Skip navigation

Workplace holidays to celebrate in February

February in white type on orange background

Table of contents

Are you planning February 2027 workplace holidays?

Use this February 2027 workplace holiday list to plan inclusive celebrations, meaningful learning moments and thoughtful scheduling. February includes cultural, religious, health, social justice and team-building observances that can help HR, People and L&D leaders create connections across teams while supporting an inclusive, high-performance culture.

This blog post was updated on August 24, 2026, and now features dates for February 2027.

Month-long celebrations in February

Black History Month

Observed in February, Black History Month is a symbolic celebration that pays special tribute to the important role of Black history in the pursuit of racial justice and equality. It is a time of acknowledgment, reflection and inspiration.

American Heart Month

American Heart Month brings awareness to heart disease and stroke. Every February, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to help more people live longer and healthier lives.

Additional February holidays

(Go here for ideas for promoting DEI at work.)

February 1

National Freedom Day

National Freedom Day commemorates the day Congress adopted a joint resolution leading to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery in the United States. While the Amendment itself was ratified in December of 1865, it was passed by Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865.

February 2

Groundhog Day

Praying for an early spring? You’re probably not alone. We can’t tell you if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not this year, but we can help you keep your team from getting stuck in a Groundhog Day cycle.

February 4

Rosa Parks Day (CA & MO)

In California and Missouri, Rosa Parks Day is a holiday honoring civil rights leader Rosa Parks on her birthday. Other states observe this holiday on the day she was arrested, December 1, or on the first Monday after her birthday.

February 5

Working Naked Day

Working Naked Day, observed annually on the first Friday in February, offers a humorous and light-hearted opportunity for people who work from home to recognize the freedoms and advantages of their work environment, including the option to dress, or not, as they please.

National Wear Red Day

An offshoot of American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness and action to help end heart disease and stroke in women.

February 6

Lunar New Year

Celebrating the new year across many East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year for some families and communities. The timing of Lunar New Year is tied to the lunar calendar, commencing with the first new moon of the year and ending with the first full moon. In Chinese culture, preparations called “Little Year” begin prior to the beginning of Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival, and the festivities conclude with the Lantern Festival. 2027 will be the Year of the Fire Goat.

February 7-March 8*

Ramadan*

This month-long holy month is a time for reflection, contemplation and celebration. Fasting is a key part of this observance, from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of February 7 and end the evening of March 8, 2027. Exact dates may vary based on moon sighting.

Wondering how to greet someone during Ramadan? Try "Ramadan mubarak!" (Have a blessed Ramadan!) or "Ramadan kareem!" (May Ramadan be generous to you!)

February 8

International Epilepsy Day

Epilepsy impacts almost every part of someone’s life. The stigmas surrounding the disease can discourage people from seeking treatment and can impact social inclusion. International Epilepsy Day focuses on reducing the stigma that people living with epilepsy often face through conversations, education and dispelling myths.

February 9

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of online issues and current trends, from cyberbullying to digital identity.

Mardi Gras

This isn’t just a party in New Orleans. Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the last night of eating rich foods before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of penitence and fasting that commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.

February 10

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, officially known as the Day of Ashes, is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. Remember that individuals on your team may need some flexibility on Ash Wednesday so they can visit church to get their ashes.

February 11

International Day of Women & Girls in Science

There has been a significant gender gap throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress toward increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. In 2016, the U.N. General Assembly declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to help engage, recognize and promote the achievements of women in STEM fields.

February 13

Galentine’s Day

Traditionally this time of year leaves many focused on their relationship status, or lack thereof. In a season focused on romantic love, Galentine’s Day takes a day to recognize the importance of friendship. Whether single, coupled or somewhere in between, Galentine’s Day focuses on strengthening the important relationships in our lives. 

February 14

Valentine’s Day

Did you know Valentine’s Day originally had nothing to do with love? February 14 was originally declared St. Valentine’s Day at the end of the 5th century. It wasn’t until 1375 that Geoffrey Chaucer first recorded St. Valentine’s Day as a romantic celebration.

