| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 2026-01-01 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | 2026-01-19 | Monday |
| Presidents' Day | 2026-02-16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | 2026-05-25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | 2026-06-19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | 2026-07-04 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | 2026-09-07 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | 2026-10-12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | 2026-11-11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | 2026-11-26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | 2026-12-25 | Friday |
* When a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, most employees observe the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday.
Federal Holidays General Info
What Is the Next Federal Holiday?
The next federal holiday is [Holiday Name], observed on [Month Day, Year]. Federal offices, banks, and post offices are typically closed on this day.
If the holiday falls on a weekend, it is usually observed on the nearest weekday. The calendar below shows official observed dates based on federal guidelines.
What are the federal holidays?
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Washington’s Birthday | Third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Do federal holidays always fall on the same date?
Some do, like July 4th, Christmas, and Veterans Day. But others move around because they’re tied to a weekday. For example, Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May, not a specific date.
Why are there no federal holidays in April?
Simple answer: none have been officially assigned to April. Congress just hasn’t picked any holidays in that month. So there’s a long stretch from Presidents’ Day in February to Memorial Day at the end of May with no federal holidays in between.
Federal Employee Policy & Pay
Are federal employees paid on federal holidays?
Yes. If it’s a scheduled workday, employees get paid time off. And if they’re required to work - like essential workers - they get extra pay and usually earn a future day off too.
Do federal employees get time off for religious holidays?
They can, but it’s not automatic. Employees can request time off for religious observances, as long as they make up the hours at another time. Most agencies allow it unless it causes a disruption.
What is a National Day of Mourning?
It’s a special day declared when a president passes away. Most federal offices close, and non-essential employees get the day off. Essential workers still have to report, but they get paid extra and often get a makeup day off later.
State vs Federal Holidays
Are state holidays the same as federal holidays?
Not always. While states recognize the 11 federal holidays, they can also have their own. These often reflect local traditions, history, or regional events.
Can states recognize different holidays?
Yes, and many do. Some states celebrate things like Patriots’ Day or César Chávez Day. These aren’t recognized at the federal level but can still mean time off depending on the state.
What are some examples of state holidays?
- Good Friday – Connecticut, North Dakota
- César Chávez Day – California
- Prince Kūhiō Day – Hawaii
- Patriots’ Day – Massachusetts, Maine
- Confederate Memorial Day – Alabama, Mississippi
What is a “Floating Holiday”?
A floating holiday is a personal day that employees can take anytime during the year - often for things like birthdays, cultural events, or local observances.
Special Holiday Cases
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes. It became a federal holiday in 2021 and is celebrated every June 19th to mark the end of slavery in the U.S.
Is the day after Thanksgiving a federal holiday?
No. It’s not on the federal calendar. Some states give employees the day off, but federal workers need to use personal leave if they want it off.
Is Good Friday a federal holiday?
No. It’s not observed at the federal level, but a few states do treat it as a public holiday - like Connecticut and North Dakota.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
Usually no. Sometimes, the President gives federal employees the day off by executive order - but that changes year to year and isn’t guaranteed.
Is Inauguration Day a federal holiday?
Only in the Washington, D.C. area. It happens every four years on January 20th, and federal workers in that region typically get the day off.
