Wait, How Many Federal Holidays Do We Actually Get Off in the U.S.?

Hey everyone, it’s your Holiday Little Assistant here! So, one of you recently reached out asking a super common question: how many annual federal holidays there actually are in the U.S. Honestly, it’s one of those things we kinda think we know, but when someone asks, we’re like… wait, is it 10? 12? Let’s break it down together.

First off, let’s talk about what a federal holiday even means. These are days recognized by the U.S. government, meaning federal offices close, and most federal employees get the day off with pay. But here’s the catch—private companies aren’t required to observe them. So if you’re working a corporate job, your holiday schedule might look a little different depending on your employer. That’s why it’s always good to double-check your company’s policy!

How Many Annual Federal Holidays Are There in the U.S.?

Alright, drumroll please… there are 11 federal holidays in the United States! Yeah, a lot of people guess 10, but nope—we’ve got 11 official days on the books. These include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day (also observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many places), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Fun fact: Juneteenth was added pretty recently in 2021, which bumped the total up from 10 to 11. It’s awesome to see our nation recognizing more meaningful dates.

Now, you might be wondering—do we get all of these off? Well, like I mentioned earlier, it depends. Federal workers definitely do, but for everyone else, it’s not a given. Some holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, are widely observed across the country. Others, like Columbus Day, might not be a day off for many folks. And let’s not forget about “floating” holidays or extra days some companies throw in—looking at you, day after Thanksgiving!

It’s also worth noting that some states have their own holidays on top of the federal ones. For example, lots of places celebrate Emancipation Day or local historical events. So your total number of days off might actually be higher depending on where you live and work. How cool is that?

In short, the U.S. has 11 federal holidays, but your personal holiday count could vary. Whether you’re planning vacations, scheduling family time, or just counting down to that next long weekend, knowing these dates helps you stay ahead. Plus, it’s always fun to learn the stories behind each holiday—they’re part of what makes our culture rich and diverse.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps you fully understand how many federal holidays there are in the U.S. If you have more questions, like state-specific holidays or how to make the most of your time off, hit me up—I’m here to help!