Federal Holidays- list of US 2024 Federal Holiday Dates

What Are Federal Holidays?

Federal holidays are holidays designed by the government as days when all the non-essential federal government offices, agencies and services are closed. These is a paid day off and apply to the whole country by law. In addition, banks, post offices, and schools typically close as well.

Some common federals holidays in the United States include New Year Martin (January 1), Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4) etc.

List of Federal Holidays (2024)

2024 Holiday Schedule: (Source :  US Office Personnel Management)

How Many Federal Holidays Are There?

Currently, there are Eleven (11) recognized federal holidays in the United States. These holidays hold special significance and are observed nationwide.

What Happens When a Federal Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

If federal holidays fall on weekend:

• Observed on Weekday: If a federal holidays fall on Saturday then it usually observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on Sunday then it is observed on the following day i.e. Monday. this is to ensure that federal employees and other who benefit from the holidays have an opportunity to take a day off.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth had been recognized as a federal holiday and its observance is on June 19th each year. On June 17, 2021 President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law making Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday?

Yes, Columbus Day is recognized as a federal holiday in United States. It is observed on the second Monday of October each year. Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the America on October 12, 1942 and it has been celebrated as a federal holiday since 1937.

However there has been an increasing discussion and debate in recent years about whether to continue celebrating to Columbus due to controversies surrounding Columbus action and their impact on native people of America. Some jurisdiction has opted to rename or observe the holidays as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Is Presidents day a federal holiday?

Yes, Presidents day is federal holiday in United States. It is observed on third Monday of February each year. Originally it was established in the honor of George Washington’s birthday on 22nd February, Presidents’ Day now also serve as a day to honor all the U.S. resident, past and present. The holiday is officially designated as “Washington Birthday” by the federal government but it is commonly referred to as the Presidents’ day and often include the contribution of all the presidents.

Is Easter a federal holiday?

No, Easter in not a federal holidays in United States. Federal holidays are designated by law and apply to the whole nation. Easter is a Christian Holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely celebrated by many Americans. However some State Government may recognize Easter as State Holidays.

Is Good Friday a federal holiday?

No, Good Fridays is not observed as a federal holidays in United States. While its a significant religious observance for Catholic and Protestant faiths, it is not recognized as a federal holidays. Some employer may offer time off or allow employees to use vacation and personal days to observe the holidays.

Is Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day a federal holiday in the USA?

Yes, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday in USA. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. This holiday honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law as a federal holiday in 1983, and it is a day to reflect on the accomplishments and legacy of Dr. King, as well as to promote civil rights, social justice, and equality for all Americans.

Is Labor day a federal holiday?

Yes, Labor day is a federal holiday and is observed on the first Mondays of September every year. This day is celebrated to honor the contribution of American workers and the labor movement to the development and achievements of the country. It becomes a federal holidays in 1894, following the years of labor activism and recognition of the importance of workers right.

Is Saint Patrick’s day a federal holiday?

No, Saint Patrick’s day is not observed as a federal holiday in United States. This day is widely celebrated especially in areas with Irish-American populations, it is not a day when non-essential federal government offices, agencies and services are closed. It is celebrated on March 17th, commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and has become a cultural and religious celebration of Irish Heritage and culture in many parts of the world.