Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about how many mandatory holidays there are in the USA. It’s a great question, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Whether you’re planning your time off or just curious, let’s dive into the details and clear up any confusion.

First things first, when we talk about “mandatory holidays” in the USA, it’s important to understand that there’s no federal law requiring private businesses to give employees time off, paid or unpaid, for holidays. However, the federal government does recognize certain days as public holidays, and these are often observed by government offices, banks, and many private companies. So, while these holidays aren’t “mandatory” for everyone, they’re widely recognized and celebrated across the country.

As of now, there are 11 federal holidays in the USA. These include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. These holidays are established by Congress and apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. But again, private employers aren’t legally required to observe them.

Questions Related to Mandatory Holidays in the USA

One common question is whether employers have to pay employees for holidays. The answer is no—federal law doesn’t require private businesses to pay employees for holidays unless they’re actually working on that day. However, many companies do offer paid holidays as part of their benefits package to attract and retain employees. It’s always a good idea to check your company’s policy or employment contract to see what’s included.

Another question I often hear is whether states can add their own holidays. Absolutely! States can recognize additional holidays beyond the federal list. For example, some states observe holidays like Native American Day or Patriots’ Day. These state-specific holidays may or may not be observed by private businesses, depending on local laws and company policies.

A third question revolves around religious holidays. Since the USA doesn’t have an official religion, religious holidays like Easter or Rosh Hashanah aren’t federal holidays. However, many employers are flexible and may allow employees to take time off for religious observances, often using paid time off (PTO) or vacation days.

To sum it up, while there are 11 federal holidays in the USA, they aren’t technically “mandatory” for private businesses. Whether or not you get time off—and whether it’s paid—depends on your employer’s policies. But these holidays are still a big deal for many Americans, offering a chance to relax, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones.

FAQpro thanks you for reading! I hope this article helped you fully understand how many mandatory holidays there are in the USA. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate all things holidays!