Planning your 2025 calendar? Whether you’re scheduling vacations, budgeting for holiday sales, or just curious about long weekends, this guide breaks down every US federal holiday, their history, and how they impact workers. Let’s dive in!
| DATE | HOLIDAYS | DAYS OF THE WEEK |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| January 20 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Monday |
| January 20 | Inauguration Day | Monday |
| February 17 | Presidents’ Day | Monday |
| May 26 | Memorial Day | Monday |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Thursday |
| July 4 | Independence Day | Friday |
| September 1 | Labor Day | Monday |
| October 13 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Columbus Day) | Monday |
| November 11 | Veterans Day | Tuesday |
| November 27 | Thanksgiving Day | Thursday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Thursday |
*Inauguration Day occurs every four years (next in 2025).
* Pair June 19 (Thursday) with a Friday off for a 4-day weekend!
Presidents’ Day: A Nod to History
Presidents’ Day, observed on **February 17**, began as a celebration of George Washington’s February 22 birthday. The 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act shifted it to the third Monday in February, creating a long weekend and broadening the focus to honor all presidents. Fun fact: States like Virginia and Florida still officially call it “Washington’s Birthday”!
2025’s Not-to-Miss Observances
Valentine’s Day : Friday, February 14 (perfect for a romantic getaway!).
Juneteenth: Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 19—the newest federal holiday, signed into law in 2021.
Do All Workers Get Federal Holidays Off?
Not necessarily. While federal employees enjoy these days off, private companies aren’t required to follow suit. For example:
– **Retail and healthcare** workers often work holidays but may earn overtime.
– **Tech and corporate roles** typically get paid time off.
Always check your employer’s policy—and don’t miss our tips below for stretching holiday weekends!
State Holidays vs. Federal Holidays: What’s the Difference?
– Texas -commemorates Confederate Memorial Day.
– Hawaii -celebrates King Kamehameha Day (June 11).
Meanwhile, (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)(October 13) is federally recognized but called “Columbus Day” in some areas.
How many federal holidays are there in 2025?
11 annual holidays + Inauguration Day (January 20, 2025).
Which country has the most public holidays?
Nepal tops the list with 39! The US has fewer, but we make up for it with festive long weekends.
How Many Paid Holidays Do US Employers Typically Offer?
While there’s no federal law requiring employers to provide paid holidays, most companies offer between 6 to 10 paid holidays per year. Common paid holidays include:
– New Year’s Day
– Independence Day (July 4th)
– Thanksgiving Day
– Christmas Day
Many employers also include Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents’ Day in their paid holiday policies. Some businesses go beyond the basics, offering additional days like Black Friday or floating holidays for flexibility.
Do Part-Time Employees Get Paid Holidays?
Part-time workers may receive holiday pay, but it depends on the employer’s policy. Some companies offer prorated holiday pay based on the employee’s usual hours, while others may not provide it at all. Since federal law doesn’t require holiday pay for part-time workers, checking your company’s benefits package is the best way to know what’s offered.
Holiday Pay vs. PTO: What’s the Difference?
Many employees wonder how holiday pay compares to Paid Time Off (PTO). Here’s the key distinction:
– Holiday Pay → Given for specific holidays (like Christmas or July 4th). Some employers pay extra (like time-and-a-half) if you work on a holiday.
– PTO → A flexible bank of hours you can use for vacation, sick days, or personal time. PTO is usually earned over time, while holiday pay is given automatically on designated days.
Example of Holiday Pay Calculation
If you normally earn $20/hour and your employer pays time-and-a-half for working a holiday, your holiday pay rate would be:
$20 x 1.5 = $30/hour
Some companies even offer double pay (2x your regular rate) for holidays worked.
Is Holiday Pay Required by Law?
No federal law mandates holiday pay in the US. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) doesn’t require employers to pay for holidays, whether employees work or take the day off. However, many businesses offer paid holidays as part of their benefits to attract and retain workers.