Trump Declares Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 Federal Holidays for 2025
Written by b87fm on 12/22/2025
President Donald Trump has declared Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 federal holidays for this year, granting most federal employees paid time off on both days.
Under the executive order, federal departments and agencies will close on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, though some offices may remain open if deemed necessary for “national security, defense, or other public need.” The order does not change existing law or create permanent holidays; only Congress can establish or modify federal holidays through legislation.
Christmas Day itself is already a permanent federal holiday.
The move comes amid Trump’s ongoing criticism of the growing number of federal holidays. Earlier this year, he took aim at Juneteenth — the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States — arguing that too many non-working days are costly to the economy.
“There are too many non-working holidays in America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on June 19. “It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed. The workers don’t want it either.”
Who Gets the Time Off?
Federal workers whose roles are not classified as essential will have Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 off. However, the order does not apply to private-sector employees. Private companies may choose to observe the days, but they are not required to do so.
What About Mail Delivery?
The U.S. Postal Service confirmed that mail delivery and post office operations will continue as normal on Christmas Eve and Dec. 26. USPS facilities will be closed and mail will not be delivered on Christmas Day.
For most Americans outside the federal workforce, work schedules will remain unchanged unless employers independently decide to observe the additional days off.
