If you’ve ever woken up and wondered, “Is today a federal holiday?”, you’re definitely not alone. Millions of Americans ask the same question each year when planning their work schedules, school calendars, or long weekends. Understanding U.S. federal holidays in 2025 helps you stay organized, plan vacations, and know when essential services like banks, post offices, and government offices are closed.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what constitutes a federal holiday, list every U.S. federal holiday in 2025, explain how they’re observed, and provide insights into why certain holidays matter to the nation’s history and culture.
What Is a Federal Holiday?
A federal holiday is an officially recognized public holiday established by the U.S. Congress. On these days, federal government offices, courts, and banks typically close, and federal employees are given paid time off.
Private-sector employers may also choose to observe these holidays, though they are not legally required to do so. Each federal holiday represents a historical event, person, or cultural milestone that has shaped American society.
Currently, the United States recognizes 11 federal holidays.
List of U.S. Federal Holidays in 2025
Below is the complete federal holiday calendar for 2025, as published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 20 | Monday |
| Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) | February 17 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 26 | Monday |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | Thursday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Friday |
| Labor Day | September 1 | Monday |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | October 13 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Tuesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 27 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday |
These 11 dates are officially designated by federal law, and they affect government operations, mail delivery, and banking services across the country.
Is Today a Federal Holiday? (October 13, 2025)
Yes — Monday, October 13, 2025, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is officially recognized as Columbus Day, though many states and cities now observe it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
This means that:
- Federal offices are closed.
- The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail.
- Banks and courts are closed.
- Schools may close, depending on the state.
- Stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) remain open.
While the federal government still calls it Columbus Day, a growing number of states and localities now honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate Native American heritage and history.
Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Changing Tradition
Historically, Columbus Day celebrated the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. First recognized as a federal holiday in 1937, it has long symbolized exploration and Italian-American pride.
However, in recent years, the focus has shifted. Many Americans now use this day to reflect on the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognized by over 20 states and hundreds of cities, highlights the cultures, contributions, and resilience of Native American peoples.
Some states — including Maine, Oregon, Vermont, and Minnesota — have officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
How Federal Holidays Are Created
Federal holidays are not just symbolic; they are officially legislated by Congress. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 established that several holidays — such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day — should always fall on a Monday to create convenient three-day weekends for federal employees.
To be designated a federal holiday, Congress must pass a bill, which is then signed into law by the President of the United States.
The newest federal holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, was officially established in 2021 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Federal Holidays and Their Significance
Each federal holiday carries deep historical meaning. Here’s a quick overview of what each one represents:
- New Year’s Day (January 1): Celebrates the beginning of the new calendar year.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20): Honors the civil rights leader and his contributions to equality and justice.
- Presidents Day (February 17): Originally celebrating George Washington’s birthday, now honors all U.S. presidents.
- Memorial Day (May 26): Pays tribute to military personnel who have died in service to the nation.
- Juneteenth (June 19): Marks the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.
- Independence Day (July 4): Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
- Labor Day (September 1): Recognizes the achievements and contributions of American workers.
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 13): Either honors Columbus or celebrates Native American heritage, depending on state recognition.
- Veterans Day (November 11): Honors all U.S. military veterans.
- Thanksgiving Day (November 27): A day of gratitude and family gatherings, originally proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln.
- Christmas Day (December 25): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, widely observed across all faiths as a time of generosity and togetherness.
What Happens When a Federal Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
Federal holidays that fall on Saturdays or Sundays are observed differently:
- If a holiday falls on Saturday, it’s observed on the preceding Friday.
- If a holiday falls on Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday.
This ensures federal employees always get a paid day off for each designated holiday.
For example:
- Independence Day 2026 (Saturday) → Observed on Friday, July 3, 2026.
- Veterans Day 2029 (Sunday) → Observed on Monday, November 12, 2029.
Which Services Are Closed on Federal Holidays?
On federal holidays, many key services are impacted nationwide. Here’s what typically happens:
- Federal Government Offices: Closed across all states.
- Banks: Most major banks are closed (check your bank’s holiday schedule).
- Mail Services: USPS does not deliver mail or packages.
- Schools: Public schools may close, depending on local policies.
- Courts: Federal and most state courts are closed.
- Stock Market: Open on some holidays, like Columbus Day, but closed on others (e.g., Christmas and New Year’s Day).
Private businesses may choose to stay open or close depending on local demand and internal policies.
Why Federal Holidays Matter
Federal holidays serve as more than just days off — they are moments of national reflection and unity. They honor milestones that define the United States and the people who shaped it.
From celebrating freedom and equality to honoring service and remembrance, each holiday strengthens the American identity and connects citizens through shared values.
For employers and employees alike, these holidays also play an important role in mental well-being, productivity, and cultural awareness.
How to Stay Updated on Federal Holidays
To make sure you never miss a federal holiday again, consider:
- Checking the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM.gov) for official dates.
- Following the Federal Reserve Bank (FederalReserve.gov) for bank closure information.
- Subscribing to local news alerts for state and community observances.
Planning ahead allows you to maximize time off, avoid scheduling conflicts, and stay informed about service closures.
Upcoming Federal Holidays After October 2025
After Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the remaining U.S. federal holidays for 2025 are:
- Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27
- Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25
Each of these holidays brings its own traditions, ceremonies, and opportunities for gratitude and reflection.
Conclusion: Understanding Today’s Federal Holiday
So, is today a federal holiday?
Yes — October 13, 2025, marks a day of national observance. While the federal government continues to recognize Columbus Day, many states and cities choose to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, honoring the resilience, culture, and history of Native Americans.
Whether you’re taking a day off work, spending time with family, or reflecting on the significance of the holiday, it’s an opportunity to appreciate America’s diverse history and shared identity.
Stay aware, plan ahead, and make the most of your U.S. federal holidays in 2025 — because each one tells a story worth remembering.
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