The State authorizes 12 holidays each year, three of which must fall at Christmas. The campuses of the University of North Carolina system observe the same total number of holidays as those provided to other State agencies. However, each campus sets its own specific holiday/closing schedule based on institutional needs.
Holiday |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
New Year’s Day | Observed Monday, January 2 | Monday, January 1 | Wednesday, January 1 |
MLK Jr. Day | Monday, January 16 | Monday, January 15 | Monday, January 20 |
Memorial Day | Monday, May 29 | Monday, May 27 | Monday, May 26 |
Independence Day | Tuesday, July 4 | Thursday, July 4 | Friday, July 4 |
Labor Day | Monday, September 4 | Monday, September 2 | Monday, September 1 |
Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 23 | Thursday, November 28 | Thursday, November 27 |
Day After Thanksgiving | Friday, November 24 | Friday, November 29 | Friday, November 28 |
Winter Break | Friday, December 22 | Tuesday, December 24 | Wednesday, December 24 |
Winter Break | Monday, December 25 | Wednesday, December 25 | Thursday, December 25 |
Winter Break | Tuesday, December 26 | Thursday, December 26 | Friday, December 26 |
Winter Break | Wednesday, December 27 | Friday, December 27 | Monday, December 29 |
Winter Break | Thursday, December 28 | Monday, December 30 | Tuesday, December 30 |
Winter Break | Friday, December 29 | Tuesday, December 31 | Wednesday, December 31 |
University Reopen Date After Winter Break | Tuesday, January 2, 2024 | Thursday, January 2, 2025 | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
University Paid Holiday | University closed: Employee to use annual leave, bonus leave, special bonus leave or comp time. If leave is not available for use, pay will be reduced for overdrawn leave. | University Open |
The State of North Carolina authorizes 12 holidays each year, three of which must fall at Christmas. The campuses of the UNC system observe the same number of holidays as those provided to other state agencies. However, each campus sets its own specific holiday schedule based on institutional needs.
In keeping with Executive Order 262 and at the approval of President Hans, employees may take a paid day off to observe a day of religious, cultural or personal significance. The day may be taken anytime during a given calendar year. FAQs regarding Personal Observance Leave.
Some employees must work on holidays to meet operational needs. See https://wolftime.hr.ncsu.edu/
Employees may ask to take leave for major religious observances. Supervisors must arrange work schedules so that employees can take leave if it does not create an emergency situation in the department.
In accordance with G.S. 126-4(5), NC State University will observe a holiday in recognition of Veteran’s Day on the following alternate dates: 12/27/2023, 12/27/2024, and 12/29/2025.
Questions concerning the University Holiday Calendar should be directed to the Office of the AVC for Human Resources at 919-515-3443.