New Year's Day · January 1
A federal holiday on January 1. When it falls on a Saturday, federal employees get the Friday before off, which is why New Year's Day 2028 is observed on December 31, 2027.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day · January 19
Honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was born on January 15, 1929. It is held on the third Monday in January and is often marked as a national day of service.
Washington's Birthday · February 16
Honors George Washington, the first U.S. president, on the third Monday in February. "Washington's Birthday" is the name in federal law, but many states and businesses call it Presidents' Day.
Good Friday · April 3
The Friday before Easter, when Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Its date moves each year with Easter.
Memorial Day · May 25
Held on the last Monday in May to honor the U.S. military personnel who died in service. It is also seen as the unofficial start of summer.
Juneteenth · June 19
Marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops in Galveston, Texas, announced that enslaved people in the state were free, about two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
Independence Day · July 4
Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, with fireworks, parades and cookouts across the country.
Labor Day · September 7
Honors the achievements of American workers on the first Monday in September. It has been a federal holiday since 1894 and traditionally marks the end of summer.
Columbus Day · October 12
Marks Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492, and is held on the second Monday in October. Many states and cities observe Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same day instead or as well.
Veterans Day · November 11
Honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces. It is held on November 11, the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended the fighting in World War I, whatever the day of the week.
Thanksgiving Day · November 26
A harvest holiday on the fourth Thursday in November, usually marked with a family meal of roast turkey. The Friday after it is not a federal holiday.
Christmas Day · December 25
Celebrates the birth of Jesus on December 25 and is a federal holiday. When it falls on a weekend, federal employees get the nearest weekday off, as on Friday, December 24, 2027.