If you’ve been planning a US trip, scheduling calls with American colleagues, or hunting for the next big sale, chances are you’ve searched for us federal holidays. Right now that search volume has ticked up in the UK—partly because summer travel and big retail events (think Memorial Day and July 4th sales) are on the horizon, and partly because companies are juggling multinational schedules more than ever.
What are US federal holidays?
US federal holidays are days designated by the United States government when federal offices close and federal employees are typically given paid time off. They set a baseline for many private-sector closures, bank holidays, and postal service schedules—but not every business follows them exactly.
Who decides the list?
The list of federal holidays is set by Congress and administered through federal policy. For an official list and legal details, the Office of Personnel Management publishes the roster each year — see the OPM federal holidays page for authoritative dates and guidance.
Standard list of us federal holidays
Here are the widely recognised federal holidays observed across most of the United States (some move when they fall on weekends):
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday / 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 / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
For a quick reference and historical context, Wikipedia has a helpful overview: Federal holidays in the United States (Wikipedia).
Why UK readers are searching for us federal holidays now
There are a few specific reasons this topic is trending in the UK:
- Travel planning: Summer and autumn are popular for US trips; Brits want to avoid booking on days when services are limited.
- Retail timing: Major US sale events tied to holidays (Memorial Day, Black Friday around Thanksgiving) attract international shoppers.
- Business coordination: Remote teams and firms doing transatlantic work need to schedule around US office closures.
Practical implications for UK travellers and businesses
Short answer: expect bank closures, delayed mail and altered public transport schedules in the US on federal holidays—especially government-run services. Private businesses vary more.
Flights, airports and travel logistics
Airports and major carriers still operate on federal holidays, but expect crowding on long weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th). If you’re moving between cities or relying on connecting flights, build extra time into itineraries.
Postal, banks and government services
Federal holidays usually mean the United States Postal Service (USPS) and federal branches are closed. Banks also often follow federal schedules—so money transfers, bank branch visits, and government appointments can be affected.
B2B and remote work
Many private companies still take the day off for major federal holidays. If you’re coordinating with US-based colleagues, confirm meeting times and consider local observances. In my experience, Monday holidays (like Presidents’ Day) tend to produce long weekends and reduced staffing.
How us federal holidays differ from UK public holidays
There are cultural and structural differences worth noting:
| Aspect | United States (federal) | United Kingdom (bank/public) |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets them | US Congress and federal policy | UK Parliament and devolved administrations |
| Typical closures | Federal offices, many banks, postal service | Banks, many public services; more regional variation |
| Number per year | 11 federal holidays | 8 permanent bank holidays in England & Wales (plus regional) |
| Weekend adjustments | Often observed on nearest weekday | Also adjusted; some holidays fixed |
Real-world examples and case studies
Example 1: A tech firm in Manchester scheduling releases with a US partner might avoid a launch on the fourth Thursday in November because Thanksgiving commonly reduces staffing and customer support.
Example 2: A family from London booking a July trip to Boston during Independence Day should expect parades and street closures; service availability can be reduced in public offices.
Timing and urgency — when to check the calendar
Check us federal holidays when booking flights, scheduling meetings, arranging deliveries or planning customer support coverage. If your activity is time-sensitive—legal filings, payroll processing, or product launches—confirm dates at least several weeks ahead.
Resources and how to verify dates
Use official sources to confirm dates for the current year. The Office of Personnel Management keeps the definitive federal list (OPM federal holidays page). For broader context and history, consult Wikipedia’s federal holidays article. For cultural and work-life comparisons between the US and Europe, this BBC piece is useful: Why Americans get fewer holidays (BBC).
Practical takeaways — what you can do right now
- Check the federal calendar before booking flights or important calls (use OPM link above).
- If you work with US teams, confirm holiday leave windows two weeks in advance; set expectations for response times.
- For shoppers, compare UK vs US sale dates—some offers align with US federal holidays and may affect shipping times.
- When travelling, expect public celebrations (July 4th, Memorial Day parades) that can be great to experience—but will affect local transport.
Common questions from UK readers (brief answers)
Do private businesses in the US always close on federal holidays?
No. Many private companies close for major holidays, but retail, hospitality and critical services often remain open. Always check directly with the business.
Are banks in the US closed on federal holidays?
Most major banks observe federal holidays and close branches; online services may still operate but processes like clearing can be delayed.
Does every state observe the same federal holidays?
Yes, federal holidays are nationwide, but states and localities can add additional observances and may interpret some holidays differently.
Final thoughts
Knowing us federal holidays isn’t just trivia—it’s practical. Whether you’re booking a trip, planning work with American colleagues, or chasing retail deals, a quick calendar check saves time and stress. The good news: official sources like the Office of Personnel Management keep everything up to date, so set a reminder and plan around those dates.
Holidays shape how cities breathe, businesses operate and travellers move—so when you’re planning around us federal holidays, you’re really planning for the rhythms of daily life across the Atlantic. Worth the few minutes to get right.
Frequently Asked Questions
US federal holidays are government-recognised days when federal offices close; Congress designates them and the Office of Personnel Management publishes the official schedule.
Many banks and government services close on federal holidays, but private businesses vary—retail and hospitality often remain open.
Check federal holiday dates before booking flights or appointments, expect crowds on long weekends, and allow extra time for transport and services.