U.S. Federal Business Holidays: A Complete Guide

The United States observes ten federal holidays during which non-essential government offices close and many private businesses grant paid time off. These dates shape the annual rhythm of commerce and culture.

• New Year's Day (January 1) – Rings in the calendar year with celebrations and resolutions.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January) – Honors the civil rights leader's legacy of equality and nonviolence.
• Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in February) – Originally Washington's Birthday, now honors all U.S. presidents.
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) – Commemorates military personnel who died in service.
• Independence Day (July 4) – Celebrates the 1776 Declaration of Independence with fireworks and patriotism.
• Labor Day (1st Monday in September) – Honors the American labor movement and workers' contributions.
• Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October) – Marks Columbus's 1492 arrival; also observed as Indigenous Peoples' Day.
• Veterans Day (November 11) – Honors all military veterans.
• Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November) – A harvest festival centered on family feasts and gratitude.
• Christmas Day (December 25) – Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ; widely observed as a cultural holiday.

Private employers are not legally required to provide paid leave for these days, but most do. Many businesses also observe the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) and Christmas Eve as de facto holidays.