The fastest way to know right now

The U.S. federal government observes 11 permanent holidays each year, plus one additional day that changes annually. To learn about today is one of them, check the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) holiday calendar at opm.gov/holidays-observances — it shows the exact date for each holiday and whether it falls on a weekday or weekend this year.

If you need to know immediately, the simplest method is to search "federal holidays 2024" or "federal holidays 2025" (depending on the current year) and compare today's date to the list. Federal holidays in the U.S. are set by Congress and do not change year to year, though the day of the week they fall on does.

Banks, post offices, and most federal offices close on these days. Some private employers observe them; others do not. State and local holidays are separate and vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The 11 permanent federal holidays are New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
  • The 12th federal holiday, Thanksgiving Day (observed), is the day after Thanksgiving and is observed only by federal employees and some private employers.
  • The OPM website shows which day each holiday is observed on in the current year, since some shift to nearby weekdays when they fall on weekends.
  • Banks and post offices close on federal holidays, but retail stores, restaurants, and many private businesses stay open unless the owner chooses otherwise.
  • State and local holidays are different from federal holidays and vary by where you live; your state or city may observe additional days off.

The 11 permanent federal holidays and when they occur

New Year's Day is January 1. Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. is observed on the third Monday in January. Washington's Birthday (also called Presidents' Day) is the third Monday in February. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Juneteenth National Independence Day is June 19. Independence Day is July 4. Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October. Veterans Day is November 11. Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November. Christmas Day is December 25.

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday. The OPM calendar shows the exact observed date for each year.

What closes and what stays open on federal holidays

Federal offices, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service close on all 11 permanent federal holidays. Stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) also close. Most schools close as well, though some private schools may remain open.

Retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, and most private businesses stay open on federal holidays unless the owner decides to close. Some large chains close on Thanksgiving and Christmas but operate normally on other federal holidays. Call ahead or check the business's website if you need to know whether a specific store or service will be open.

State and local government offices may close on federal holidays, but this varies by state and county. Some states observe additional holidays that are not federal holidays, so your local office may be closed even if it is not a federal holiday.

How to check the OPM holiday calendar

Go to opm.gov and search for "holidays and observances" or navigate directly to the holidays page. The calendar lists all 11 federal holidays, the date they fall on, and the date they are observed (if different). You can also download a PDF version to keep on your computer or phone.

The OPM calendar is updated each year and is the official source for federal holiday dates. If you work for a federal agency, your HR office will also send a memo at the start of each year listing the observed holidays for that year.

State and local holidays are different from federal holidays

Every state observes the 11 federal holidays, but many states also observe additional holidays that are not federal. For example, some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day, and some states observe Cesar Chavez Day. These state holidays do not close federal offices or banks, but they may close state offices, schools, and some private businesses in that state.

To find out what holidays your state observes, search "[your state] state holidays" or contact your state's labor department or human resources office. Local governments (cities and counties) may also observe holidays that the state does not.

What to do if you need a service on a federal holiday

If you need to visit a bank, post office, or federal office on a day you think might be a holiday, check the OPM calendar first. Most banks and post offices display holiday hours on their websites or in their locations.

Many banks and post offices offer limited services on some holidays or have extended hours the day before. Some banks allow you to use ATMs and online banking on holidays even if the branch is closed. The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on federal holidays, but you can still use self-service kiosks at some locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all private businesses close on federal holidays?

No. Federal holidays only require federal offices, banks, and the post office to close. Private businesses decide whether to close. Many retail stores, restaurants, and gas stations stay open on federal holidays. Call or check online before you visit.

What happens if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?

If a holiday falls on Saturday, it is observed on Friday. If it falls on Sunday, it is observed on Monday. The OPM calendar shows the observed date for each year, which is the day federal offices and banks close.

Is Thanksgiving Day (observed) the same as a federal holiday?

Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) is a federal holiday. The day after Thanksgiving is called Thanksgiving Day (observed) and is a federal holiday only for federal employees. Most private businesses stay open the day after Thanksgiving.

Can I find out what holidays my state observes?

Yes. Search "[your state] state holidays" or contact your state's labor department or HR office. State holidays vary and may include days that are not federal holidays. Your employer should also provide a list of observed holidays each year.

Do federal holidays affect the stock market?

Yes. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ close on all 11 federal holidays. If you trade stocks or have pending transactions, plan ahead for these closures.