How Many National Holidays Are There in a Year? Your Complete Guide to U.S. Public Holidays

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here, ready to break down one of the most common questions I get: How many national holidays are there in a year? Whether you’re planning vacations, scheduling time off, or just counting down to the next long weekend, this guide has all the deets. Let’s dive in!

First things first—the U.S. has 11 federal holidays each year. These are the big ones where most government offices, banks, and many businesses close up shop. But wait, there’s more to it! Some states and companies add extra holidays (looking at you, Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day), so your personal count might vary. Here’s the official lineup straight from Uncle Sam:

The Full List of U.S. Federal Holidays

1. New Year’s Day (January 1) – Kick off the year with confetti and resolutions.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January) – Honor the civil rights legend.

3. Presidents’ Day (3rd Monday in February) – Celebrate Washington and Lincoln (and score mattress sales).

4. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) – Remember fallen heroes; unofficial start of summer.

5. Juneteenth (June 19) – Newest federal holiday marking the end of slavery.

6. Independence Day (July 4) – Fireworks, BBQs, and all things red, white, and blue.

7. Labor Day (1st Monday in September) – Farewell to summer, hello to pumpkin spice.

8. Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October) – Controversial, with some states swapping it for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

9. Veterans Day (November 11) – Shout-out to those who served.

10. Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) – Turkey, football, and family chaos.

11. Christmas Day (December 25) – Gifts, carols, and Mariah Carey on repeat.

Wait, Why Do Some People Say 10 Holidays?

Great question! Before 2021, Juneteenth wasn’t a federal holiday—so older lists might skip it. Also, some employers lump Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day as “optional” holidays (boo, right?). And let’s be real: Thanksgiving weekend feels like two holidays with Black Friday madness!

Pro Tips for Holiday Hounds

– Long weekends: Six holidays fall on Mondays (thanks, Uniform Monday Holiday Act!). Plan mini-vacations!

– State quirks: Ever heard of Patriot’s Day (Massachusetts) or Nevada Day? Local holidays can pad your calendar.

– Work perks: Tech companies often add extras like Election Day or your birthday off—check your HR policy!

So there you have it: 11 official federal holidays, plus bonus days depending on where you live and work. Mark your calendars, set those out-of-office replies, and make the most of every long weekend. After all, holidays are for making memories (or napping).

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps you master the U.S. holiday schedule like a pro! Got more questions? Hit up my contact page—I’m always here to geek out over holiday trivia.