Just as with UK Bank Holidays, the US observe a number of Federal Holidays which are a number of days each year to commemorate events, people and public occasions.
Many Americans take leave during these days and it offers a great opportunity to arrange your special days around a visit to the US and participate in the celebration of American culture, history and tradition while spending time with family and friends.
Use our handy Federal Holiday guide to dates and events to get organized.
Federal Holidays 2024
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 15 | January | Monday | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| 19 | February | Monday | Washington’s Birthday |
| 27 | May | Monday | Memorial Day |
| 19 | June | Wednesday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| 4 | July | Monday | Independence Day |
| 2 | September | Monday | Labor Day |
| 14 | October | Monday | Columbus Day |
| 11 | November | Monday | Veterans Day |
| 28 | November | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| 25 | December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
Federal Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 20 | January | Monday | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| 20 | January | Monday | Inauguration Day |
| 17 | February | Monday | Washington’s Birthday |
| 26 | May | Monday | Memorial Day |
| 19 | June | Thursday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| 4 | July | Friday | Independence Day |
| 1 | September | Monday | Labor Day |
| 13 | October | Monday | Columbus Day |
| 11 | November | Tuesday | Veterans Day |
| 27 | November | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| 25 | December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
How many federal holidays are there?
There are 11 federal holidays each year in the U.S. Some Federal Holidays repeatedly fall on the same date every year, while others fall on the same day of the week every year.
- New Year’s Day January 1
- Martin Luther King’s Birthday 3rd Monday in January
- Washington’s Birthday 3rd Monday in February
- Memorial Day last Monday in May
- Juneteenth National Independence Day June 19
- Independence Day July 4
- Labor Day 1st Monday in September
- Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October
- Veterans’ Day November 11
- Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November
- Christmas Day December 25
What are the 11 federal holidays?
January 1
New Year’s Day
Americans mark the start of a new year with festivities at home, among friends, with family sports events like college football bowl games and in gatherings ranging from the Tournament of Roses Parade in California to the iconic celebration in New York City’s Times Square.
3rd Monday in January
Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated in the United States to honour the civil rights leader’s contributions to the fight for racial equality and justice. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year and is celebrated through community service, educational programs, marches, and ceremonies. It’s a time for reflection on King’s teachings and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
3rd Monday in February
Washington’s Birthday
Presidents’ Day in the US, originally meant to honour George Washington’s birthday, now commemorates all presidents. Celebrated on the third Monday of February, it includes reflections on presidential legacies, retail sales, educational activities, parades, volunteerism, and time with family and friends.
Last Monday in May
Memorial Day
Memorial Day in the United States is a federal holiday dedicated to honouring and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. This includes attending memorial services, visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades, and decorating graves with flags and flowers. Additionally, Americans mark the holiday with family gatherings, barbecues, and patriotic displays, while reflecting on the sacrifices made for their country.
June 19
Juneteenth National Independence Day
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an annual holiday in the US commemorating the end of slavery. Celebrated on June 19th, it marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were officially proclaimed free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s observed with various activities such as parades, concerts, barbecues, and community gatherings, highlighting African American heritage and culture while promoting awareness of the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
July 4
Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress, declaring independence from British rule. It marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation. Independence Day is typically celebrated with a variety of festivities, including fireworks displays, parades, concerts, barbecues, family gatherings, and patriotic events. People often display the American flag, decorate their homes and public spaces with red, white, and blue, and participate in activities that celebrate American heritage and freedom.
1st Monday in September
Labor Day
Labor Day honours and recognizes the contributions of American workers and the labor movement to the country’s development and prosperity, including improved working conditions, fair wages, and the establishment of labor unions. The holiday also marks the end of the summer season for many Americans who typically enjoy a day off from work and use the time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and engage in recreational activities. Some communities host parades, picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor events to celebrate the holiday. It’s also common for stores to offer sales and discounts, making it a popular time for shopping.
2nd Monday in October
Columbus Day
Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day has been celebrated since the early 20th century and was officially designated as a federal holiday in 1937. In many places, Columbus Day coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which celebrates and honours the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the Americas. and some communities continue to observe it with parades, celebrations, and other events.
November 11
Veterans’ Day
Veterans Day pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all American veterans, living and deceased, who have served in times of war and peace. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for their service to the nation. Various events and activities are held across the country to honour veterans. These may include ceremonies, parades, wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, and other tributes. Many schools and organizations also organize special programs to educate students and the public about the importance of Veterans Day and the contributions of veterans to the country’s history and freedom.
4th Thursday in November
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival, dating back to the early days of European settlement in North America. It’s a time for people to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the preceding year. The holiday is traditionally associated with a large feast, featuring foods such as roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie and a time for families and friends to come together, often travelling long distances to reunite and share a meal. Thanksgiving traditions include watching football games, parades (most notably the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City), and volunteering at local charities or shelters to help those in need.
December 25
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in the US is celebrated with decorations, gift-giving, family gatherings, festive meals, and community events. It’s a time for religious observance, exchanging presents, and enjoying quality time with loved ones. Communities across the US often host various Christmas events and activities, such as holiday concerts, light displays, parades, and Christmas markets. These events bring people together to celebrate the spirit of the season. Additionally, many Americans participate in volunteering and charitable activities to spread holiday cheer and help those in need.
FAQ’s
What happens when a Federal Holiday falls on a weekend?
If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, government employees are still entitled to a holiday during the regular workweek. Federal holidays that land on weekends have an “observed” date immediately before or after the holiday. For example, if Independence Day lands on a Saturday, employees have a paid holiday on the Friday before; if it lands on a Sunday, they get an “in lieu of” holiday on the Monday after.
How many Federal Holidays are there in the US?
There are eleven regular federal holidays in the US with Inauguration Day standing as the twelfth holiday established by Congress, observed every four years on January 20 after a U.S presidential election.
Is a Federal Holiday a day off?
On federal holidays, non-essential federal offices shut down, allowing government employees to enjoy paid time off. Similarly, some schools, businesses, and banks also grant paid time off on these holidays, although in private businesses, taking leave might be required.