Federal Statutory Holidays 2025: Complete List and Observance Dates

2025 Federal Holidays: Dates and Details

This comprehensive guide provides a clear, concise list of all federal holidays in the United States for 2025. These dates are essential for planning vacations, scheduling appointments, and understanding business closures. “Bank holidays” in the US typically refer to these federal holidays.

2025 Federal Holiday Schedule

Holiday	Date	Day of the Week	Observance Date
New Year’s Day	January 1	Wednesday	January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	January 20	Monday	January 20
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)	February 17	Monday	February 17
Memorial Day	May 26	Monday	May 26
Juneteenth National Independence Day	June 19	Thursday	June 19
Independence Day	July 4	Friday	July 4
Labor Day	September 1	Monday	September 1
Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day	October 13	Monday	October 13
Veterans Day	November 11	Tuesday	November 11
Thanksgiving Day	November 27	Thursday	November 27
Christmas Day	December 25	Thursday	December 25

Weekend Observance

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is generally observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. This ensures federal employees receive their designated time off. For example, Independence Day in 2025 falls on a Saturday, so it’s observed on Friday, July 4th.

Understanding Bank Holidays vs. Federal Holidays

In the US, “bank holidays” and “federal holidays” are often used interchangeably. They refer to the same eleven designated public holidays established by the federal government. However, it’s important to note that the term “bank holiday” carries a distinct legal meaning in other countries, such as the UK.

The Significance of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays commemorate important historical figures, events, and ideals. They offer moments for reflection, celebration, and national unity. These holidays can also impact business operations, school schedules, and other aspects of daily life. While these dates are federally mandated for government employees, state and local governments may observe additional holidays. Always check local calendars for the most accurate information for your specific location.

Important Note: This information is current as of October 26, 2023, based on established federal guidelines. While unlikely to change, confirming dates closer to the time is always a good practice. It’s also important to remember that the dates listed are only the federally recognized public holidays. States and cities may or may not legally recognize a particular federal holiday.

Juneteenth: A Federal Holiday in 2025

Juneteenth is indeed a federal holiday in 2025, observed on Thursday, June 19th. It officially became a federal holiday in 2021 with the signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

The History and Meaning of Juneteenth

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This delay in enforcement underscores the complex and often difficult path to freedom.

While Juneteenth is a celebration, some experts suggest it also serves as a call to action, prompting reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Historians continue to research the specific circumstances of the delayed announcement in Galveston, with theories ranging from deliberate suppression of the news to the logistical challenges of the time.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations can vary across communities, from parades and festivals to more solemn commemorations and educational programs. Check your local listings for events in your area.

The 12 Federal Holidays of the USA

The twelve federal holidays recognized in the USA are listed below. While federal holidays apply to federal government employees, many private sector businesses and institutions also observe these days, leading to altered business hours and closures. Keep in mind that state and local governments may have additional holidays.

Holiday	2024 Date	2025 Date	Significance (in a nutshell)
New Year’s Day	January 1	January 1	Marks the start of the new year.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	January 15	January 20	Honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)	February 19	February 17	Celebrates George Washington’s birthday and, more broadly, all US presidents.
Memorial Day	May 27	May 26	Remembers and honors military personnel who died in service.
Juneteenth National Independence Day	June 19	June 19	Commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Independence Day	July 4	July 4	Celebrates the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the USA.
Labor Day	September 2	September 1	Honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement.
Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day	October 14	October 13	A day of complex and evolving significance, honoring Indigenous peoples and history.
Veterans Day	November 11	November 11	Honors all who have served in the US Armed Forces.
Thanksgiving Day	November 28	November 27	A time for gratitude, family, and reflection.
Christmas Day	December 25	December 25	Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

It’s important to note that some dates, particularly those tied to days of the week like the third Monday of January, change annually. Always double-check a calendar for the most accurate information when planning around holidays. Holiday observances may also change due to cultural and societal shifts as seen with increasing recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.