State of Indiana Holidays & Observances

Comprehensive list Indiana Official National and State Holidays and how they are observed

Indiana State Day: December 11

Became the 19th State to join the Union that makes up our Nation. This date is also declared by the state as Indiana Day. 

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Indiana's Official State Holidays 

Indiana includes Legal Public Holidays (paid time off for government employees) in their state statutes and list the dates on their website each year. Their statutes also includes Special Observances. 

List of Indiana Legal Public Holidays 

When any of these holidays, other than Sunday, comes on Sunday, the following Monday shall be the legal holiday. When any of these holidays comes on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be the legal holiday. All legal holidays, except Sundays, shall be paid holidays for state employees.

New Year's Day - January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday - 3rd Monday in January

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday - February 12

George Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) - 3rd Monday in February

Good Friday - a movable feast day

Memorial Day - last Monday in May

Independence Day - July 4

Labor Day - 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October

Veterans' Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day - December 25

Sunday - first day of each week

Indiana Special Observances

Indiana Day - December 11

Flag Day - June 14

Casimir Pulaski Day - 1st Monday in March

George Rogers Clark Day - February 25

Northwest Ordinance Day - July 13 

State Statutes:  (Source with Universal Citation)

Indiana Code: Title 1. General Provisions: Article 1. Laws Governing the State: Chapter 9. Legal Holidays

Sec. 1. (a) The following are legal holidays within the state of Indiana for all purposes:

New Year's Day, January 1.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, the third Monday in January.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, February 12.

George Washington's Birthday, the third Monday in February.

Good Friday, a movable feast day.

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.

Independence Day, July 4.

Labor Day, the first Monday in September.

Columbus Day, the second Monday in October.

Election Day, the day of any general, municipal, or primary election.

Veterans Day, November 11.

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November.

Christmas Day, December 25.

Sunday, the first day of the week.

(b) When any of these holidays, other than Sunday, comes on Sunday, the following Monday shall be the legal holiday. When any of these holidays comes on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be the legal holiday.

(c) This section does not affect any action taken by the state, the general assembly while in session, or a political subdivision (as defined in IC 36-1-2-13). Any action taken by the state, the general assembly, or a political subdivision on any such holiday shall be valid for all purposes.

Chapter 10. Indiana Day: 1-1-10-1. Proclamation; Observance

Sec. 1. The governor shall issue a proclamation annually designating the eleventh day of December as Indiana Day, and in pursuance thereof suitable exercises, having reference to the historical event to be commemorated thereby, may be held in the public schools of the state, and by citizens generally throughout the state, in appropriate and patriotic observance of the anniversary of the admission of the state of Indiana into the Union.

Chapter 11. Flag Day and Veterans' Day: 1-1-11-1. Flag Day; Proclamation

Sec. 1. The governor shall issue a proclamation annually setting apart and designating the fourteenth day of June as Flag Day, and recommending in the proclamation that the day be observed by the people in the display of the flag, in conducting suitable exercises having reference to the adoption of the national flag, and in such other ways as shall be in harmony with the general character of the day.

Chapter 12.5. Casimir Pulaski Day: 1-1-12.5-1. Proclamation; Observance

Sec. 1. The governor shall issue an annual proclamation setting apart the first Monday in March for the recognition of Casimir Pulaski's birthday and designating that day as "Casimir Pulaski Day". On this commemorative day, suitable exercises may be held in the public schools of the state and by citizens generally throughout the state in appropriate and patriotic observance of Casimir Pulaski's great contributions to the cause of the American Revolution.

Chapter 13. George Rogers Clark Day: 1-1-13-1. Proclamation; Observance

Sec. 1. The governor shall issue an annual proclamation setting apart the twenty-fifth day of February for the recognition of George Rogers Clark and designating that day as "George Rogers Clark Day." On this commemorative day, the Indiana Historical Bureau, the schools of Indiana and the citizens of Indiana are exhorted to celebrate the memory of George Rogers Clark by holding suitable exercises in fitting and patriotic observance of his great contributions to the cause of American Independence which include conquering and securing the Northwest Territory and establishing and promoting the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory.

Chapter 14. Northwest Ordinance Day: 1-1-14-1. Proclamation

Sec. 1. The governor shall issue a proclamation each year designating July 13 as "Northwest Ordinance Day" and exhorting the Indiana Historical Bureau, the educational, historic, and patriotic organizations of Indiana, and the citizens of Indiana to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Northwest Ordinance by holding suitable exercises in fitting and patriotic observance of this great document and its contributions to freedom and democracy.

This article updated as of October 2023. While every attempt is made to be sure the information is accurate, we do not guarantee the information provided. States determine these holidays and new calendars and dates observed each year and may eliminate or add holidays and observances. Please check with your local state government website for the most up to date information and legal holiday guidelines. 

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