Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about how many federally recognized holidays there are in the U.S. It’s a great question, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Whether you’re planning your year or just curious, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

In the United States, federal holidays are days recognized by the federal government as public holidays. These are days when non-essential federal government offices are closed, and most federal employees have the day off. But here’s the thing—while these holidays are observed nationwide, not all states or private businesses follow the same schedule. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, so let’s clear up the confusion.

How Many Federally Recognized Holidays Are There?

Okay, let’s get straight to the point. There are 11 federally recognized holidays in the United States. These holidays are established by Congress and apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. If you’re wondering what they are, here’s the full list:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
• Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (First Monday in September)
• Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

That’s the official count. But wait—there’s more to it! Some states and cities might add their own holidays or celebrate certain ones differently. For example, Juneteenth only became a federal holiday in 2021, so it’s still relatively new on the list.

Questions Related to Federally Recognized Holidays

Now, let’s tackle some common questions people have about these holidays.

1. Do all states observe federal holidays?

Not necessarily. While federal holidays are observed by federal employees, states can choose which holidays to recognize. For instance, some states don’t observe Columbus Day or Presidents’ Day as official state holidays. It really depends on where you live.

2. Are private businesses required to close on federal holidays?

Nope! Private businesses can decide whether to give their employees the day off. Retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses often stay open on federal holidays, though some may offer holiday pay or adjusted hours.

3. What happens if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?

Great question! If a holiday like Independence Day or Christmas falls on a Saturday, federal employees usually get the preceding Friday off. If it falls on a Sunday, they’ll typically get the following Monday off. It’s all about making sure folks still get their well-deserved break.

4. Are federal holidays paid?

For federal employees, yes—these holidays are paid days off. For private-sector employees, it depends on the employer. Some companies offer paid holidays, while others don’t. Always check with your HR department to know your benefits.

5. Why are there only 11 federal holidays?

The number of federal holidays is determined by Congress, and it’s based on historical, cultural, and national significance. Adding a new federal holiday, like Juneteenth in 2021, requires legislation, so it’s not something that happens often.

So, to wrap it all up, there are 11 federally recognized holidays in the U.S., and they’re a mix of historical, cultural, and national celebrations. While not everyone gets the day off, these holidays are a great way to reflect on the nation’s history and spend time with loved ones.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article can help you fully understand how many federally recognized holidays there are. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us. Happy holidays!