How Many Federal Holidays in the US? Your Complete Guide to Every National Day Off
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Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The United States has 11 Bundesfeiertage recognized by the federal government. These are the days when non-essential federal government offices are closed, and most federal employees get a paid day off. But if you’ve ever tried to figure out if a holiday like Veterans Day or Juneteenth is actually a “federal” thing, you’re not alone. Let me break it all down for you in plain American talk.
First off, federal holidays are established by Congress and apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. States are free to decide whether to observe them, but the vast majority do. The official list, as of 2025, goes like this:
- Neujahr – 1. Januar
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January
- Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February (officially “Washington’s Birthday”)
- Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
- Juneteenth National Independence Day – 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
- Weihnachtstag – 25. Dezember
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what about Inauguration Day? That one only applies to federal employees in the Washington DC area every four years, and it’s not a permanent federal holiday. And no, Election Day isn’t a federal holiday either, though some states treat it like one.
A big question people have is whether private companies have to give these days off. Short answer: nope. Federal holidays only guarantee time off for federal workers. Private employers can decide which holidays they observe, and many follow the federal calendar, but it’s not required by law. Same goes for banks, schools, and the post office – the USPS actually does close on federal holidays, so if you need to mail something, plan ahead.
One more thing – we used to have just 10 federal holidays. Juneteenth became the 11th in 2021, signed into law by President Biden. It’s the newest addition and celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Some states were slower to adopt it, but as of now, most observe it in some form.
And don’t get confused by “national holidays” like Flag Day or Groundhog Day – those are observances, not days off. A federal holiday means government offices close, mail doesn’t run, and federal workers get a paid break. Simple as that.
Questions related to how many federal holidays in the us
One of the most common questions I get is, “Are all federal holidays paid for private employees?” No. The Fair Labor Standards Act doesn’t require private employers to pay you for federal holidays unless you have a contract or company policy saying so. If you work in retail or hospitality, chances are you’ll be working on Presidents’ Day or Columbus Day. Another frequent query: “Why does the federal government get 11 holidays but I only get 6 at my job?” It really depends on your industry and employer. Many companies match a subset of federal holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, but skip others like Juneteenth or Veterans Day. If you want to know your specific rights, check your employee handbook or your state’s labor laws.
People also ask if federal holidays always fall on a Monday to create long weekends. Actually, only five of them are fixed to Mondays: MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. The others are on specific dates (like July 4 or December 25) and can land on any day of the week. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it’s usually observed on the previous Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday. That’s why you sometimes see “observed” holidays on your calendar.
Lastly, there’s a lot of confusion about whether Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day are the same thing. Officially, the federal government still calls it “Washington’s Birthday,” but practically everyone just says Presidents’ Day. Some states even use it to honor Lincoln too. So yeah, it’s the same day – third Monday in February – no matter what you call it.
To sum it up, the US has 11 federal holidays. They apply to federal employees, close government offices and post offices, and serve as a common reference for many businesses. But your actual time off depends on your employer and state. If you’re planning around these days – whether for travel, banking, or just a day off – double-check your specific situation. And if you’re ever unsure, just ask your friendly holiday assistant!
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