US Federal Holidays for 2025

Federal holidays in the United States are days designated by the federal government during which non-essential government offices close, and most federal employees are given paid time off. Many businesses also observe these holidays, although it is not mandated.

U.S. Federal Holidays for 2025 Overview

1. New Year’s Day : New Year’s Day marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and various resolutions as people look forward to a new beginning. This holiday’s roots can be traced back to ancient Roman times, celebrating Janus, the god of gateways and new beginnings.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day : This holiday honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who championed nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Observed on the third Monday of January each year, near King’s birthday on January 15, it became a federal holiday in 1983 but wasn’t officially observed in all 50 states until 2000.

Traditions and Observances :

• Parades and educational programs.

• Community service activities as part of the “Day of Service” initiative.

3. Inauguration Day : Inauguration Day is observed every four years on January 20th following a U.S. presidential election. It marks the beginning of a new presidential term and includes a swearing-in ceremony for the president-elect and vice president-elect.

Traditions and Observances :

• The day involves a public swearing-in ceremony, typically held at the U.S. Capitol.

• Events include the inaugural parade, balls, and speeches emphasizing unity and the future direction of the nation.

• It is primarily observed in Washington, D.C., and is a holiday for federal employees working in the Washington metropolitan area.

• Note: If January 20th falls on a Sunday, the public ceremonies are held on the following day (January 21st).

4. Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) : Presidents’ Day, originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington’s birthday (February 22), now honors all U.S. presidents. It is celebrated on the third Monday in February. The day has also become associated with sales and promotions in the retail sector.

5. Memorial Day : Memorial Day honors military personnel who have died in service to the nation. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. The holiday marks the unofficial start of summer and is often commemorated with ceremonies at cemeteries, parades, and family gatherings.

Traditions and Observances :

• Wreath-laying ceremonies at national cemeteries.

• The national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

6. Juneteenth National Independence Day : Juneteenth, also known as “Emancipation Day,” commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Specifically, it marks the day—June 19, 1865—when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation issued two and a half years earlier.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, recognized as a milestone in African American history and the broader fight for civil rights.

Traditions and Observances :

• Parades, festivals, and educational events celebrating African American culture and achievements.

• Speeches, historical reenactments, and family gatherings.

• Reflective moments to honor those who fought for freedom and equality.

7. Independence Day : Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Fourth of July is synonymous with patriotism, and it is observed nationwide with fireworks, parades, concerts, barbecues, and other community events.

8. Labor Day : Labor Day recognizes the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. Celebrated on the first Monday in September, it originated in the 19th century to honor laborers and promote fair working conditions. Today, it also symbolizes the end of summer and is associated with public gatherings and leisure activities.

9. Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples’ Day) : Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas in 1492. However, in recent years, it has also become known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many states and communities to honor Native American cultures and histories.

Traditions and Observances :

• Parades in cities like New York and San Francisco.

• Cultural events and dialogues regarding Indigenous heritage.

10. Veterans Day : Veterans Day pays tribute to all U.S. military veterans. It was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

Traditions and Observances :

• Parades and commemorative ceremonies.

• A moment of silence at 11 a.m.

11. Thanksgiving Day : Thanksgiving Day is a time for giving thanks and is traditionally marked by feasting with family and friends. Originating from a 1621 harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, it became an official holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.”

Traditions and Observances :

• Family gatherings with traditional meals (turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie).

• Watching NFL games and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

12. Christmas Day : Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by millions of Christians and non-Christians around the world. In the U.S., it is both a religious and secular holiday marked by gift-giving, festive meals, and family gatherings.

Traditions and Observances:

• Decorating homes and Christmas trees.

• Attending church services.

• Exchanging gifts and charitable giving.

Official Website

For more details, visit the official website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

You May Check Also :

• Minimum Wage in United States for 2024