How Many Federal Holidays Are There in 2022? Your Complete Guide to U.S. Public Holidays
Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant coming at you with all the must-know info about 2022’s federal holidays. Whether you’re planning vacations, scheduling time off work, or just curious, I’ve got the full scoop to keep you in the loop. Let’s dive in!
So, How Many Federal Holidays Are There in 2022?
Great question! In 2022, the U.S. has 11 federal holidays. These are the days when non-essential federal offices close, and many private businesses follow suit (though not all—retail workers, I see you!). Here’s the official list:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 17)
- Presidents’ Day (February 21)
- Memorial Day (May 30)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (September 5)
- Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 10)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (November 24)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Fun fact: Juneteenth became the newest federal holiday in 2021, so 2022 was its second year on the list!
Wait, Why Do Some People Say There Are Only 10 Federal Holidays?
Ooh, sneaky detail! Technically, the U.S. government recognizes 11 holidays, but employees only get 10 paid holidays. Confusing, right? Here’s the deal:
– Inauguration Day (January 20, 2021) is a special-case holiday only for D.C. area feds every 4 years. Since it didn’t apply in 2022, some folks forget to count it.
– Some holidays (like Columbus Day) are observed but not always given as paid time off.
Pro tip: Always check your employer’s policy—tech companies often add extra holidays (looking at you, “Floating Holiday” folks!).
What If a Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
Game-changer alert! When July 4th or Christmas lands on a Saturday/Sunday, feds get the nearest Friday or Monday off instead. Example:
– In 2022, January 1 (New Year’s Day) was a Saturday, so the holiday was observed on Friday, December 31, 2021. Yes, that counts for the 2022 holiday list!
– Veterans Day (November 11) was a Friday—no adjustment needed.
This “observed date” rule is why your calendar app might show two dates for one holiday.
Do States Have Additional Holidays?
Oh heck yes! States love their local flavors. For example:
– Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day (January 19).
– California adds César Chávez Day (March 31).
– Hawaii honors King Kamehameha Day (June 11).
Even cities get in on it—Ever heard of “Patriot’s Day” in Massachusetts (April 18)? That’s a Boston Marathon thing!
To wrap it up: 2022 had 11 federal holidays, with Juneteenth as the shiny new addition. But remember, your personal days off depend on your job and location. Bookmark this page for your holiday planning—I’ll be back with the 2023 update soon!
FAQpro tip: Want printable holiday calendars or overtime pay rules? Drop us a comment—your Holiday Little Assistant lives to serve! 🎉
