President Donald Trump has issued an executive order designating December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26 (the day after Christmas) as federal holidays for 2025. This decision allows federal employees to enjoy a five-day holiday break, which includes Christmas Day and the intervening weekend. The order mandates that all federal departments and agencies will close on these dates, excusing employees from duty; however, agency heads may keep certain offices operational for national security or other urgent needs.
This marks a notable change, as it’s the first time in recent years federal employees have received both days off during the Christmas holiday. While it is common for presidents to designate either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day off, awarding both is rarer. Trump had previously granted Christmas Eve as an additional day off in 2018, 2019, and 2020, while Barack Obama also declared December 26 a federal holiday in 2014 when Christmas fell on a Thursday.
The executive order states that these additional holiday days will be treated like regular federal holidays, influencing pay and leave regulations accordingly. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will oversee the order’s implementation across the federal workforce.
Overall, this decision extends holiday time for federal employees, allowing them more opportunities to spend with family during the festive season. It is anticipated to boost morale among federal workers and is viewed as a positive gesture during this special time of the year.
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