How Many Federal Holidays Are There in the United States? A Complete Breakdown

Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant. Recently, a little friend consulted me about the topic of how many federal holidays there actually are in the United States. I hear this question a lot, especially from folks who are new to the workforce or planning their vacation days. So now I will summarize the relevant details, including the official list, what counts, and some common misunderstandings. I hope this helps all the little friends who want to know exactly what they’re entitled to off work!

First off, let’s get the straight-up number. The United States federal government recognizes a total of 11 permanent federal holidays each year. That’s the official count set by law. But – and this is a big but – not everybody gets those days off. Federal holidays only apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. Private companies, state governments, and local businesses are absolutely not required to give those days off. So if you’re wondering “how many federal holidays do I get?” the answer depends on who you work for. Many employers follow the federal holiday schedule, but plenty don’t. Let me break down the full list so you know exactly what days are considered official.

The 11 federal holidays are: New Year’s Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), 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), and Christmas Day (December 25). Wait, that’s only 10, right? I’m missing one. The 11th is Inauguration Day, which only happens every four years on January 20. So technically, there are 11 federal holidays, but Inauguration Day only applies to federal employees in the Washington, D.C. area. For the rest of us, it’s 10 regular annual holidays. Also, some years there’s an extra one – like when Christmas or New Year’s falls on a weekend, the Friday before or Monday after becomes a “federal holiday” in lieu, but that’s still counted within the 11.

Now, here’s where it gets confusing: states can add their own holidays. For example, Texas has Texas Independence Day and San Jacinto Day, but those are state holidays, not federal. And holidays like Good Friday, Easter Monday, or Indigenous Peoples’ Day are observed in some places but are not federal. So when someone says “how many federal holidays,” they usually mean the ones that the federal government observes. But private sector workers often get a different set. The average American private-sector employee gets about 8 paid holidays per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. So don’t assume you get all 11 just because you’re in the U.S.

Another common question: “Are bank holidays the same as federal holidays?” Not exactly. Banks often observe federal holidays, but they also close on some extra days, like Columbus Day (some banks observe it, some don’t). The Federal Reserve follows the federal holiday schedule, so bank transactions might be delayed. But for your everyday planning, the 11 federal holidays are the ones that shut down most government offices and post offices. Schools also tend to close on those days, but again, it varies by district.

Questions related to how many federal holidays

So, how many federal holidays are there really? For the continental U.S., the steady number is 10 annual holidays plus Inauguration Day every fourth year. Some years, if a holiday lands on a weekend, the observed date shifts, but the count stays the same. Also, note that “federal holiday” doesn’t mean “mandatory day off for everyone.” It’s a designation for federal government closures. Your mileage may vary. If you work in retail, hospitality, or healthcare, you might work on those days – sometimes with holiday pay, sometimes not. Always check your company’s policy.

Let’s also clear up a myth: there is no such thing as a “national holiday” in the U.S. The federal government doesn’t declare national holidays that everyone must observe. The term “federal holiday” is more accurate. So if you hear someone say “National Pie Day” or “National Dog Day,” those are just fun unofficial observances, not days off work. The official federal holidays are the only ones that close the government.

In short, the answer to “how many federal holidays” is 11 – but only 10 recurring ones matter for most people. And whether you get them off depends entirely on your employer. The good news is that many companies offer paid time off on these days, especially the big ones like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July 4th. If you’re planning a vacation around holidays, use this list: New Year’s, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. That’s your ten. And don’t forget Inauguration Day if you happen to live in D.C. and work for the feds.

To sum it up: the number of federal holidays in the United States is 11 by law, but the practical number for most workers varies. Always confirm with your HR department what days your company recognizes. And if you’re self-employed? Well, you get to decide! But I hope this clears up the confusion. If you have more questions about specific holidays, eligibility, or how to maximize your time off, just ask. I’m here to help you plan better and enjoy your days off to the fullest.

public holiday calendar.COM Thank you for reading, I hope this article can help you fully understand the how many federal holidays question. If you have more questions about holiday schedules, payroll policies, or what to do when a holiday falls on a weekend, please contact us. I’m your Holiday Little Assistant, always looking out for your days off!