In a notable holiday-season decision, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating Christmas Eve (December 24) and the day after Christmas (December 26) as federal holidays for 2025. The move expands the traditional Christmas break for millions of federal employees across the United States.
Under the order, all executive departments and federal agencies will remain closed on these two days. Employees will be excused from duty with full pay, unless their services are required for national security, defence, law enforcement, or other essential public needs. Christmas Day on December 25 is already a recognised federal holiday, and when combined with the weekend, the announcement effectively grants many federal workers a five-day holiday break.
The US Office of Personnel Management clarified that the benefit primarily applies to executive branch federal employees covered under federal holiday and premium pay regulations. Workers who are required to report for duty on December 24 or 26 will be eligible for premium pay in accordance with federal rules.
The declaration does not automatically extend to private-sector employees, state or local government workers, or contract staff. Employers outside the federal system may choose whether or not to observe the additional holidays. Major financial institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will continue operations on December 26, as the executive order does not apply to private or independent entities.
The White House has confirmed that this is a one-time designation for 2025. Any permanent addition to the federal holiday calendar would require approval from the US Congress through legislation.
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