Little Rock, Arkansas – In a show of appreciation for both tradition and family, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared that all state offices and the State Capitol will be closed on Friday, November 28, 2025, extending the Thanksgiving holiday for state employees.
The announcement was made as part of an official proclamation that celebrates Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Governor Sanders emphasized the enduring importance of the holiday by invoking historical and spiritual reflection, tracing its roots back to 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln urged the nation to pause and give thanks even amidst the turmoil of the Civil War.
“Thanksgiving Day is a time for Arkansans to travel home and reconnect with family over delicious food, giving thanks for the bounty we enjoy,” the Governor stated. She further encouraged residents across the state to “celebrate this day with gratitude and quiet reflection on God’s gifts to us all.”
Governor Sanders’ proclamation noted that more than 150 years after Lincoln’s original Thanksgiving declaration, Americans continue to gather with loved ones to reflect on life’s blessings. The governor praised the holiday as an opportunity to take a break from the rush of daily life and to enjoy simple moments with family and friends.
To help ensure that state employees have the chance to fully observe the holiday, Governor Sanders used her authority to extend the closure of government offices through the end of the week. As stated in the official order, “I further declare the State Capitol and state offices will be closed on Friday, November 28, 2025, as well.”
This move allows many across the state’s workforce to enjoy a long holiday weekend, beginning at the end of the workday on Wednesday, November 26. While critical state functions will remain staffed as necessary, most administrative offices will remain closed through Friday.
