📖 Federal Holiday Blog

Complete Guide to U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026

The United States recognizes 11 federal public holidays each year, established by federal law under 5 U.S.C. § 6103 and administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). These holidays apply to federal employees and set the schedule for federal government offices, courts, and many financial institutions.

The 11 Federal Holidays in 2026

• New Year's Day — January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day — January 19, 2026 (Monday)
• Presidents' Day — February 16, 2026 (Monday)
• Memorial Day — May 25, 2026 (Monday)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day — June 19, 2026 (Friday)
• Independence Day — July 4, 2026 (Saturday, observed July 3)
• Labor Day — September 7, 2026 (Monday)
• Columbus Day — October 12, 2026 (Monday)
• Veterans Day — November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
• Thanksgiving Day — November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
• Christmas Day — December 25, 2026 (Friday)

What Happens When a Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed holiday. When it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. For example, Independence Day in 2026 falls on a Saturday, so Friday July 3rd is the official federal holiday.

Who Gets Federal Holidays Off?

All federal government employees are entitled to paid time off on these days by law. Private-sector employers are not legally required to observe federal holidays, though many do — particularly banks, financial institutions, schools, and large corporations. Always check with your employer for their specific holiday policy.

The History of Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday

Juneteenth — officially named Juneteenth National Independence Day — became the most recently established U.S. federal holiday when President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021. It is observed every June 19th.

What Does Juneteenth Commemorate?

Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that enslaved people were free — more than two months after the Confederate surrender and nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had formally abolished slavery on January 1, 1863. June 19, 1865, is considered the effective end of slavery in the United States.

A Long History Before Federal Recognition

The holiday has been celebrated by African American communities since 1866, originally called "Jubilee Day." Texas was the first state to make it an official state holiday in 1980. By 2020, 47 states and Washington D.C. had recognized it in some form. The push for federal recognition gained major momentum following the national conversations around racial justice in 2020, leading to its federal designation in 2021.

How Is Juneteenth Celebrated?

Celebrations typically include community gatherings, music, food, prayer services, and educational events. Many cities hold parades and festivals. The holiday is a time for reflection on the history of slavery in America, recognition of Black culture and contributions, and celebration of freedom and resilience.

Do You Get Paid on Federal Holidays? What Employers Must (and Don't Have to) Do

One of the most common questions around federal holidays is simple: do I get paid? The answer depends entirely on whether you work for the federal government or a private employer — and the rules may surprise you.

Federal Employees: Yes, Always

Federal government employees receive paid time off on all 11 federal holidays by law. If a federal employee is required to work on a federal holiday, they are entitled to holiday premium pay — typically their regular rate of pay plus an additional amount for the hours worked on that day.

Private Sector Employees: It Depends

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require private employers to provide paid time off for federal holidays, or even to close on those days. Whether you receive holiday pay is entirely up to your employer's policies or your employment contract. Many private companies do offer paid holidays as a benefit, but they are not legally obligated to do so.

What About Holiday Pay If You Work?

Similarly, private employers are not required by federal law to pay extra for working on a holiday. Some companies offer "holiday pay" — typically 1.5x or 2x the regular rate — as a benefit, but this is a voluntary policy, not a legal requirement. Check your employee handbook or contract for your employer's specific rules.

State Laws May Offer More Protection

Some states have additional laws that provide more holiday pay protections. Rhode Island, for instance, has historically required premium pay for retail workers on certain holidays. Always check your state's labor laws for details specific to your location.

What Businesses Are Closed on Federal Holidays?

Federal holidays affect different businesses and institutions in different ways. Here's a practical rundown of what you can typically expect to be open or closed.

Almost Always Closed

• Federal government offices — post offices, Social Security offices, federal courts, IRS offices, and all other federal agencies
• Banks and credit unions — most observe all 11 federal holidays; ATMs and online banking remain available
• U.S. stock markets — the NYSE and NASDAQ are closed on most federal holidays (check their specific schedules)
• Public schools — most K-12 public schools observe federal holidays
• Many state and local government offices — though this varies by state

Usually Open

• Retail stores — most major retailers including grocery stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls stay open
• Restaurants — most remain open, some with modified hours
• Gas stations and convenience stores — generally open as normal
• Hospitals and emergency services — always open
• Online businesses — websites, streaming services, and e-commerce operate normally

It Varies

• Public transportation — many transit systems run on a reduced holiday schedule
• UPS, FedEx, and private carriers — may have reduced service; check their websites
• Private employers — entirely up to company policy

When in doubt, call ahead or check a business's website for holiday hours. Major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day see the most widespread closures.

Federal vs. State Holidays: What's the Difference?

Many people use the terms "federal holiday" and "public holiday" interchangeably, but there are important distinctions between federal holidays, state holidays, and other observances.

Federal Holidays

Federal holidays are established by an act of Congress and apply specifically to federal government employees and the District of Columbia. There are currently 11 of them. Federal law does not require private businesses or state governments to close on these days — it only mandates that federal offices close and federal workers receive paid leave.

State Holidays

Each U.S. state can designate its own official holidays, which apply to state government employees. States often observe all federal holidays plus some additional ones unique to their history and culture. For example, Texas observes Confederate Heroes Day in January, and Hawaii observes King Kamehameha Day in June. Some states observe Cesar Chavez Day on March 31st.

Observed vs. Proclaimed Holidays

Some holidays are officially proclaimed by the President (like Flag Day on June 14th) but are not statutory federal holidays — meaning federal employees don't get the day off automatically. Others, like Christmas and New Year's Day, are statutory holidays with full legal weight.

The Bottom Line

If you're a federal employee, the 11 statutory federal holidays are your guaranteed paid days off. If you work in the private sector, your holiday schedule is determined by your employer, and if you work for a state government, your schedule follows your state's official holiday calendar — which usually includes all federal holidays plus a few extras.