Whether you are planning your HR strategy for 2025 or you’re a business owner scheduling shifts for 2025, it’s important to stay up to date with all Massachusetts holidays in 2025. This information is particularly helpful for HR professionals, managers, and small to medium sized business owners not only to stay compliant, but to plan effectively. This state holiday overview will ensure you can properly hire a sufficient amount of staff members to cover for peak times and honoring time off requests from your employees. By properly planning, you can create a healthy work environment with an engaged workforce.
This article will list all Massachusetts holidays in 2025 and guide employers and HR professionals understand the regulations around employee time off and pay during these holidays.
Massachusetts holidays 2025
Massachusetts observes a range of holidays that hold cultural, historical, and religious significance. The state of Massachusetts recognizes federal legal holidays as well as state-specific occasions and local and municipal holidays.
Observance of all Massachusetts holidays in 2025 varies between public and private employers. Public employees are generally given time off for important holidays. However, while some private businesses may grant time off and holiday pay to their employees in line with traditional holidays, others might have different policies and practices in place. For example, some employers offer a set number of days of paid leave, while other employers offer unpaid time off, unlimited PTO, personal time off, VTO, floating holidays, or flexible time off.
This diversity in holiday observance adds to the rich tapestry of Massachusetts’ cultural landscape and fosters a spirit of inclusivity and respect for various traditions within the state.
State holidays in Massachusetts
Here is a comprehensive list of all Massachusetts holidays in 2025:
- New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2025)
- Martin Luther King’s Birthday (Monday, January 20, 2025)
- Washington’s Birthday or President’s Day (Monday, February 17, 2025)
- Evacuation Day (Suffolk County only) (Monday, March 17, 2025)
- Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025)
- Bunker Hill Day (Suffolk County only) (Tuesday, June 17, 2025)
- Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19, 2025)
- Independence Day (Friday, July 4,2025)
- Labor Day (Monday, September 1, 2025)
- Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday, October 13, 2025)
- Veterans’ Day (Tuesday, November 11, 2025)
- Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 2025)
- Christmas (Thursday, December 25, 2025)
In 2025, Massachusetts state, county, and municipal offices remain closed, allowing employees to partake in the festivities. However, it is important to note that federal offices only observe holidays recognized by the federal government. These include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, George Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. On these specific federal holidays, as with other states including New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Florida, federal employees enjoy time off to commemorate these important occasions.
Patriots’ Day
Patriots’ Day is an annual holiday observed in Massachusetts, typically falling on the third Monday in April. This holiday is unique to Massachusetts, while all other holidays listed above are federal holidays with state-specific requirements.
This significant day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775, and marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. This day holds great historical importance for the state, as Massachusetts played a pivotal role in the nation’s quest for independence. As a result, various events and reenactments are held across the state on Patriots’ Day to honor the brave patriots who fought for liberty and freedom.
As a public holiday, Patriots’ Day affects the operations of both public and private sectors. State and local government offices, schools, and many businesses close their doors for the day, allowing residents to participate in the festivities and reflect on the state’s rich history. Additionally, the iconic Boston Marathon is held on this day, drawing participants and spectators from around the world.
There are also two legal Boston holidays that are specific to the state capital:
- National Boston Day: This holiday is celebrated on January 16 to commemorate the founding of Boston in 1630.
- Evacuation Day: This holiday is celebrated on March 17 to commemorate the British evacuation of Boston in 1776. This state holiday is also observed in the surrounding Suffolk County.
Both of these holidays are observed by all city offices and schools in Boston. However, businesses are not legally required to close on these days.
What employers need to know about Massachusetts holidays 2025
There are laws in place that dictate which types of work are allowed and which business and commercial activities can continue to operate. The caveat to this is that only certain holidays have restrictions. The following holidays listed must abide by the state mandated regulations:
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
There are also specific restrictions for all industries except retail on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Let’s explore the restrictions governing Massachusetts holidays in 2025 in a bit more detail.
Public employers
Public employers are subject to specific laws governing state and federal holidays in 2025 in Massachusetts. These regulations ensure that state employers adequately compensate their employees and provide them with time off during legal holidays.
Most significantly, the law requires state, county, and municipal offices to close on all Massachusetts holidays in 2025. The only exception to this is in the case of Suffolk County, where public offices only close on Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day. This is because these are the only two holidays that Suffolk County specifically designates as legal holidays. All other state holidays are not officially observed in Suffolk County. Despite this fact, some public employers in Suffolk County choose to close or allow employees to take a personal day on other public holidays.
In all other cases, in the event that a state employer requires employees to work on any of the state holidays in Massachusetts, they must offer them an additional day off, or if this is not possible, the employer must compensate them for an extra day’s work. The same applies if a state employee’s regular day off falls on a holiday. Employers also need to be aware of any collective bargaining agreements and labor contracts that may dictate specific terms for holiday pay and time off for public employees.
Finally, public employers should be aware of how certain holidays impact essential services provided by their organization. In cases where continuous operations are necessary, public employers should implement contingency plans to manage staffing and maintain service levels during holidays.
Private employers
Massachusetts is one of the few states with laws governing leave for private employers. These regulations, known as the Massachusetts Blue Laws, categorizes different types of work into retailers, non-retailers, and manufacturers.
These regulations state there are certain days when private employers must obtain a local permit in order to remain open.
