Bank Holidays 2023: The Complete List of Federal Holidays You Need to Know

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your go-to public holiday guru, Holiday Little Assistant, back with another helpful guide. Today we’re tackling a super common question I’ve been getting: “How many bank holidays are there in 2023?” Whether you’re planning vacations, scheduling payroll, or just counting down to those precious days off, I’ve got all the deets for you.

First things first – let’s clarify what we mean by “bank holidays.” In the U.S., these are essentially the same as federal holidays (days when government offices, banks, and many businesses close). For 2023, there are 11 official federal/bank holidays. But wait – before you mark them all in your calendar, there’s a catch! Some holidays fall on weekends, which affects when we actually observe them. Here’s the full breakdown:

The Complete 2023 U.S. Bank Holiday Schedule

• New Year’s Day: Sunday, January 1 (observed Monday, January 2)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 16

• Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 20

• Memorial Day: Monday, May 29

• Juneteenth: Monday, June 19

• Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4

• Labor Day: Monday, September 4

• Columbus Day: Monday, October 9

• Veterans Day: Saturday, November 11 (observed Friday, November 10)

• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 23

• Christmas Day: Monday, December 25

Questions Related to 2023 Bank Holidays

Do all states observe the same bank holidays?

Nope! While federal holidays apply nationwide, some states add extra holidays (like Texas’s Confederate Heroes Day) or opt out of certain ones (not all states observe Columbus Day, for example). Always check your local calendar!

What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend?

When holidays land on Saturday, the preceding Friday becomes the observed day. For Sunday holidays, the following Monday gets the observance (like New Year’s 2023). This ensures employees still get their day off.

Are bank holidays paid days off?

This depends on your employer. Federal employees automatically get paid holidays, but private companies aren’t required to offer them (though most do). Around 97% of U.S. businesses give at least some paid holidays.

Why does Juneteenth look new on the list?

Great catch! Juneteenth became the newest federal holiday in 2021, commemorating the end of slavery. 2023 marks just its third year as an official bank holiday.

How does 2023 compare to other years?

We typically have 10-11 federal holidays annually. 2023 is standard – same count as 2022, but with better luck avoiding weekend dates (only two holidays shifted in 2023 vs. four in 2022).

To wrap it up: 2023 gives us 11 federal bank holidays, with two falling on weekends (New Year’s and Veterans Day) that get adjusted weekday observances. Pro tip: Book those vacation days early around holiday weekends – they fill up fast!

Thanks for reading, friends! Now you’re totally prepped to maximize those 2023 days off. Got more holiday questions? Hit me up – your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help make your planning easier. Happy celebrating!