Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant. Recently, a little friend asked me about how to add holidays in MS Project 2013. If you’re also wondering how to ensure your project timelines account for public holidays, you’re in the right place! Today, I’ll break it all down for you, step by step, so you can easily manage your project schedules without missing a beat. Let’s dive in!

Adding holidays in MS Project 2013 is a super useful feature, especially when you’re planning long-term projects. Holidays can affect deadlines, resource availability, and overall project timelines. By adding holidays to your project calendar, you ensure that your schedule stays accurate and realistic. Whether you’re managing a small team or a large-scale project, this guide will walk you through the process effortlessly.

Why Add Holidays to MS Project 2013?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Adding holidays to your MS Project 2013 calendar helps you:
1. Avoid scheduling tasks on non-working days.
2. Keep your project timeline accurate and up-to-date.
3. Prevent delays caused by overlooked holidays.
4. Ensure your team’s availability aligns with the project schedule.
5. Create a more professional and reliable project plan.

By including holidays, you’re not just planning smarter—you’re also respecting your team’s time and work-life balance. It’s a win-win!

Step-by-Step Guide to Add Holidays in MS Project 2013

Ready to get started? Here’s how you can add holidays to your MS Project 2013 calendar:

1. **Open Your Project File**: Launch MS Project 2013 and open the project file you’re working on.
2. **Go to the Project Tab**: Click on the “Project” tab in the top menu bar.
3. **Access Change Working Time**: In the “Properties” group, click on “Change Working Time.”
4. **Select the Calendar**: Choose the calendar you want to edit. By default, this is usually the “Standard” calendar, but you can select a custom calendar if you’ve created one.
5. **Add Holidays**: Click on the “Work Weeks” tab, then click “Details.” Here, you can select specific dates and mark them as non-working days. For example, if you’re adding Christmas Day, select December 25th and set it as a non-working day.
6. **Save Your Changes**: Once you’ve added all the holidays, click “OK” to save your changes.

And that’s it! Your project calendar now reflects the holidays, and your schedule will automatically adjust to account for these non-working days.

Common Questions About Adding Holidays in MS Project 2013

**Can I add multiple holidays at once?**
Unfortunately, MS Project 2013 doesn’t have a bulk import feature for holidays. You’ll need to add each holiday manually. However, once you’ve set them up, they’ll remain in your calendar for future projects.

**What if I need to update the holidays later?**
No problem! Simply go back to the “Change Working Time” option and make your adjustments. You can add, remove, or modify holidays as needed.

**Can I share my updated calendar with my team?**
Absolutely! You can save your custom calendar and share it with your team, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding project timelines and holidays.

Adding holidays in MS Project 2013 is a simple yet powerful way to keep your project schedules accurate and realistic. By following the steps above, you can ensure that your project plans account for public holidays, avoiding unnecessary delays and confusion. Whether you’re managing a small team or a large project, this feature is a game-changer for effective project management.

Faqpro Thank you for reading! I hope this guide helps you fully understand how to add holidays in MS Project 2013. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy scheduling!