How Many Government Holidays Are There in the US? A Complete Breakdown

Hello everyone, I am your dedicated public holiday assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about how many government holidays there are in the United States. I figured a lot of you might be wondering the same thing, so let me break it all down for you. Now I’ll summarize the relevant info, so if you’re looking for a straight answer, you’ve come to the right place.

First off, when people say “government holidays,” they usually mean the days when federal offices are closed and most government employees get the day off. In the United States, there are exactly 11 federal holidays recognized by the federal government. These are set by law and apply to federal workers, but state and local governments often follow suit, though they can add a few of their own. So the number you get depends on which level of government you’re talking about.

Let me list out the 11 federal holidays for you: 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). Plus, Inauguration Day (January 20) is a federal holiday for workers in the Washington, D.C., area every four years, but it’s not counted as a separate annual holiday. So technically, you could say there are 11 federal holidays, with Inauguration Day being an extra one in presidential election years.

Now, “government holidays” can also mean days off for state and municipal employees. States have their own lists, and they often include holidays like Good Friday, Patriot’s Day (in Massachusetts and Maine), or even local observances like Alaska’s Seward’s Day. Some states also observe Lincoln’s Birthday or the day after Thanksgiving. On average, state government employees get about 12 to 14 paid holidays per year, depending on the state. A few states, like Texas, give their workers 14 holidays, while others, like California, offer 11 but let individual agencies add more. So if you’re asking about all government employees — federal, state, and local — the total number can be anywhere from 11 to 17, but the core is those 11 federal ones.

It’s also worth noting that “government holidays” aren’t always the same as “public holidays.” Federal holidays mean banks, post offices, and many schools are closed, but private businesses can choose to stay open. Some states even have “optional” holidays where agencies can decide whether to close. So if you’re planning around government services, check your local jurisdiction. For example, in New York City, city workers get an extra holiday like Election Day, while in Hawaii, they celebrate King Kamehameha Day. That’s why you’ll hear people say “it depends on where you are.”

Another thing: federal holidays are pretty consistent, but every now and then Congress might add one. Juneteenth (June 19) became the newest federal holiday in 2021, making it the 11th (the previous count was 10 before that). So it’s a good idea to stay updated. So, to answer the question directly: there are 11 federal government holidays in the US. If you include state and local, it ranges from 11 to around 15 or 16. And if you’re a federal employee, you get those 11 plus maybe a few “in lieu of” days when a holiday falls on a weekend.

Related Questions about How Many Government Holidays There Are

Do all federal employees get all 11 holidays off? Generally, yes. Federal workers get paid time off on these days. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, they usually get Friday off; if it falls on a Sunday, they get Monday off. Some essential workers (like TSA agents) might have to work, but they get compensation or another day off.

Are state government holidays the same as federal ones? Not always. Most states observe the big ones like New Year’s, Independence Day, and Christmas, but they might skip or rename others. For instance, some states don’t observe Columbus Day or call it Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. Also, states can add their own holidays like Texas’s Texas Independence Day (March 2) or Vermont’s Town Meeting Day (first Tuesday in March). So the number varies.

Is there a difference between “public holidays” and “government holidays”? Yes. Public holidays are days when most businesses and schools are closed, while government holidays specifically refer to days when government offices are closed. Some public holidays (like Thanksgiving) are also government holidays, but others (like Valentine’s Day) are not.

How many paid holidays do government employees typically get? Federal employees get 11 paid holidays per year. State employees average around 12–14, but some states offer fewer. Local government workers might get even more if their city or county adds special days. Overall, it’s rare to get fewer than 10 or more than 16.

Can a government holiday be moved to another day? Yes. Federal law says that if a holiday falls on a Saturday, it’s observed on the preceding Friday; if on a Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday. This is to give workers a three-day weekend. States have similar rules.

Hopefully, now you have a clear picture of how many government holidays there are in the US. Remember, the baseline is 11 federal holidays, but state and local extras can push that number higher. If you’re planning a trip or just want to know when the DMV will be closed, check your specific state’s holiday calendar.

public holiday calendar.COM Thank you for reading, I hope this article can help you fully understand how many government holidays there are. If you’ve got more questions — like why some states have different holidays or how to get the day off — feel free to reach out to us. I’m here to help!