day
César Chávez Day is a CA state holiday that honors the life and achievements of the prominent labor leader and civil rights activist. The activist co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union and led the movement to improve working conditions and rights for farmworkers in the United States.
In California, César Chávez Day is observed on March 31 each year. For 2026, this falls on a Tuesday. The holiday provides an opportunity for the state of California to recognize and celebrate César Chávez’s significant contributions to the labor and civil rights movements, particularly his efforts in advocating for the rights and welfare of agricultural workers, who had long faced exploitative and hazardous working conditions.
The state organizes various events and activities to celebrate this day. In addition, community organizations, cultural centers, and labor unions often host marches, panel discussions, and film screenings that highlight César Chávez’s legacy and the continuing fight for social justice and fair labor practices.
Genocide Remembrance Day
Genocide Remembrance Day is observed on April 24 each year in California to commemorate the victims of genocides worldwide. In 2026, this falls on a Friday. The date holds particular significance as it marks the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which began on April 24, 1915.
On this solemn day, the state of California and its communities come together to remember the millions of lives lost to genocide and to honor the survivors and their resilience. Communities organize various events and ceremonies, including memorial services, candlelight vigils, and educational programs. During these events, community leaders, activists, and survivors share their experiences and stories to foster understanding and empathy among the public. The ultimate aim of Genocide Remembrance Day is to promote peace, tolerance, and human rights while pledging to work toward a world free from the horrors of genocide.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is an important holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated on June 19 each year. in 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing it as a federal holiday. California also recognizes Juneteenth as an official state holiday. In 2026, it is observed on Friday, June 19.
In California, Juneteenth is observed with various events and activities that honor African American history, culture, and achievements. Festivals, parades, and community gatherings are held in cities and towns across the state. These celebrations often feature live music, dance performances, art exhibitions, and cultural presentations to showcase the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans to society.
Moreover, educational programs and discussions often take place to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial equality. The holiday serves as a reminder of the progress made and the continued work needed to promote inclusivity, justice, and equal rights for all.
Native American Day
Native American Day, observed on the fourth Friday in September each year, is also included in the list of official state holidays in California. In 2026, this falls on September 25. The holiday honors the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and history of Native American tribes and communities in the state.
On Native American Day, California hosts various events and activities throughout the state to celebrate and recognize the diverse cultures and traditions of Native Americans. These activities often include traditional Native American gatherings (powwows) that involve dance, music, storytelling, arts, crafts, and food. These powwows provide an opportunity for Native Americans to come together, share their culture, and educate the broader community about their traditions.
Many museums, cultural centers, and community organizations also organize exhibits and displays that showcase Native American art, artifacts, history, and contemporary contributions. However, celebrations can vary across different regions of California, reflecting the unique cultures and traditions of the various Native American communities in the state.
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Holiday Pay and Time Off Laws for California Employers
Public Employers
For California state government agencies, providing paid time off for the official holidays listed earlier is mandatory for most employees, as outlined in the California Government Code and relevant collective bargaining agreements.
Private Employers
For private businesses, the law is different. According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, private employers are not required by state law to provide paid holidays, close on holidays, or pay premium wages for working on a holiday. Holiday pay and time off are treated as a voluntary benefit offered by the employer. If an employer does promise paid holidays in an employment contract or company handbook, they are legally obligated to follow that policy.
Rules for Salaried Exempt Employees
A key consideration for employers involves salaried exempt employees. If an employer closes the business for a holiday, they cannot make a deduction from an exempt employee’s salary for that day, provided the employee has worked any part of that workweek. The employee must receive their full weekly salary.
Creating a Compliant Holiday Policy
To avoid confusion and ensure fairness, private employers should create a clear, written holiday policy in their employee handbook. This policy should specify:
- Which holidays the company observes as paid days off.
- Eligibility requirements (e.g., must be a full-time employee, must work the day before and after the holiday).
- The rate of pay for employees who are required to work on a company holiday.
- Procedures for requesting time off for religious or cultural observances not on the official company list.
A well-defined policy is the best way to manage expectations and mitigate legal risks. Tools that help automate time-off tracking based on custom policies can be invaluable here, ensuring that rules are applied consistently across the organization.
Manage time off, timesheets, payroll, and more
Factorial’s HRIS offers businesses a powerful and efficient solution to streamline their HR processes. With its user-friendly interface and cloud-based platform, Factorial simplifies the complexities of managing employee time off, ensuring accurate timesheets and payroll processes.
Some of Factorial’s key features that can help you manage time off for all CA state holidays include:
- Time off management. Firstly, Factorial allows businesses to easily manage employee time off requests. For instance, employees can submit different types of time off requests directly from the platform. Managers can then approve or deny requests straight from an intuitive leave management system.
- Timesheet management. Secondly, Factorial makes it easy for employers to track working hours. Employees can clock in and out of work from the Factorial app, and their timesheets are automatically synced to the Factorial dashboard. Managers can then review and approve employee timesheets in a few clicks.
- Payroll management. In addition, Factorial’s payroll feature streamlines the entire payroll process, automating calculations and tax deductions in line with time-tracking data. By simplifying payroll management, Factorial empowers HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives and employee development rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
Additional benefits of using Factorial:
- Automated time tracking. For one thing, Factorial can automatically track employee time based on their location, IP address, or device.
- Real-time reporting. Not only that, but Factorial provides real-time reporting on employee time off. Employers can then use this information to identify trends and make informed decisions about business operations.
- Mobile app. Finally, Factorial offers a mobile app that allows employees to submit time off requests and view their timesheets from anywhere.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a comprehensive HR software solution that can help your business manage all California state holidays, improve compliance, and increase employee productivity, then Factorial has you covered.
FAQs
What are the 14 paid holidays in California?
California does not mandate a specific number of paid holidays for private employers. However, state employees typically receive paid time off for 11 holidays, including New Year’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Private companies can set their own paid holiday policies.
Is Cesar Chavez Day a holiday in California?
Yes, Cesar Chavez Day is an official state holiday in California, observed on March 31st. State employees are given a paid day off, but for private businesses, it is an optional holiday. Employers can decide whether to include it in their company’s paid time off policy.
Did California declare Diwali as a state holiday?
Yes, California has designated Diwali as an official state holiday to recognize its cultural significance. However, it is not a paid holiday, meaning state offices do not close, and private employers are not required to provide paid time off for its observance.
