Is Christmas a Federal Holiday?
Everything you need to know about Christmas Day closures, employee pay, weekend observance shifts, and US federal law.
Planning around Christmas raises practical questions fast. Will banks be open? Will mail arrive? Do private-sector employees get paid if they take the day off? And if Christmas falls on a weekend, does the legal holiday move? These aren't trivial details — they directly affect schedules, financial transactions, and family travel.
The core answer is straightforward, and the operational rules are easy to understand once you know the federal guidelines. Here is the complete breakdown of whether Christmas is a federal holiday — including what closes, pay entitlements, weekend shifts, and the history behind the law.
Is Christmas a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Christmas Day (December 25) is one of eleven official US federal holidays, established by federal law under 5 U.S.C. § 6103. It has been a federal holiday since 1870. Federal government offices are closed, non-essential federal personnel receive a paid day off, and major financial institutions observe the holiday.
What's Closed on Christmas Day?
Because Christmas is an official federal holiday, government operations, financial markets, and most public institutions close. Here is the operational status across major sectors:
| Closed (100% Guaranteed) | Usually Closed | Often Open (Limited/Select) |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Most retail store chains | Select CVS & Walgreens pharmacies |
| Banks & credit unions | Target, Costco, Trader Joe's | Gas stations & convenience stores |
| USPS (No mail delivery) | Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy | Movie theaters (major release day) |
| Stock exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ) | Grocery store chains | Select Asian & hotel restaurants |
| Federal courts & Social Security | Public K-12 schools & universities | Hospitals & ERs (always 24/7) |
- ATMs & Online Banking: Digital banking apps, online transfers, and automated teller machines run 24/7, even though bank branches and Federal Reserve wire systems are closed.
- UPS & FedEx: Commercial carriers operate with modified or suspended delivery services on Dec 25. Check carrier holiday schedules.
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24): Regular postal delivery occurs on Dec 24, but many retail stores close early (typically between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM).
Do You Get Paid for the Christmas Holiday?
Federal employees receive a paid holiday. Private-sector holiday pay depends entirely on your specific employer's benefit policy. There is no federal law (such as the Fair Labor Standards Act) requiring private employers to pay non-federal workers for holidays or offer holiday pay multipliers unless stipulated by contract.
🏛️ Federal Government Personnel
Full-time and part-time federal employees get paid time off for Christmas. Essential workers required to work (e.g., TSA, federal law enforcement, air traffic controllers) receive holiday premium pay (typically double base pay).
💼 Private-Sector Employees
Most corporate offices provide paid time off for Christmas Day. For hourly, retail, or service workers, holiday pay rules (such as time-and-a-half) are established by company handbooks or labor agreements, not federal mandate.
What Happens When Christmas Falls on a Weekend?
Under federal regulations administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), when a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the observed holiday shifts to the adjacent weekday. The universal rule is:
- Christmas on a Saturday: Observed by the federal government on the preceding Friday (December 24).
- Christmas on a Sunday: Observed by the federal government on the following Monday (December 26).
| Year | Actual Christmas Day | Federal Observed Date | Schedule Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, Dec 25 | Friday, Dec 25 (no shift) | Standard 3-day weekend |
| 2027 | Saturday, Dec 25 | Friday, Dec 24 | Observed on Christmas Eve |
| 2028 | Monday, Dec 25 | Monday, Dec 25 (no shift) | Standard 3-day weekend |
| 2032 | Saturday, Dec 25 | Friday, Dec 24 | Observed on Christmas Eve |
| 2033 | Sunday, Dec 25 | Monday, Dec 26 | Observed the Monday after |
For instance, in 2027, Christmas falls on a Saturday. Consequently, federal offices and banks will observe the official holiday on Friday, December 24, effectively making Christmas Eve the legal day off.
Is Christmas Eve a Federal Holiday?
No. Christmas Eve (December 24) is not a permanent federal holiday established by statute. However, sitting US presidents frequently grant executive branch employees the day off through a one-time Executive Order.
This executive discretion occurs most commonly when Christmas Eve falls on a Monday (creating a 4-day weekend) or a Friday. Recent executive order examples include:
- 2025: Executive Order granting full day off on Dec 24 and Dec 26
- 2018: Executive Order by President Trump granting Dec 24 off
- 2012: Executive Order by President Obama granting Dec 24 off
- 2007 & 2001: Executive Orders by President George W. Bush
Note: Executive orders apply strictly to executive branch federal workers for that single year. To make Christmas Eve a permanent federal holiday, Congress would need to amend 5 U.S.C. § 6103.
