Is today a federal holiday? That question is being asked across the United States on Friday, December 26, 2025, as Americans check work schedules, government office hours, mail delivery, and financial services following Christmas Day. The answer is not as simple as yes or no, because today carries a special status that affects federal workers differently than the general public.
For 2025, December 26 is being observed as a day off by many federal agencies due to a one-time executive action. While the date is not permanently listed among federal holidays, it is being treated like one by much of the federal government today. Understanding this distinction helps explain why some offices are closed while others remain open.
This article provides a complete, factual breakdown of what December 26, 2025 means in practical terms, who is impacted, and how Americans should plan their day.
How Federal Holidays Normally Work in the United States
Federal holidays are official days recognized by the U.S. government when most federal offices close and federal employees receive paid time off. These holidays are established through law and remain consistent from year to year unless Congress makes a change.
Each year typically includes a fixed list of federal holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. These dates are widely recognized across the country and influence everything from government operations to banking schedules.
December 26 is not usually included on that list. In most years, the day after Christmas is treated as a regular business day for federal agencies, banks, and markets.
That long-standing pattern changed in 2025.
Why December 26, 2025 Is Being Observed Differently
In December 2025, a presidential executive action designated both December 24 and December 26 as days when federal employees are excused from duty. This created an extended holiday period around Christmas for federal agencies.
As a result, many federal offices are closed today, Friday, December 26, 2025, even though the date is not a permanent federal holiday under U.S. law. This temporary designation applies only to this year and does not automatically repeat in the future.
The decision effectively turned Christmas week into a longer shutdown period for much of the federal government, especially for non-essential operations.
What This Means for Federal Employees Today
For most federal employees, December 26 is a paid day off in 2025. Offices that normally operate Monday through Friday are closed today, and staff are excused from reporting to work.
This applies broadly across administrative departments, regulatory agencies, and many federal offices nationwide. Employees receive holiday pay under existing federal leave and compensation rules.
However, not every federal worker is off today. Essential personnel continue to work as needed. These roles include national security staff, emergency responders, public safety workers, and others whose duties cannot pause without disrupting critical services.
Each agency determines staffing needs based on operational requirements.
Is Today a Federal Holiday Under the Law?
Legally speaking, December 26 is not a permanent federal holiday. Permanent federal holidays must be passed by Congress and signed into law. That process has not occurred for this date.
Instead, today’s status comes from executive authority that allows the president to excuse federal employees from duty on specific dates. This authority can be applied for a single year without changing federal holiday law.
Because of that distinction, December 26 may return to a normal workday in future years unless similar action is taken again.
Impact on State and Local Government Offices
State and local governments are not required to follow federal holiday schedules. Each state, county, and city decides its own calendar.
Some state offices chose to align with federal closures and remain closed today. Others resumed normal operations after Christmas Day. Local government services such as licensing offices, courts, and municipal buildings may therefore be open in some areas and closed in others.
Residents should check directly with their local government offices to confirm hours and availability.
Private Sector Businesses and Employers
Private employers are not legally obligated to observe federal holidays. Whether December 26 is a day off depends entirely on company policy.
Many office-based businesses choose to close or operate with reduced staff during the final week of December. Others require employees to return to work immediately after Christmas.
Industries such as retail, healthcare, transportation, logistics, and hospitality often operate on December 26 due to high demand during the holiday season.
Employees should rely on employer communication to determine whether they are expected to work today.
Mail Delivery and Postal Services
Mail delivery has resumed today.
The U.S. postal system observes Christmas Day as a holiday, but December 26 is normally a delivery day. Despite federal office closures today, mail and package delivery services are operating as scheduled in most areas.
Some post office locations may operate on modified hours, but delivery routes are active.
Banking and Financial Services
Banks across the United States generally reopened today after closing on Christmas Day. While some branches may have reduced hours depending on location, most banking services are available on December 26.
Online banking, mobile deposits, and ATM access remain available regardless of holiday schedules.
Customers should check local branch hours if in-person services are needed.
Stock Market and Financial Markets
U.S. financial markets reopened today following their Christmas Day closure. Major exchanges are operating under standard trading hours on December 26.
This means investors can trade stocks, bonds, and other securities as usual today.
Social Security and Federal Benefit Offices
Some federal service offices operate under special schedules. In 2025, many Social Security offices resumed limited operations on December 26 despite broader federal closures.
Online services remain available at all times, allowing beneficiaries to access accounts, check benefits, and complete routine tasks without visiting an office.
Because service hours can vary by location, individuals needing in-person assistance should verify hours before traveling.
Retail Stores, Grocery Stores, and Restaurants
December 26 is traditionally a busy shopping day, and many retailers are open today. Post-holiday sales are common, and large shopping centers are operating normally.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores are also largely open, though hours may vary.
Restaurants and entertainment venues show the widest variation. Some reopen fully today, while others remain closed or operate on shortened schedules.
Checking ahead is recommended for dining or reservations.
Travel, Airports, and Transportation
Airports, airlines, and public transportation systems are operating today. December 26 is often a high-volume travel day as people return home after Christmas.
Transportation services are not directly affected by federal office closures and continue operating based on demand.
Travelers should allow extra time due to increased passenger volume rather than holiday shutdowns.
Why So Many People Are Confused Today
The confusion surrounding December 26 comes from the difference between a legal federal holiday and a day that is treated like one operationally.
Most Americans associate federal holidays with nationwide closures. In reality, federal holidays primarily affect federal workers. Private businesses, banks, and markets often follow different rules.
Because today is a one-time exception rather than a permanent holiday, many people are unsure what services are available.
Understanding which sector you fall under is the key to knowing how today affects you.
How Today Compares to Previous Years
In prior years, December 26 was a standard workday across most sectors. Federal offices reopened immediately after Christmas, and normal operations resumed.
The 2025 holiday arrangement stands out because it adds two additional days around Christmas when many federal offices are closed. This has led to longer breaks for some workers and longer service delays for others.
Whether similar arrangements occur in future years remains to be seen.
What to Expect Going Forward
Unless Congress acts, December 26 will not automatically become a permanent federal holiday. Any future recognition would require new executive action or legislation.
For now, Americans should expect December 26 to return to normal status in most years.
Holiday schedules can change, and staying informed each year remains important.
Quick Breakdown for December 26, 2025
- Many federal offices are closed today
- Federal employees largely have the day off
- Essential federal workers may still be on duty
- Banks and financial markets are open
- Mail delivery is active
- Retail stores and restaurants vary by location
- State and local offices depend on local decisions
Final Takeaway
December 26, 2025 occupies a unique place on the U.S. calendar. While it is not permanently listed as a federal holiday, it is being treated like one for many federal workers due to a special decision made this year. That distinction explains why some offices are closed while much of daily life continues as normal.
Understanding how federal holidays actually work helps reduce confusion and allows Americans to plan their time more effectively.
Have you experienced closures or schedule changes today? Share your experience or stay connected for continued updates on federal holiday schedules.