From Independence Day to Thanksgiving, how and when Americans celebrate their 10 official holidays.
In the U.S., federal holidays mark dates of historical and cultural importance, providing time off for federal employees and impacting public services across the country. Introduced by Congress in 1885, the original list of federal holidays has expanded to include 10 annual dates of significance that are recognized nationwide.
To ensure that Americans can celebrate these holidays, guidelines help coordinate observances depending on the day of the week. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. Conversely, if the holiday lands on a Sunday, federal employees observe it the following Monday. On these federal holidays, most non-essential federal offices close, and services such as banks, post offices, and schools may also close in observance.
Federal holidays give Americans time to reflect on key moments in history while also providing practical accommodations for celebration, regardless of the calendar day.