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

Hey everyone, it’s your Holiday Little Assistant back with another helpful guide! Lately, I’ve been getting a bunch of questions from folks asking, “How many public holidays are there in the US, really?” It’s a super common query, especially with holiday planning and time-off requests piling up. So, I figured it’s time to break it all down in a way that’s easy to digest. Let’s dive right in and get you the answers you need!

First off, when we talk about public holidays in the US, most people are referring to federal holidays. These are the days recognized by the federal government, meaning non-essential federal offices close, and many employees get a day off (though private companies aren’t required to observe them—more on that later). As of now, there are 11 federal holidays in the United States. Yep, you heard that right—eleven! They include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day (though some states observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Each of these has its own history and significance, making our calendar pretty diverse.

But wait, there’s a twist—states and even cities can have their own additional holidays. For example, some states celebrate things like Emancipation Day or Patriots’ Day, which aren’t federal. So, depending on where you live, the total number of public holidays might be higher. It’s kind of like a bonus round for local celebrations! Also, let’s not forget about observances like Election Day, which isn’t a federal holiday but is a public holiday in some states to encourage voting. All this means the answer isn’t just a simple number; it varies based on location and context.

Questions Related to How Many Public Holidays Are There in the US

One big follow-up I get is, “Do all Americans get these holidays off?” Great question! Federal holidays mainly affect government employees and some businesses, but private companies aren’t obligated to give time off. Many do, though, especially for major ones like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Another common ask is about holidays like Juneteenth—it became a federal holiday in 2021, so some folks are still catching up on that. People also wonder about holidays like Halloween or Valentine’s Day; those aren’t public holidays—they’re more cultural or religious observances without official time off. Lastly, I often hear, “Why do some holidays move around?” That’s because several, like Memorial Day, are observed on specific Mondays to create long weekends, thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. It’s all about balance and making the most of our time to relax and celebrate!

To wrap it up, while there are 11 federal holidays in the US, the total number of public holidays can vary by state, adding extra days for local pride and history. Whether you’re planning vacations or just curious, knowing this helps you navigate the year smarter. Remember, holidays are all about coming together, so enjoy each one to the fullest!

Thanks for reading, I hope this article helps you fully understand how many public holidays there are in the US. If you have more questions, like about specific state holidays or how to celebrate, just reach out—I’m here to help! Catch you in the next post.