Stanford recognizes these holidays, which are paid days off for eligible employees.

2021 Holidays Schedule (printable PDF)

Paid Holiday Eligibility and Policies

*Employees in operational areas that observe winter close will receive holiday pay for holidays that fall during the close, and may use available PTO, floating holiday, accrued vacation, unpaid time off, or any combination of these, on the remaining closure days.

**Note: Temporary and casual employees are not eligible for paid holidays or a floating holiday.

Eligibility for Paid Holidays

You are eligible for paid holidays beginning on your first day of employment if you are normally scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week (50% or more of regular full-time employment, also known as FTE).

Floating Holiday

A floating holiday is available to all regular employees January 1 of the calendar year and can be taken at any time within that calendar year, with supervisory approval.

Holiday Pay Policy

For Stanford’s policy on paid holidays, see Administrative Guide Memo 2.1.13: Paid Holidays. Employees represented by either SEIU or SDSA should consult their respective collective bargaining agreements.

Global Staff

For international holiday policies and schedules, see Offerings for Global Staff.

SLAC Staff

Policies may differ from those stated here due to the operational requirements; please view the holiday policies posted in the SLAC Intranet. 

Additional Information about WINTER HOLIDAYS/CLOSE

In addition to the paid winter holidays, the university's winter close takes place between fall and winter academic quarters. Employees in operational areas that observe winter close will receive holiday pay for holidays that fall during the close and may use available PTO, floating holiday, accrued vacation, unpaid time off, or any combination of these, on the remaining closure days. The winter close dates are set by senior leadership after reviewing the Stanford academic calendar as well as the close dates for area school districts and balancing several other factors. The timing may affect individuals and departments differently, but the overall goal is to provide an opportunity for a meaningful break from work.