A legal holiday is a day set aside by the federal or state government to honor an event or historical figure. Depending on the state, employees generally receive a paid day off of work or are paid a higher hourly wage (usually 150 percent of the regular rate) for working on a holiday. All states generally celebrate national holidays, but other legal holidays vary by state. Massachusetts sticks largely to national holidays but also adds Patriot's Day.
The following article summarizes Massachusetts' legal holidays. You can check out FindLaw's Employment Law section and the links at the end of this article to learn more.
| Code Section | Massachusetts legal holidays are outlined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 4, section 7, clause eighteen. |
| List of Massachusetts Legal Holidays | Â
In Suffolk County only, the following days are recognized as legal holidays:
If those days fall on a Sunday, the legal holiday will be recognized on the following day. Both state and local government agencies in Suffolk County must remain open and be adequately staffed on Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day. |
| What Businesses May be Open During Massachusetts Legal Holiday? | Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 136, sections 13-16 and Chapter 149, section 45 restrict which business establishments may open during holidays and what type of work they may perform. There are special exceptions for factories, gas stations, pharmacies, and retailers who sell alcoholic beverages. |
Research the Law:
Related Resources for Legal Holidays Laws:
Whether you are a retailer or an employee, you may have additional questions about of legal holidays affect your business or job. You may consider speaking with an experienced Massachusetts employment attorney.
