Federal employees in the United States are set for a welcome boost to their holiday entitlement in 2025, with the calendar featuring an extended Christmas break. This brings the total number of official federal holidays for the year to 13.
Executive Order Grants Extended Festive Break
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting federal staff two additional days off around the Christmas period. The order excuses workers from duty on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December, and Friday 26 December, the day after Christmas Day.
This move, noted as being at the discretion of agency heads for essential services, means many government employees will enjoy a block of three consecutive days off, incorporating Christmas Day itself. Those not required to work over the preceding weekend will benefit from an even longer festive respite.
Historical Context and Holiday List
The practice of designating Christmas Eve as a federal holiday was initiated by President Trump during his first term in 2019 and 2020. The precedent for declaring 26 December a holiday was set by former President Barack Obama. It is important to note that establishing a permanent federal holiday requires legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the president.
However, a federal holiday designation does not automatically guarantee time off for all American workers. Private sector employers retain the right to decide whether to offer the day off or provide additional pay for work conducted on these dates.
The Complete 2025 Federal Holiday Schedule
The full list of official US federal holidays for 2025 is as follows:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. / Inauguration Day: Monday, 20 January
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, 17 February
- Memorial Day: Monday, 26 May
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, 19 June
- Independence Day: Friday, 4 July
- Labor Day: Monday, 1 September
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, 13 October
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, 11 November
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, 27 November
- Christmas Eve: Wednesday, 24 December
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Friday, 26 December
The calendar also notes other significant dates, including Valentine’s Day (14 February), St. Patrick’s Day (17 March), Good Friday (18 April), and Easter Sunday (20 April).
