Everyone knows what a holiday is -- a day set aside to celebrate with family or friends or to engage with a particular community (religious, etc). Sometimes holidays are more somber affairs, such as Veterans' Day and Memorial Day. But a legal holiday is one that is recognized by the federal or state government, and on which government employees are entitled to a paid day off or extra pay if they work. While many private-sector employers also provide paid days off on legal holidays, mostly as a perk for salaried employees, it is not required of private employers unless it is part of a contractual employment agreement.
States are required to recognize the same legal holidays observed at the federal level (including Christmas Day and Independence Day), but some states have additional legal holidays that reflect the history and culture of the given state. Additionally, many states observe local holidays on the same days as established legal holidays. Some states also mandate "half holidays" on which employees leave work early.
Legal Holidays in Rhode Island at a Glance
In addition to Labor Day and other federally recognized holidays, Rhode Island also celebrates Rhode Island Independence Day (May 4) and Victory Day (second Monday of August).
The following chart lists Rhode Island's legally recognized holidays, with links to additional resources. See FindLaw's Wages and Benefits section to learn more.
| Code Section | 25-1-1 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day (January 1); Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday (third Monday of January); Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February); Memorial Day (last Monday of May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (first Monday of September); Columbus Day (second Monday of October); Veterans Day (November 11); Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November); Christmas (December 25); Rhode Island Independence Day (May 4); Victory Day (second Monday of August); Election Day (first Tuesday of November) |
| State Agency in Charge of Enforcement | Rhode Island Department of Labor of Training |
Note: State laws may change at any time through the enactment of newly signed legislation or voter-approved ballot initiatives, higher court decisions, or other means. You should contact a Rhode Island employment law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Rhode Island Legal Holiday Laws: Related Resources
