Holidays in Alaska
Alaska is one of the largest states in the United States and it is home to diverse cultures, traditions, and celebrations. It is important to know which holidays are recognized as official in Alaska to plan and prepare for important events and activities. This article will cover the federal and state holidays in Alaska as well as Alaska Native Heritage Month and other important celebrations.
Federal Holidays in Alaska
The people of Alaska celebrate the same federal holidays as the rest of the United States. These holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. These holidays are recognized as days off for most federal and state employees, schools, and businesses.
Alaska State Holidays
In addition to the federal holidays, Alaska has several state holidays that are recognized as official. These holidays include Seward’s Day, Alaska Day, and Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Seward’s Day is celebrated on the last Monday in March and commemorates the signing of the Alaska Purchase Treaty in 1867. Alaska Day is celebrated on October 18th and marks the day when Alaska officially became a part of the United States. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve are half-day holidays for state employees.
Alaska Native Heritage Month
In November, Alaska Native Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the contributions and cultures of Alaska’s indigenous people. It is a time to honor the traditions, languages, and heritage of Alaska’s Native communities. Festivals, cultural events, and art exhibits are held throughout the state to celebrate this important month.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January to honor the civil rights leader’s legacy and his contributions to American society. In Alaska, schools, state offices, and businesses are closed to commemorate this holiday.
President’s Day
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February to honor the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. This holiday is observed by both federal and state offices and is a day off for many businesses and schools.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This holiday is observed by federal and state offices and is a day off for many businesses and schools.
Independence Day
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This holiday is observed by federal and state offices and is a day off for many businesses and schools.
Labor Day
Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September to recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers. This holiday is observed by federal and state offices and is a day off for many businesses and schools.
Alaska Day
Alaska Day is a state holiday observed on October 18th to commemorate the day when Alaska officially became a part of the United States. This holiday is observed by state offices and schools and is a day off for many businesses.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is observed on November 11th to honor the courage and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans, both living and deceased. This holiday is observed by federal and state offices and is a day off for many businesses and schools.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are federal holidays that are observed in Alaska. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November and Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th. These holidays are observed by federal and state offices and are days off for many businesses and schools.
