Federal Holidays in the United States
The United States recognizes eleven federal holidays each year, designated by Congress and observed by the federal government. On these days, non-essential federal offices are closed and federal employees are typically given paid time off.
These holidays commemorate key historical events, cultural milestones, and national figures.
List of Federal Holidays
Below is the full list of official U.S. federal holidays and their usual observance dates:
| Holiday | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Marks the beginning of the calendar year |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Honors civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) | Third Monday in February | Celebrates George Washington and other U.S. presidents |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Honors U.S. military personnel who died in service |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans |
| Independence Day (United States) | July 4 | Celebrates the U.S. Declaration of Independence |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Recognizes the contributions of American workers |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Honors all U.S. military veterans |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November | Day of gratitude and harvest celebration |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and family traditions |
Observance Details
- If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed the preceding Friday
- If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed the following Monday
- Individual states and private employers may choose whether or not to observe each holiday
Fun Facts
- The most recent federal holiday is Juneteenth, added in 2021
- Some states celebrate additional holidays, like Cesar Chavez Day (California) or Patriot's Day (Massachusetts)
- Inauguration Day (January 20 every four years) is also a federal holiday, but only in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas