California State Holidays 2025 covers federal and California-only days off affecting work schedules, business planning, and employee benefits. Details on paid and unpaid holidays for public workers, private employees, and businesses across California.
By Brad Nakase, Attorney
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The holidays determine the pattern of the year. They provide individuals with a work break, time to spend with family, or just a day to have a day off. To business, holidays translate into planning, staffing changes, and in some cases, additional sales. The California State Holidays 2025 calendar is a mixture of the federal holidays and days that are state-specific.
2025 is no different. Through this article, those of you who work or live in California will be able to see a clear picture of the holidays, what is paid, what is not paid, and what workers and companies should keep in mind.
California follows the holiday schedule of the United States Federal Government, but it also has a few of its own. Most state offices, schools, courts, and banks close. Private companies may or may not follow the same list.
Here’s the holiday calendar for 2025:
Here’s where confusion often arises.
State and local government employees (including teachers and court staff) usually get all of the above as paid days off.
Private sector employees don’t have an automatic right to paid holidays in California. The state doesn’t legally require it. Actually, most things are dependent on the employer’s policy or a union contract.
Commonly used holidays in business/companies that are paid: New Year’s, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.
Not so frequently paid holidays: César Chávez Day, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Some employers count them as unpaid unless workers use vacation or floating leave.
California is culturally diverse. Many companies offer floating holidays. These are flexible days that employees can use for their own traditions. These could be Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid, Easter, or an individual/family event. Floating holidays give employers inclusivity points and give workers more freedom.
Remember these points about California State Holidays 2025:
Holidays affect different industries in different ways:
Employers
Employees
The California State Holidays 2025 calendar has thirteen state holidays. For public workers, they’re usually guaranteed and paid. For private workers, things depend on company rules. The “big six”—New Year’s, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—are almost always honored as paid leave. Others, like César Chávez Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, may or may not be.
For businesses, holidays mean careful planning. To the employees, it implies rest, family time, or additional income in case they work on the same days. Regardless, holidays shape the working year and provide a reminder to take a break, enjoy, and take time to reflect.
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