Massachusetts holidays in 2025 on which private employers can only stay open with a permit:
- Christmas Day
- Thanksgiving
- Columbus Day (before 12:00 noon)
- Veterans Day (before 1:00 p.m.)
If an employer obtains a permit to stay open on any of these days and requires employees to work, they only need to pay these employees their regular pay unless standard overtime or Sunday Blue Laws apply.
Federal and state holidays in Massachusetts on which private employers can stay open without limitation:
- New Year’s Day
- Patriots’ Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Bunker Hill Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Juneteenth
- Columbus Day (after 12:00 noon)
- Evacuation Day
- Veterans Day (after 1:00 p.m.)
Due to these laws, it’s crucial that private employers establish clear time off policies for all Massachusetts state holidays to ensure the fair and consistent treatment of their employees. Additionally, private employers should carefully review any collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts that may address holiday pay and time off.
Lastly, private employers should be aware of their workforce’s diverse backgrounds and religious observances, particularly since the state recognizes certain religious holidays. Providing accommodations for employees’ religious practices, when possible, demonstrates respect for diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace.
Retailers
Retail employers must pay attention to specific laws and restrictions governing Massachusetts holidays in 2025. The state has strict regulations when it comes to retail establishments being open during certain holidays and how they must compensate their employees during these periods.
For example, retail stores can only open on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. If a retail establishment chooses to operate on New Year’s Day, Columbus Day (after 12 noon), or Veterans’ Day (after 1:00 p.m.), they must pay their employees one and a half times their regular rate. This rule applies to all retail establishments with at least eight employees on their payroll during that particular week (from Sunday to Saturday). This ensures that employees receive fair compensation for working on these major holidays.
It’s also important to note, liquor stores must close for Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
To avoid legal ramifications, retail employers should clearly communicate their operating schedule for all Mass holidays in 2025 to employees. They must also maintain accurate records of hours worked during these holidays. Implementing robust payroll practices and adhering to these laws not only ensures compliance but also fosters a positive work environment, supporting employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Manufacturing
Non-retail regulations for Massachusetts holidays in 2025, which are typically applicable to manufacturing, allow manufacturers to operate legally on legal holidays if they obtain the required permits. However, you cannot force employees to work on these holidays. Instead, you must provide them the choice to work or not, except in certain circumstances, such as:
- The work being performed is absolutely essential.
- The business requires uninterrupted operations.
In all other cases, working on MA holidays in 2025 must be voluntary. You cannot force employees to work against their will. This ensures that employees have the opportunity to enjoy time off during holidays, promoting work-life balance and employee well-being.
Manufacturers should be aware of these regulations and respect their employees’ rights to decide whether to work on legal holidays. Encouraging flexibility and freedom of choice creates a positive work environment which improves employee morale and fosters a sense of appreciation.
Additional industries with specific Massachusetts holidays 2025 restrictions
There are a few other industries with specific employment restrictions for Massachusetts state holidays in 2025.
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities. Healthcare workers are typically required to work on state holidays in Massachusetts, as their services are essential. However, employers may need to provide additional compensation, such as premium pay or time off in lieu, to accommodate holiday shifts.
- Transportation. Transportation workers, including airline pilots, could also be required to work on state holidays due to the nature of their work. Particularly public transportation and air travel are considered essential services that must remain operational, even on holidays.
- Hotels and restaurants. Hotels and restaurants can remain open on state holidays, but they may be subject to certain restrictions. For example, providing their employees time off on certain holidays or provide premium pay for those working on holidays.
Is holiday pay mandatory in Massachusetts?
Unlike other forms of time off like parental leave, holiday pay is not mandatory for private employers in Massachusetts. Individual companies generally determine holiday pay policies therefore wages may vary.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Retail employees. Retail employers must offer premium pay to employees who work on New Year’s Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans’ Day. The premium pay rate is 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate.
- Manufacturing employees. Manufacturing employers must offer premium pay to employees who work on certain holidays. This includes Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day (before 12:00 noon), Veterans’ Day (before 1:00 p.m.), Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
- Employees who work on Sundays. You must pay employees who work on Sundays time and a half pay unless they are exempt from overtime pay.
Public employers, such as state, county, and municipal offices, may have specific policies regarding holiday pay for their employees. For example, if a public employer requires its staff to work on a legal holiday, they may have to provide them with an additional day off or extra pay for that day.
Finally, private employers are not legally required to pay employees for time off on Massachusetts holidays in 2025. However, offering paid holidays can be a valuable employee benefit. If a company decides to provide paid holidays, it is essential to clearly specify the eligible holidays and the criteria for receiving holiday pay, such as minimum hours worked or length of employment.
There are also no state laws in New York that regulate how employees accrue vacation leave. As a result, employers are free to set their own vacation payout and PTO carry over policies.
Time Off Management tools
Effective time-off management is essential for maintaining a productive work environment. Factorial offers innovative time off management tools that simplifies and automates time-off requests. Using a tool like Factorial will save you time so you can focus on growing your company. Some features to highlight:
- Employees can submit vacation, sick leave, or other time off requests that get sent automatically to their manager.
- HR professionals and managers can customize leave policies according to company policies, federal and local laws, or industry-based regulations.
- Both employees and employers have visibility to see their remaining time-off balance
Overall, Factorial’s time off management tools can revolutionize the way you manage time off in your business, promoting efficiency, transparency, and compliance. That way, you can stay on top of all Massachusetts holidays in 2025 and ensure your organization’s success in the new era of workforce management.