When Did Christmas Become a Federal Holiday?
Christmas became a federal holiday on June 28, 1870, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed H.R. 2224 into law. (Note: Some online databases incorrectly state 1885; the official Congressional record confirms 1870.)
The 1870 bill established four original holidays for federal employees in the District of Columbia: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Introduced by Representative Burton Chauncey Cook of Illinois, the legislation was heavily advocated by commercial bankers who wanted uniform financial clearing schedules across the country.
The timing in 1870 was also political and cultural. Coming shortly after the American Civil War during Reconstruction, establishing nationwide holiday observances served as a symbolic measure to foster national unity.
How Can a Religious Holiday Be a Federal Holiday?
Christmas is recognized as a federal holiday without violating the First Amendment because courts view it as a secular cultural day off rather than a religious mandate.
Under the Constitution's Establishment Clause ("Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"), federal courts have repeatedly upheld Christmas's legal holiday status using the following rationale:
- Secular Purpose: The law provides a universal day of rest and commerce relief, requiring no religious activity or worship.
- Cultural Breadth: Christmas has developed prominent secular traditions in American society (Santa Claus, decorated trees, commercial gift-giving, family reunions).
- Commercial Standardization: The 1870 legislation aimed to harmonize banking and federal government operation schedules, not endorse theology.
Federal Holiday vs. National Holiday — What's the Difference?
Technically speaking, the United States has no legal category called "national holidays." While news outlets and citizens casually use the phrase "national holiday," the distinction is legally meaningful:
🏛️ Federal Holiday
Enacted by the US Congress, binding federal government agencies, federal employees, Federal Reserve clearinghouses, and the District of Columbia.
🗺️ State Holiday
Enacted by state legislatures. Each state legislature independently chooses which holidays to adopt. All 50 states have individually adopted Christmas Day.
The US President and Congress lack constitutional authority to mandate a paid day off for private businesses across the 50 states. Thus, Christmas is a federal and state holiday, but not legally a "national" one.
The 11 Official US Federal Holidays
For complete reference, here are all eleven official US federal holidays established under 5 U.S.C. § 6103, along with their 2026 observance dates:
| Federal Holiday | 2026 Observance Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday, January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 |
| Presidents' Day | Monday, February 16 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday, June 19 |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 (observed Friday, July 3) |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas a federal holiday?▼
Yes. Christmas Day (December 25) is one of eleven US federal holidays and has been established by law under 5 U.S.C. § 6103 since 1870.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?▼
No, Christmas Eve is not a permanent federal holiday. However, US presidents frequently grant federal employees the day off via a one-time executive order (such as in 2025, 2018, 2012, 2007, and 2001).
When did Christmas become a federal holiday?▼
Christmas became a federal holiday on June 28, 1870, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation establishing federal holidays for federal workers in Washington, D.C.
Which president made Christmas a federal holiday?▼
President Ulysses S. Grant signed the federal holiday bill into law in June 1870.
Are banks closed on Christmas?▼
Yes. Commercial banks, credit unions, and the Federal Reserve System close on Christmas Day. ATMs and mobile online banking remain functional.
Is the post office open on Christmas?▼
No. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not deliver regular mail or open retail post office locations on Christmas Day.
Is the stock market closed on Christmas?▼
Yes. Major US financial exchanges including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are closed on Christmas Day.
Do federal employees get paid on Christmas?▼
Yes. Federal workers receive a paid holiday. If required to work essential duty, they typically receive holiday premium pay.
Is Christmas a paid holiday for everyone?▼
No. Federal law only guarantees paid time off for federal government employees. Private companies establish their own holiday pay policies.
Is Christmas a national holiday?▼
While commonly referred to as a 'national holiday,' the US legal system has no category of 'national' holidays — only federal and state holidays. Christmas is a federal holiday and a recognized legal holiday in all 50 states.
Legal Sources & Official References
Data on this page is compiled from official government statutes and administrative agencies:
- United States Code: 5 U.S.C. § 6103 (Holidays).
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — Federal Holidays Schedule.
- Congressional Globe, 41st Congress, 2nd Session (June 28, 1870 enactment).
- Federal Reserve Financial Services Holiday Schedule.
Clara Sterling
Holiday Editor & HistorianClara Sterling is a cultural historian and lifestyle writer specializing in Christmas traditions, holiday folklore, and winter solstice celebrations.