A holiday is a day on which people celebrate or simply remember an important event with family and friends, such as Easter or Yom Kippur. But not all holidays -- Easter and Yom Kippur, for example -- are legal holidays. A legal holiday is one on which government employees are entitled to a paid day off or extra pay if they work.
Private employers aren't required to provide paid days off (or premium holiday pay) to their employees, but often do as a perk for full-time or salaried workers. Some states have additional legal holidays that reflect the history and/or culture of the state. Additionally, many states observe local holidays on the same days as established legal holidays.
Legal Holidays in Alaska at a Glance
Like all other states, Alaska recognizes the same legal holidays observed at the federal level, such as New Year's Day and Independence Day. Alaska also recognizes two distinctly Alaskan holidays: Alaska Day (October 18) and Seward's Day (the last Monday of March). Alaska Day celebrates the former transfer of the Alaskan territory from Russia to the United States in 1867 (long before statehood). Seward's Day celebrates the signing of the Alaska Purchase treaty in 1867, which preceded the actual transfer of land.
If you believe you are owed paid time off or premium holiday pay, or have any other wage and hour claims in Alaska, contact the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The following chart lists Alaska's legally recognized holidays, with links to additional resources. See FindLaw's Wages and Benefits section to learn more.
| Code Section | 44.12.010 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day (January 1); Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday (3rd Monday in January); President's Day (3rd Monday of February); Memorial Day (last Monday of May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Monday of September); Veterans Day (November 11); Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November); Christmas (December 25); Alaska Day (October 18); Seward's Day (last Monday of March); every Sunday |
Note: State laws are subject to change at any time, usually through the enactment of newly signed legislation but also decisions from higher courts and other means. You should contact an Alaska employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Alaska Legal Holidays Laws: Related Resources
