How Many Federal Holidays Are in 2023? Your Complete Guide to U.S. Public Holidays

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant back with the scoop on all the days off you can look forward to. One question I keep hearing is: “How many federal holidays are in 2023?” Well, grab your calendar and let’s break it down together!

The Official Count: 11 Federal Holidays in 2023

That’s right – Americans get 11 paid federal holidays this year. These are days when government offices close, banks take a break, and many employees (especially federal workers) score a paid day off. Here’s the full list:

1. New Year’s Day – January 1 (Sunday, observed Monday Jan 2)

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 16

3. Presidents’ Day – February 20

4. Memorial Day – May 29

5. Juneteenth – June 19

6. Independence Day – July 4

7. Labor Day – September 4

8. Columbus Day – October 9

9. Veterans Day – November 11 (Saturday, observed Friday Nov 10)

10. Thanksgiving – November 23

11. Christmas Day – December 25

Wait, Why Do Some Years Feel Different?

Great question! The number stays the same every year (thanks to the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act), but dates shift. For example:

• Weekend holidays like New Year’s or July 4th often get “observed” on a nearby weekday.
• Floating holidays (MLK Day, Labor Day) always land on Mondays for long weekends.

Pro tip: Always check if your employer observes Columbus Day or Juneteenth – some private companies skip these.

Bonus: 3 Holiday Hacks You’ll Love

1. Maximize PTO: Bookending holidays (like taking 4 days off around Labor Day = 9-day vacation).

2. Bank closures: Plan deposits/payments around holidays – most close even for “less popular” ones like Columbus Day.

3. Retail secrets: Post-holiday sales (especially after Christmas and July 4th) are goldmines.

There you have it – your cheat sheet to 2023’s federal holidays! Whether you’re planning vacations or just counting down to the next three-day weekend, mark those calendars and enjoy your well-earned breaks.

FAQpro tip: Did you know 5 states have additional holidays? (Looking at you, Texas with Confederate Heroes Day!) But that’s a story for another time…

Thanks for reading, folks! Got burning questions about holiday pay or weird state-specific observances? Hit me up – your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help.