Federal Holidays 2025

Engagedly

What Are Federal Holidays?

Federal holidays are 11 annual dates designated by the U.S. government under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. On these days, federal offices close, and many private sector employers, banks, and schools follow suit.

2025 Federal Holiday Calendar

HolidayObserved Date in 2025
New Year’s DayWednesday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. DayMonday, January 20
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)Monday, February 17
Memorial DayMonday, May 26
Juneteenth National Independence DayThursday, June 19
Independence DayFriday, July 4
Labor DayMonday, September 1
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ DayMonday, October 13
Veterans DayTuesday, November 11
Thanksgiving DayThursday, November 27
Christmas DayThursday, December 25

Observed Days:
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s typically observed the previous Friday or following Monday. federalreserve.gov+3opm.gov+3federalpay.org+3

Why They Matter to Employers and Organizations

  • Operational Planning: Federal offices, banks, and national markets generally close on these dates—impacting staffing and business continuity.
  • Employee Benefits: Employers often offer paid leave or holiday pay on federal holidays, though it’s not legally mandated for private-sector businesses.
  • Policy Clarity: Consistent observance of federal holidays supports equitable scheduling practices and internal communication standards.

Best Practices for Employer Implementation

  1. Clearly define in policy which federal holidays the company observes and whether employees receive paid time off.
  2. Communicate early, including observance days and schedule adjustments.
  3. Plan ahead for weekend holidays, adjusting holiday schedules proactively.
  4. Consider floating holidays or PTO, especially for less commonly observed dates like Juneteenth or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

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