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Federal Holidays

Official public holidays recognized nationwide, during which most government offices and many businesses are closed.

Sections

Overview of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays in the United States are designated by Congress and apply to all federal government employees. On these days, federal offices, banks, and many businesses are closed, and employees are typically given the day off. These holidays are observed nationwide, though specific customs and celebrations may vary by region or community.

There are 11 Federal Holidays in the U.S. as of 2023. Below is a detailed breakdown of each holiday, including its date, cultural significance, closures, costs, and other considerations.

1. New Year’s Day

  • Date: January 1
  • Cultural Significance: Marks the beginning of the calendar year. It is a time for reflection, resolutions, and celebration.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, schools, and most businesses are closed. Public transportation may operate on a reduced schedule.
  • Costs: Celebrations can range from free (e.g., watching fireworks) to expensive (e.g., attending parties or events). Many people host gatherings or dine out.
  • Customs: Watching the ball drop in Times Square (New York City), fireworks, parades, and making New Year’s resolutions.
  • Considerations: Alcohol consumption is common, so visitors should be aware of DUI laws and public intoxication regulations.

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

  • Date: Third Monday in January
  • Cultural Significance: Honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to racial equality and social justice.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, and schools are closed. Some businesses may remain open.
  • Costs: Minimal. Many people participate in free community service events or attend educational programs.
  • Customs: Volunteer work, attending marches or speeches, and reflecting on civil rights issues.
  • Considerations: This is a day of service, so visitors may find opportunities to volunteer in their local communities.

3. Presidents’ Day

  • Date: Third Monday in February
  • Cultural Significance: Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, it now celebrates all U.S. presidents.
  • Closures: Federal offices and banks are closed. Retail stores often remain open and hold sales.
  • Costs: Minimal unless shopping during Presidents’ Day sales.
  • Customs: Educational programs about U.S. history and presidents. Some regions hold parades or reenactments.
  • Considerations: This is a good time for shopping, as many stores offer significant discounts.

4. Memorial Day

  • Date: Last Monday in May
  • Cultural Significance: Honors military personnel who died in service to the United States.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, and schools are closed. Many businesses also close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Costs: Varies. Many people host barbecues or attend parades, which can be low-cost. Travel costs may be higher due to the holiday weekend.
  • Customs: Visiting cemeteries, attending parades, and hosting outdoor gatherings.
  • Considerations: This is the unofficial start of summer, so expect crowded parks, beaches, and travel destinations.

5. Juneteenth National Independence Day

  • Date: June 19
  • Cultural Significance: Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S., specifically the announcement of freedom in Texas in 1865.
  • Closures: Federal offices and banks are closed. Some businesses may remain open.
  • Costs: Minimal. Celebrations often include free community events, educational programs, and cultural festivals.
  • Customs: Parades, concerts, and discussions about African American history and culture.
  • Considerations: This is a relatively new federal holiday (established in 2021), so observances may vary by region.

6. Independence Day

  • Date: July 4
  • Cultural Significance: Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the U.S.’s independence from Britain.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, and most businesses are closed. Public transportation may operate on a holiday schedule.
  • Costs: Fireworks, barbecues, and travel can add up, but many events are free.
  • Customs: Fireworks displays, parades, and outdoor gatherings.
  • Considerations: Fireworks are widely used, so visitors should be aware of local laws and safety guidelines.

7. Labor Day

  • Date: First Monday in September
  • Cultural Significance: Honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, and schools are closed. Many businesses also close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Costs: Minimal unless traveling or shopping during Labor Day sales.
  • Customs: Barbecues, parades, and outdoor activities. It is also considered the unofficial end of summer.
  • Considerations: Beaches and parks may be crowded, and travel costs can be higher.

8. Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

  • Date: Second Monday in October
  • Cultural Significance: Originally celebrated Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, but increasingly observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native American cultures.
  • Closures: Federal offices and banks are closed. Schools and businesses may or may not close, depending on the region.
  • Costs: Minimal. Some communities host free cultural events.
  • Customs: Parades, educational programs, and cultural celebrations.
  • Considerations: Observance varies widely, with some states and cities choosing not to recognize Columbus Day.

9. Veterans Day

  • Date: November 11
  • Cultural Significance: Honors all U.S. military veterans for their service.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, and schools are closed. Some businesses may remain open.
  • Costs: Minimal. Many restaurants and businesses offer free or discounted services to veterans.
  • Customs: Parades, ceremonies, and educational programs.
  • Considerations: This is a day of gratitude, and visitors may see veterans wearing uniforms or medals.

10. Thanksgiving Day

  • Date: Fourth Thursday in November
  • Cultural Significance: A day to give thanks for blessings and gather with family and friends.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, schools, and most businesses are closed. Public transportation may operate on a reduced schedule.
  • Costs: Moderate to high, depending on the size of the meal or travel expenses.
  • Customs: Large family meals (often featuring turkey), watching football games, and parades (e.g., Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade).
  • Considerations: Travel is extremely busy and expensive during this time.

11. Christmas Day

  • Date: December 25
  • Cultural Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, but widely observed as a secular holiday with gift-giving and family gatherings.
  • Closures: Federal offices, banks, schools, and most businesses are closed. Public transportation may operate on a reduced schedule.
  • Costs: High, due to gift-giving, decorations, and meals.
  • Customs: Decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and attending religious services.
  • Considerations: Many stores and restaurants are closed, so plan ahead for meals and shopping.

General Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  1. Plan Ahead: Many federal holidays are associated with increased travel and higher costs for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  2. Check Local Observances: While federal holidays are observed nationwide, local customs and events may vary.
  3. Be Aware of Closures: Banks, post offices, and government services will be unavailable on federal holidays.
  4. Participate Respectfully: If attending cultural or historical events, take time to learn about their significance.
  5. Sales and Discounts: Many holidays, especially Presidents’ Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), are associated with major retail sales.

By understanding these holidays, visitors and immigrants can better navigate life in the U.S. and participate in its rich cultural traditions.