💡 How-To
US Holidays and Observances: When Do You Get Time Off?
Americans get 11 federal holidays per year " — but not all employers observe them. Here's the complete list, what's open and closed, and which holidays guarantee time off.
Federal Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day Off? | Stores Open? |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Yes (federal) | Most closed |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Presidents' Day | February 16 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Yes (federal) | Most closed |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes (federal) | Most open |
| Thanksgiving | November 26 | Yes (federal) | Most closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes (federal) | Most closed |
Who Gets Federal Holidays Off?
- Federal employees: Guaranteed paid day off
- State/local government: Usually observed
- Banks: Closed on all federal holidays
- Private employers: Not required to give time off " — it's at employer discretion
- Essential services: Hospitals, police, fire " — always open
Paid Holiday Statistics
- Private sector: 79% of workers get at least one paid holiday
- Average paid holidays: 7-8 per year
- No paid holidays: 21% of private sector workers
- Unpaid holidays: Some employers offer unpaid time off
Observance Days (Not Federal Holidays)
- Valentine's Day (Feb 14): Not a day off " — most people work
- St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17): Not a day off " — bars celebrate
- Halloween (Oct 31): Not a day off " — but some workplaces allow costumes
- Groundhog Day (Feb 2): Not a day off " — just fun
Holiday pay tip: If you work on a federal holiday, you may be entitled to premium pay (time-and-a-half or double time) depending on your employer and state laws. Check your employee handbook or ask HR about holiday pay policies.
⚠️ What to know:
- Private employers are NOT required to give any holidays off
- If a holiday falls on Saturday, it's observed on Friday; Sunday, observed on Monday
- Some states have additional holidays (e.g., some states observe the day after Thanksgiving)
- Many companies give additional "floating holidays" " — check your benefits
The bottom line: 11 federal holidays per year: New Year's, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Federal employees get them off. Private employers aren't required to observe them. Banks are closed on all federal holidays.