Federal Holidays are designated public holidays officially recognized by the U.S. federal government, during which most non-essential federal government offices close, and federal employees receive paid time off. While private employers are not legally required to observe these holidays, many choose to offer them as paid days off or modify work schedules accordingly.
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Key Facts
- There Are 11 Official Federal Holidays:
- New Year’s Day - January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Third Monday in January
- Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) - Third Monday in February
- Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
- Juneteenth National Independence Day - June 19
- Independence Day - July 4
- Labor Day - First Monday in September
- Columbus Day - Second Monday in October
- Veterans Day - November 11
- Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day - December 25
- Applies Primarily to Federal Employees: These holidays affect federal agencies and institutions, but many private-sector employers voluntarily observe them.
- Weekend Adjustments: If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is usually observed the preceding Friday. If on a Sunday, it's observed the following Monday.
- No Legal Requirement for Private Employers: There is no federal law mandating private companies to give time off or holiday pay - but many do for competitive and cultural reasons.
- State and Local Differences: Some states observe additional holidays (for example, César Chávez Day in California) or may not observe all federal holidays.
1. What are the 11 U.S. federal holidays?
They include major observances such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Christmas, among others (see list above).
2. Do private companies have to give federal holidays off?
No. Private employers aren’t required by federal law to provide time off or pay on federal holidays, but many choose to.
3. What happens if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?
It is typically observed on the closest weekday - Friday if it falls on Saturday, and Monday if it falls on Sunday.
4. Do employees get paid for federal holidays?
Federal employees do, and many private-sector employers also offer holiday pay, though it’s not required by law.
5. Are banks and post offices open on federal holidays?
Generally, no. Most banks, post offices, and government offices are closed on federal holidays.
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