Certain holidays, including Labor Day and Memorial Day, are officially recognized in all states. On these days, workers typically are paid extra and certain institutions (like banks) are closed. But each state has its own legal holidays that reflect their unique history and culture. Texas legal holidays include Confederate Heroes Day, Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, and Lyndon Baines Johnson Day.
Legal Holiday Laws: Federal vs. State
Under federal labor law, employers are not required to pay employees holiday pay (whether it's for hours not worked or premium pay for work performed on legal holidays). However, holiday pay is required for employees of the federal government and certain government contractors.
Similarly, Texas state employees are also entitled to a paid day off for federal and state holidays. Private employees are not entitled to holiday pay by state law, but may be granted such benefits as part of their compensation package (which are enforceable if part of an employment agreement).
Employer Liability
If your employer fails to meet its obligations to you as an employee (this could be state or federal labor laws, or the terms of your contract), they may be liable for damages. Employers must provide the necessary amount of break time (such as a 30-minute lunch break for non-exempt employees), for example. An employment law attorney can answer questions or help you file a lawsuit if you believe your rights have been violated.
The table below lists legal holidays in Texas.
| Code Section | U.T.C.A. Government Code §662.003 |
| Holidays | New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday; President's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Veterans Day; Thanksgiving; Friday after Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve; Christmas; day after Christmas; (Confederate Heroes Day; Texas Independence Day; San Jacinto Day; Emancipation Day in Texas; Lyndon Baines Johnson Day; Election Day: state holidays) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
Texas Legal Holidays Laws: Related Resources
Learn More about Texas Legal Holiday Laws from an Attorney
Your rights concerning legal holidays depend on various factors such as whether you work for the government or if you receive specific benefits from your employer. If you are a Texas employee who suspects that your rights have been violated, then you should talk to an employment attorney who can answer questions or help you file a lawsuit.Take the next step in resolving your case by getting in touch with a Texas wage and hour law attorney.
