Federal Holidays in the United States 2025

Federal Holidays in the United States 2025: The United States has several federal holidays established by the federal government to commemorate previous happenings, notable individuals, and national events. Government offices and most banks are closed on these federal holidays, while some private enterprises also provide time off for their workers.

What Are Federal Holidays?

Federal Holidays in the United States 2025 are public holidays that are created by the United States Congress. At these times:

Federal government offices are shut down.
Schools and banks do not have to open.
All states or private organizations do not have to celebrate these holidays, but most of them do.

List of U.S. Federal Holidays (2025)

Below is a list of the 11 U.S. Federal Holidays observed in the United States:

A Brief History of Federal Holidays

The first federal holidays were established in 1870, and only four: New Year‘s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Over time, the roster expanded to keep up with America‘s evolving history and social conventions.
The latest addition is Juneteenth, signed into a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

How Are Federal Holidays Celebrated?

Each holiday has some unique traditions:

Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks and parades.
Thanksgiving is celebrated with family meals, which typically focus on roast turkey.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are observed with military rites and wreath-laying ceremonies.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service as well, encouraging volunteerism.

Federal Holidays vs. State Holidays

Observe that:
•States may also declare their public holidays.
•Not all states celebrate Columbus Day; some have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples‘ Day.

Conclusion

Federal holidays in America are not just days off, they are times of remembering the nation’s history, values, and achievements. From independence to civil rights, each holiday carries a powerful message embedded in America’s national identity.
If you live or are traveling in the U.S., being aware of the federal holiday schedule can help you make better travel, business, or social plans.