Determining if today is a public holiday in the United States requires checking the official list of federal holidays. These holidays are observed by federal government employees and often result in closures for banks, schools, and other institutions.
Some federal holidays fall on fixed dates each year, making it easy to determine their occurrence. For example, New Year’s Day is always on January 1st, and Christmas Day is always on December 25th. Independence Day is consistently celebrated on July 4th.
Other holidays fall on a specific day of the week within a particular month. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, giving it a variable date each year. Labor Day always falls on the first Monday of September.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Third Monday in January |
| Presidents’ Day | 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 |
While not a federal holiday, Inauguration Day, held on January 20th every four years, is a noteworthy observance in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. This event marks the commencement of a new presidential term. Federal holidays are frequently referred to as public holidays or legal holidays due to widespread observance across the country. Most banks align their holiday schedules with the Federal Reserve, resulting in closures on federal holidays.
It’s important to note that while the term “national holiday” is often used, the officially designated term is “federal holiday.” These holidays are established by the U.S. government. For confirmation of holiday dates in a particular year, always refer to official sources like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. This is crucial for accurate planning and scheduling.