Knowing if today is a government holiday is crucial for planning, as it affects government services, postal deliveries, and financial institutions. Federal holidays are established by the U.S. Congress and observed by federal employees nationwide. While this article focuses on federal holidays, state and local governments may observe additional holidays.
Federal Holidays in the United States
The following table lists federal holidays observed by the U.S. government. Note that if a holiday falls on a weekend, it’s often observed on the closest weekday (Friday if it falls on Saturday, Monday if it falls on Sunday), allowing federal employees to receive paid leave.
| Holiday | Typical Date | 2023 Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1st | January 2* |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Third Monday in January | January 16 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Third Monday in February | February 20** |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | May 29 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19th | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4th | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | September 4 |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | October 9 |
| Veterans Day | November 11th | November 10* |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | November 23 |
| Christmas Day | December 25th | December 25 |
* Observed on the preceding Friday due to the actual holiday falling on a weekend.
** Officially designated as “Washington’s Birthday,” although commonly referred to as Presidents’ Day.
The official list of Federal holidays as per the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website.
“In Lieu Of” Holidays
The term “in lieu of” refers to the substitute day given when a holiday falls on a non-workday. This practice ensures that federal employees receive the proper holiday benefits. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides detailed information regarding these “in lieu of” holiday determinations.
Determining if Today is a Federal Holiday
The easiest way to determine if today is a federal holiday is to:
- Consult the OPM Website: The official source for federal holiday information is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website.
- Check a Reputable Calendar: Most online and printed calendars clearly mark federal holidays.
- Use a Search Engine: A quick search online for “is today a government holiday” will often provide the answer.
State and Local Government Holidays
Remember that individual states and local jurisdictions may observe additional holidays not included in the federal holiday schedule. Consulting a specific state or local government’s website is recommended for accurate information. For example, some states observe holidays specific to their history or culture.
Conclusion
Federal holidays are an important part of American culture and provide federal workers with time off. Knowing whether today is a government holiday allows for better planning and understanding of potential service disruptions. Always refer to official sources like the OPM for the most accurate information on federal holidays. Remembering that state and local governments might have different holidays is also important.
