PEFederal holidays are designated days that are observed annually by the United States government with paid time off for certain workers in the public sector. These paid holidays typically apply to non-essential federal agencies and their employees, post offices, banks, and schools. They often serve as important reminders of significant events or people in U.S. history.
While private businesses are not legally required to give their employees federal holidays off, many choose to provide either paid or unpaid time off or premium pay on these dates. Read on to learn more about the specific holidays, and consider whether and how your business will choose to observe them.
How many federal holidays are there?
There are currently 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government, and the list may grow. For instance, Juneteenth was added as a federal holiday in 2021 to observe the ending of slavery in the United States.
It’s also worth noting that states may recognize additional holidays alongside the federal ones, or have different ways of observing federal holidays. For example, some states like New York observe Election Day as a legal holiday for state employees, and Washington, D.C. typically observes Presidential Inauguration Day every four years. Be sure to check your state’s government website for specific information on how they observe federal holidays.
What are the 11 federal holidays and their significance?
- New Year’s Day—January 1: Marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is often associated with resolutions and fresh starts.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Third Monday in January: Honors the influential civil rights leader who advocated for equality and justice for all.
- Presidents’ Day—Third Monday in February: This holiday originally commemorated George Washington’s birthday, but it is now seen as a general celebration of all U.S. presidents.
- Memorial Day—Last Monday in May: Honors and remembers those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
- Juneteenth—June 19: An annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. following the Civil War.
- Independence Day—July 4: Commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation.
- Labor Day—First Monday in September: Recognizes and celebrates the contributions and achievements of American workers.
- Columbus Day—Second Monday in October: Recognizes the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas and is often seen as a celebration of Italian-American heritage. Some choose to observe Indigenous People’s Day on this date instead to acknowledge the devastation of European conquest of Indigenous Americans.
- Veterans Day—November 11: Honors and gives thanks to military veterans for their service and sacrifice.
- Thanksgiving Day—Fourth Thursday in November: A time for giving thanks and expressing gratitude for family, friends, and blessings.
- Christmas Day—December 25: Marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is often seen as a celebration of peace and goodwill.
What if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?
Federal holidays are still observed even if they fall on a weekend. Typically, employees will get a paid day off immediately before or after the holiday weekend. Dates can vary year to year, so plan ahead to ensure you’re prepared for office and agency closures or team days off.
