A holiday is a day set aside to commemorate religious, historical, and cultural celebrations and events, and sometimes is a somber memorial (Veterans' Day, for example). There is no shortage of holidays throughout the calendar, but a legal holiday is officially recognized by the federal or state government. On legal holidays, state and federal government employees are entitled to a paid day off or premium holiday pay (typically time and one-half) if they work. Many private-sector employers also provide paid days off on legal holidays, typically as a perk for salaried employees to help attract talent, but they are not required to do so.
Federally recognized legal holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day, also must be recognized by the states. However, some states recognize additional legal holidays that reflect the unique culture and history of the state. A handful of states also observe "half" holidays, on which state employees work a half day but are paid for the entire day.
Legal Holidays in New Hampshire at a Glance
In the state of New Hampshire, the only legal holiday not also recognized by the federal government is Civil Rights Day, which is celebrated on the same day set aside to honor slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Contact the New Hampshire Department of Labor if you believe your rights have been violated.
The following chart lists New Hampshire's legally recognized holidays, with links to additional resources. See FindLaw's Wages and Benefits section to learn more.
| Code Section | 288:1, 2 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day (January 1); Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February); Memorial Day (last Monday of May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (first Monday in September); Columbus Day (second Monday of October); Veterans Day (November 11); Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November); Christmas Day (December 25); Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday / Civil Rights Day (third Monday of January) |
Note: State laws are subject to change at any time through the decisions of higher courts, the enactment of newly signed legislation, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you may also want to contact a New Hampshire employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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New Hampshire Legal Holiday Laws: Related Resources
