How Many US Federal Bank Holidays Were There in 2017? The Complete List and Key Dates

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your go-to public holiday guru, Holiday Little Assistant, back with another deep dive. Today, we’re tackling a question that’s perfect for planners and calendar nerds: How many bank holidays did the US have in 2017? Whether you’re checking past schedules or just curious, I’ve got the full scoop—plus fun facts and common follow-up questions. Let’s roll!

The Short Answer: How Many Bank Holidays in 2017?

In 2017, the US had 10 federal bank holidays. These are the days when most banks, government offices, and many businesses close up shop to celebrate. But wait—did you know some states toss in extra holidays? Yep! Federal holidays are just the baseline. For now, let’s focus on the big 10 everyone recognizes. Here’s the official list:

• New Year’s Day – January 1 (Sunday, observed Monday, January 2)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 16
• Presidents’ Day – February 20
• Memorial Day – May 29
• Independence Day – July 4
• Labor Day – September 4
• Columbus Day – October 9
• Veterans Day – November 11 (Saturday, observed Friday, November 10)
• Thanksgiving Day – November 23
• Christmas Day – December 25

Pro tip: When holidays fall on weekends (like New Year’s and Veterans Day in 2017), banks observe them on the nearest weekday. That’s why you’ll see “observed” dates sometimes!

Why Does the Number of Holidays Matter?

Great question! Knowing the federal holiday count helps with:

• Payroll schedules: Employers plan paydays around closures.
• Travel deals: Hotels/flights often spike around long weekends.
• Event planning: Weddings, reunions, or sales avoid holiday clashes.

Wait, What About State Holidays?

Oh, you’re sharp! Federal holidays are just the start. States add their own, like Texas’s Confederate Heroes Day or California’s Cesar Chavez Day. In 2017, some banks in certain states may have closed for extra days—always check local lists if you need precision.

Fun Fact: The “Big Three” Long Weekends

In 2017, three holidays created classic three-day weekends:

1. MLK Jr. Day
2. Presidents’ Day
3. Labor Day

These were prime for mini-vacations. (P.S. Memorial Day too, but it’s more somber.)

Common Questions About 2017 Holidays

Q: Did any holidays get added or removed in 2017?

A: Nope! The list has stayed steady since Juneteenth became federal in 2021. 2017 stuck to the classics.

Q: Were post offices closed on all these days?

A: Yep! USPS follows federal holidays, so no mail delivery. Plan those Amazon orders accordingly!

Q: Why isn’t Easter a federal holiday?

A: While widely celebrated, Easter’s always on a Sunday (when banks are closed anyway), so it’s not federally recognized.

Alright, time to wrap this up! Whether you’re auditing past schedules or just love holiday trivia, I hope this breakdown of 2017’s 10 US bank holidays was helpful. Got more questions? Hit me up—I live for this stuff! Until next time, keep celebrating (and maybe bookmark a holiday calendar).

FAQpro tip: Want to compare other years? Check out our articles on 2016 or 2018 holidays for more trends!

Thanks for reading, folks! Your Holiday Little Assistant is signing off. 🎉