With Easter-related celebrations slated to kick off this upcoming weekend, some may be wondering if these annual observances are or have ever been formally recognized as federal holidays.
Though many Americans observe Holy Week, a week of Christian celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday, including Good Friday, the federal government has not classified the events as public commemorations.
Federally-recognized holidays are more secular in nature, as they relate to events that unfolded over the course of the country’s history like Memorial Day, which honors the nation’s deceased service members. About a dozen or so federal holidays are observed annually.
Schools, banks, financial markets and non-essential government agencies are typically closed to observe federal holidays. There are only eight remaining federal holidays from now through the end of the year.
Here are the remaining federal holidays in 2025 and when they are.
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Is Good Friday a federal holiday?
No, Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the U.S. Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday either.
What’s a federal holiday?
A federal holiday is essentially a pre-scheduled paid day off for employees of the federal government. Federal holidays, also known as public holidays, are determined by federal officials and recognized by the government.
Federal employees typically receive 11 vacation days per calendar year, plus an additional day when a new president is inaugurated.
Federal holiday 2025 schedule
Here are the calendar dates for the remaining federal holidays, courtesy of the Office of Personnel Management:
- Memorial Day: May 26
- Juneteenth: June 19
- Independence Day: July 4
- Labor Day: Sept. 1
- Columbus Day: Oct. 13
- Veterans Day: Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 27
- Christmas Day: Dec. 25