Super Bowl

Super Bowl Sunday presents some unique opportunities for team building and creating connections. It also means some of your employees may be a bit sluggish, or even upset, Monday morning.

February 15

Parinirvana Day

Observed primarily by Mahayana Buddhists, Parinirvana Day commemorates the death of the historical Buddha and his entry into complete Nirvana. This is a day to contemplate the Buddha’s teachings.

International Childhood Cancer Day

International Childhood Cancer Day is a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families.

Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day is a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. Fun fact: it never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Presidents’ Day is always observed on the third Monday of February.

February 16

National Innovation Day

Innovation Day is all about celebrating the cool new ideas and inventions that make our lives better. It's a great time to give a shout-out to those in your organization who keep pushing the boundaries and to inspire young folks to dive into tech and innovation. At work, you could have fun brainstorming sessions, show off recent innovations or invite an expert to chat about the latest trends and spark some creativity.

February 17

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day is rooted in the belief that everyone can connect through kindness, creating a common language of kindness between schools, work and home.

February 20

World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice recognizes the need to promote social justice, tackling issues like poverty, exclusion, unemployment, gender inequality, social protections and human rights. This holiday focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for everyone through social protection, employment and fundamental rights.

February 21

International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity and promotes multilingualism. In the workplace, it can be a meaningful moment to recognize the many languages employees speak and the cultures those languages help preserve.

February 28

Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is a global movement raising awareness on rare diseases, working toward social equity in social opportunity, healthcare and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Rare Disease Day is patient-led, but everyone, including families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry representatives and the general public, can participate in raising awareness and taking action.

Because lunar calendars shift year to year, some observances that often appear in February fall in January in 2027.

*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.

Looking for more holiday calendars? Click the month you want to see:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | 2026 Full-Year Overview | Download the calendar using the button above.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Frequently asked questions

What workplace holidays are in February 2027?

February 2027 workplace holidays include Black History Month, American Heart Month, National Freedom Day, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Safer Internet Day, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Presidents’ Day, World Day of Social Justice and Rare Disease Day.

How can HR teams celebrate February workplace holidays inclusively?

Use February holidays to plan optional learning moments, team conversations, recognition and scheduling flexibility. Keep participation voluntary, avoid assumptions about how employees observe holidays and invite employee resource groups or culture committees to guide celebrations when appropriate.

Which February 2027 observances may require workplace flexibility?

Ramadan may affect meal timing and energy levels for employees who fast. Ash Wednesday may require time for religious services. Lunar New Year may involve family or community celebrations. Presidents’ Day is also a U.S. federal holiday for many workplaces.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

Workplace holidays to celebrate in October
Electives team
 
Sep 1, 2026

Workplace holidays to celebrate in October

Plan October 2026 workplace holidays with inclusive observances, celebration ideas and a month-by-month holiday calendar from Electives.
Culture + Collaboration Resources
What is an AI workforce, and how do you build one?
Electives team
 
Aug 27, 2026

What is an AI workforce, and how do you build one?

Learn what an AI-enabled workforce is, why it matters and how HR leaders can build, measure and scale AI adoption across teams for lasting results.
Innovation + Productivity Resources
How to use AI at work
Electives team
 
Aug 26, 2026

How to use AI at work

Learn how to use AI at work with practical steps your team can apply right away. Build real skills, spark behavior change, and see measurable results fast.
Innovation + Productivity Resources
8 AI-first culture building blocks for HR leaders
Electives team
 
Aug 14, 2026

8 AI-first culture building blocks for HR leaders

Access is not adoption. Build an AI-first culture with eight people systems that turn AI tools into changed work.
Culture + Collaboration Resources
People Developing People: Helping people feel part of something bigger.
Jason Lavender
 
Aug 11, 2026

People Developing People: Helping people feel part of something bigger.

Ferrero's VP of People Experience on why leadership builds belonging and why HR work must connect to business goals.
People Leader Interviews
Celebrating National Compassionate Leadership Week
Electives team
 
Aug 11, 2026

Celebrating National Compassionate Leadership Week

Plan National Compassionate Leadership Week with 2026 dates, celebration ideas and leadership training topics for HR and L&D teams.
Leadership + Management Resources

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more