The holiday season in the United States brings an important update for federal employees in 2025. This year, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day schedules have been adjusted through a new executive decision, giving many government workers an extended break.
While Christmas traditionally follows the calendar, this temporary change allows certain employees to enjoy more time off. Understanding the updated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day schedule is important for planning travel, family gatherings, shopping, and business activities.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the United States
Under the new announcement, many federal employees will receive additional time off during the Christmas period. However, essential workers involved in national security, healthcare, or critical government operations may still be required to work.
This change applies only for 2025 and does not permanently alter the federal holiday calendar. For permanent changes, approval from Congress and the President would be required. Still, this year offers a rare extended holiday period for many government workers.
Christmas Day Federal Holiday 2025 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal authority | U.S. Federal Government through executive order |
| Holiday focus | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
| Country | United States |
| Year | 2025 |
| Who receives the holiday | Federal government employees |
| Federal offices closed | December 24, 25, and 26, 2025 |
| Related agencies | OPM and federal departments |
| Information source | The White House |
Services Closed Nationwide During the Christmas Holidays
Several nationwide services pause or limit operations during Christmas.
- All United States Postal Service post office locations
- Regular mail delivery on Christmas Day
- UPS standard delivery and pickup on December 25
- Federal offices and government agencies
- New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq
- FedEx delivery and most FedEx Office locations
Some services may resume normal operations on December 26.
2025 Federal Christmas Holiday Status
The executive order applies only to the 2025 holiday season.
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | Federal holiday in 2025 |
| December 26 | Federal holiday in 2025 |
| Permanent status | Not permanent, requires Congressional approval |
Why the 2025 Christmas Holiday Schedule Changed
Several factors influenced the updated holiday schedule.
- Presidents often grant extended year-end breaks through executive authority
- Past administrations have declared Christmas Eve a holiday in select years
- Weekend holidays have previously shifted observed dates
- For 2025, December 26 has been recognized as a temporary federal holiday
These adjustments are meant to support employee morale and year-end planning rather than establish long-term policy.
What Is Open and Closed Around Christmas
Different services follow different schedules during the holiday period.
| Service | December 24 | December 25 | December 26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal offices | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Banks | Open | Closed | Open |
| USPS | Mostly open | Closed | Open |
| Major retailers | Limited hours | Closed | Open |
Operating hours may vary by location.
Holiday Schedule for Federal Employees
Federal employees may benefit from an extended holiday break in 2025.
- Non-essential federal employees may receive time off on Christmas Eve and December 26
- Essential workers may still be required to work based on operational needs
- Private sector employees are not required to follow this schedule
- Private businesses may follow their own holiday policies
This temporary schedule gives many federal workers extra time for rest and family celebrations.
Christmas Holiday Operating Hours
Even with federal closures, many essential and commercial services remain available.
- Government offices pause operations on Christmas Day
- Mail delivery does not operate on December 25
- Mail processing may continue on December 24 and December 26
- Banks operate normally before and after Christmas Day
- Major retailers usually close only on Christmas Day
Customers should confirm local hours in advance.
Extended Federal Holiday for 2025
Federal employees will experience an extended Christmas break in 2025, including December 26. Most government offices will close, but critical roles may still require staffing.
This schedule does not apply to the private sector and is considered a temporary adjustment rather than a permanent change to federal holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do federal employees get Christmas Eve off
Most federal employees receive the day off unless they work in essential or emergency roles.
Do private businesses follow this holiday schedule
No. Private companies decide their own holiday schedules.
Are banks and post offices affected
Banks and post offices close on Christmas Day and typically reopen on December 26.
Is December 26 a permanent federal holiday
No. It is a one-time holiday for 2025 only.
Where can official updates be found
Updates are published through official government sources and federal agencies.
Conclusion
The 2025 Christmas holiday schedule offers federal employees an extended break with closures on December 24, 25, and 26. While this change is temporary, it provides meaningful time off during the holiday season.
Federal workers should confirm schedules with their agencies, and the public should plan ahead for service closures. As always, private businesses may follow different rules, making it important to check local operating hours during Christmas week.