Federal Holidays 2025: Complete List & When's the Next Holiday Off

Looking for a list of federal holidays in 2025? This article provides the complete list: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It also includes each holiday’s official date and significance.

In addition to the list, you’ll learn about the history and meaning behind each holiday, how observances have changed over time, and what they represent in American culture. Whether you’re planning time off, organizing work schedules, or simply exploring national traditions, this guide offers a clear overview of all federal holidays in 2025 and their importance across the United States.

• There are twelve federally recognized holidays in the United States for 2025, each commemorating significant historical events or figures.
• While federal holidays establish a standard schedule for government employees, private companies set their own holiday policies and schedules.
• Federal holidays differ from religious holidays as they emphasize national reflection rather than religious observance, and there is no legal requirement for private employers to provide these days off.

Federal holidays in the United States are legally recognized days off for federal employees, established under U.S. law. These holidays commemorate significant historical events and figures that have shaped the nation, giving employees the opportunity to rest, reflect, and celebrate moments of national importance.

There are twelve federal holidays recognized in the United States, including well-known dates such as Independence Day, Labor Day, and Christmas Day. Each holiday has a distinct origin and purpose, from honoring the nation’s independence to recognizing the contributions of American workers. Federal holidays typically provide employees with a paid day off, promoting a healthy work-life balance and acknowledging the value of rest in maintaining productivity and well-being.

Federal holidays are observed uniformly across the country, allowing federal employees nationwide to enjoy the same days of rest. This consistency supports planning and coordination, particularly for those working across multiple states or regions, including employees of the federal government.

However, while federal holidays are required for federal employees, private businesses and state governments may establish their own holiday schedules, which can include additional holidays or observances.

In 2025, there are twelve federal holidays, each offering an opportunity to celebrate or reflect on significant national events. These holidays provide a structured break from routine, allowing citizens to participate in traditions and activities that honor the nation’s history and values.

The year began with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, which honored the civil rights leader’s contributions to racial equality. Monday, February 17, marked Presidents Day, celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Memorial Day was observed on Monday, May 26, to honor those who died in military service. Independence Day on Friday, July 4, offered a perfect opportunity for a long weekend of festivities.

The following holidays have also been recognized for their dates and significance:

• Labor Day on Monday, September 1, recognized the contributions of American workers.

• Columbus Day on Monday, October 13, commemorated Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.

• Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, will honor military veterans for their service.

Finally, Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, will mark the culmination of the holiday season with family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Reviewing the federal holidays for 2024 highlights the consistency in holiday scheduling and helps with planning annual events and vacations.

In 2024, the federal holiday schedule included New Year’s Day on January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15, and Washington’s Birthday on February 19. These holidays set the tone for the year by honoring key figures and events in American history. Memorial Day on May 27 provided an opportunity to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

The summer holidays featured Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19 and Independence Day on July 4, both celebrating freedom and independence. Labor Day on September 2 and Columbus Day on October 14 marked the transition into fall, reflecting important aspects of American culture and history.

Finally, Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving on November 28, and Christmas on December 25 rounded out the year, offering moments to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate with family and friends.

While federal holidays provide a nationwide framework, state-specific holidays add regional significance. State and local governments often recognize additional holidays that reflect their distinct history and culture.

For example, Robert E. Lee’s Birthday was a state holiday in Alabama and Mississippi on January 15, 2025, honoring regional historical figures. Similarly, Texas Independence Day on March 2, 2025, celebrates the state’s unique history and independence. These holidays are deeply rooted in local traditions, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate their regional identity.

Other notable state-specific holidays include:

• Evacuation Day in Massachusetts on March 17, 2025
• César Chávez Day on March 31, 2025, was observed in several states including California and Arizona
• Native American Heritage Day on November 29, 2025, in Washington, reflecting the state’s commitment to honoring its Indigenous heritage, including Indigenous Peoples Day

These examples highlight the diversity of holidays celebrated across the United States, extending beyond the federal calendar.

Holiday observances can shift depending on the day of the week a holiday falls on, ensuring employees still receive a day off even when a holiday lands on a weekend. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.

Most federal employees, who generally work Monday through Friday, are directly affected by these observance rules. In 2025, New Year’s Day will be observed on Wednesday, January 1, and Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, maintaining its traditional date. These adjustments preserve the spirit of the holidays while offering a practical schedule for employees.

Inauguration Day, set for January 20, coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025. This dual observance highlights the significance of both historical events, offering a special moment for reflection and celebration.

Federal holidays are distinct from religious holidays, each serving a different purpose. Federal holidays honor significant historical events and figures in U.S. history, are recognized nationwide, and provide an opportunity for reflection and celebration.

In contrast, religious holidays vary among faiths and are not universally recognized as official holidays by employers. While some federal holidays, such as Christmas Day, have religious origins, their recognition at the federal level emphasizes national tradition rather than religious significance.

Employers are generally required to accommodate an employee’s religious observances unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. This distinction reinforces the separation between government and religion, ensuring that federal holidays remain inclusive and secular.

Federal law does not require private employers to provide time off for federal holidays. However, many private companies choose to offer paid holidays as a benefit to attract and retain employees, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Employers who require employees to work on federal holidays typically offer holiday pay or compensatory time off as an incentive, ensuring fair compensation.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers must accommodate employees’ religious observances unless it imposes undue hardship on the business. Understanding these obligations helps employees know their rights and assists employers in maintaining a fair, respectful workplace environment.

Understanding federal holidays is important for planning and appreciating the historical and cultural significance behind these special days. From the twelve federal holidays observed nationwide to the additional state-specific holidays, each date carries unique traditions and meaning.

By recognizing and celebrating these holidays, we honor the significant events and figures of the past while promoting balance and reflection in our lives. As you plan your year ahead, keep these dates in mind and embrace the opportunities they offer for celebration, rest, and appreciation.