Federal holidays 2025 update: Trump gives 2 extra offs this year on Christmas eve and December 26 - here's what federal workers need to know

Federal holidays 2025: Federal employees will get extra time off for the holidays this year, with December 24 and December 26 officially designated as days off, following an executive order signed by US president Donald Trump on Thursday afternoon, as per a report.

Christmas Eve Federal Holiday 2025 Granted by Trump

Under the new order, federal employees will continue to observe the standard Christmas Day holiday on December 25, but the additional two days mark a rare occurrence in recent years, giving many workers an extended holiday break.

Trump Christmas Eve Federal Holiday Executive Order Explained

Trump’s executive order notes that while most federal employees will have the extra days off, certain agencies and offices may remain open, as per a Federal News Network report. Employees in roles related to national security, defense, or other essential public needs may still be required to report for duty.


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Is Christmas Eve a Federal Holiday Every Year

Historically, presidents have occasionally granted additional holiday time for federal workers. Former US president Joe Biden gave employees Christmas Eve off in 2024. Even during Trump’s previous terms, federal employees received extra time off for Christmas Eve in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Before that, former US president Barack Obama gave federal employees the day off on December 26 in 2014 and December 24 in 2012., as per the Federal News Network report. Former US president George W. Bush also granted the day off on December 24 in both 2001 and 2007.

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Federal Holidays 2025: What Days Are Observed for US Workers

However, apart from the 2 extra days given as federal holidays this year, here are the federal holidays recognized by the Office of Personnel Management.

• New Year's Day (January 1).
• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January).
• Washington's Birthday (Third Monday in February).
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May).
• Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19).
• Independence Day (July 4).
• Labor Day (First Monday in September).
• Columbus Day (Second Monday in October).
• Veterans Day (November 11).
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November).
• Christmas Day (December 25).

FAQs

Will federal employees get Christmas Eve off in 2025?

Yes, federal employees will have December 24 off following Trump’s executive order.

Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?

Normally, no, but Trump designated it as an extra federal holiday in 2025.