Good Friday made headlines across Florida this Easter. Many parents were asking: Is Good Friday a federal holiday in 2025? The short answer is no, it’s not. Yet, some Florida schools offered students a 3-day Easter weekend. This raised fresh questions about how public institutions observe different religious and cultural holidays.
As we approach the rest of the federal holidays 2025, let’s explore what’s changing, what’s confirmed, and how it might affect your travel, school, or work schedule.
Is Good Friday a Federal Holiday in 2025?
Despite its religious importance, Good Friday has never been a federal holiday in the U.S. However, many private institutions, banks, and school districts make their own decisions.
In Florida this year, some school districts allowed students and staff to enjoy a long weekend for Easter. This was not due to a federal mandate but was a district-level decision. Miami-Dade and parts of Central Florida closed schools on March 28, 2025, making it a 3-day weekend with Easter Sunday on March 30.
Such regional decisions show how school holidays often overlap with but don’t mirror federal holidays.
Complete List of Federal Holidays 2025
Here is the official calendar of federal holidays 2025, announced by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). These are the days when most government offices, banks, and public institutions will be closed.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 20 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Feb 17 | Monday | Presidents’ Day |
| May 26 | Monday | Memorial Day |
| Jun 19 | Thursday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Jul 4 | Friday | Independence Day |
| Sep 1 | Monday | Labor Day |
| Oct 13 | Monday | Columbus Day |
| Nov 11 | Tuesday | Veterans Day |
| Nov 27 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| Dec 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
If a holiday falls on a weekend, the observance is moved to the nearest weekday.
Understanding the Impact of Federal Holidays 2025
Federal holidays mean more than just a day off. They affect business operations, school schedules, government services, and even traffic patterns in major cities.
Here’s how federal holidays 2025 could affect you:
- Travel: Expect peak travel during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.
- School Closures: While not all school holidays match the federal calendar, major ones like Christmas and New Year typically do.
- Banking & Government Services: Federal Reserve banks, courts, and postal services will be closed.
Do Schools Follow Federal Holidays in 2025?
Public schools are not required to close on federal holidays. But most still align their academic calendars with these dates. In 2025, expect closures on the following days in most school districts:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving and the day after
- Winter break covering Christmas and New Year
However, as seen in Florida this Easter, there’s flexibility. Some districts might close for cultural or religious observances even if those days aren’t federally recognized. Always check your district’s calendar to avoid surprises.
How Many Federal Holidays Are There in 2025?
There are 11 federal holidays in 2025, and each holds historical or cultural importance. The newest addition is Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021. It celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is now nationally observed on June 19.
One unique case in 2025 is Veterans Day, which falls on a Tuesday. That means a potential for a four-day weekend if employers allow for it. So it’s wise to plan time off early, especially if you intend to travel.
Federal Holidays 2025 and Long Weekend Opportunities
Not all federal holidays give you a long weekend, but several do. Here are the key ones that fall on a Monday or Friday, making for perfect mini-vacations:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday
- Presidents’ Day – Monday
- Memorial Day – Monday
- Labor Day – Monday
- Independence Day – Friday
- Thanksgiving Weekend – Thursday & Friday
Plan smart by using paid time off around these dates to maximize your break.
Tips to Make the Most of Federal Holidays 2025
- Book travel early around holiday weekends.
- Check your child’s school calendar for non-federal holidays like spring break.
- Watch for local events, parades, and public gatherings on holidays like Independence Day and Veterans Day.
- Plan errands around closures—especially for DMV, banks, and courts.
- Use downtime to rest or reset—mental health breaks matter too.
Let’s Wrap This Up
The federal holidays 2025 calendar helps more than just planners and HR departments. It guides how families plan vacations, how students prep for breaks, and how businesses operate throughout the year.
Good Friday, while not federal, sparked conversations this year due to school closures in Florida. It’s a reminder that not all holidays are created equal, and staying informed helps avoid missed opportunities—or appointments!
So keep this list handy, check your local calendars, and enjoy those well-earned breaks in 2025.