U.S. federal holidays 2026 play a vital role in working schedules, leave policies, and overall employee well-being. Understanding federal and state public holidays – and how they can interact with Paid time off, which can help in staying compliant with labor laws and managing your teams effectively.
This blog focuses on the guide to U.S. federal holidays 2026. Let us see what federal holidays are and how these U.S. federal holidays are established.
What are defined as US Federal Holidays?
A restricted holiday, also known as an optional holiday, is at the discretion of the employee. Employees can decide to take a restricted government holiday on a day that suits them, basically on their personal and cultural preferences.
U.S. federal holidays 2026 are the 11 designated days off recognized by the federal government every year, on which non-essential federal offices are closed and the federal employees are paid.
However, federal agencies and post offices are closed, and private companies are not required to observe them, but they observe, and observance can vary by employer.
2026 Federal Holidays at a Glance
When a holiday falls on a weekend, federal employees observe it as the nearest weekday. A private employer is not required to give time off, but mostly chooses to do so by policy.
The U.S. federal holidays 2026 are
| Federal Holidays | Date & Day |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Monday, February 16 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 |
Federal Holiday Pay Laws
Holiday pay laws are not compulsory under U.S. federal laws, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require private organizations to offer holiday pay.
Employers are required to pay for the time worked, so if an employee takes an holiday off pay for time worked, so if an employee takes a holiday off, payment is not required unless it is specified in the company policy.
Private Employees’ Access to Holiday Pay
Private employees in the U.S. receive an average of 7.6 paid holidays per year. The numbers and percentages vary depending on industry to industry, with 75% of all the private employees receiving access to paid holiday.
If employees are shown by a union representative, then any holiday pay shall be included in the collective bargaining agreement.
Want to simplify your paystub generation process?
Whether you’re an employer or freelancer, our Paystub Generator Free tool helps you generate detailed pay stubs immediately.
Are Public Holidays Included in the PTO?
In the U.S., employers are not legally required to offer paid time off for public holidays. Whether public holidays are included in the PTO depends on the employer’s policy.
Paid Public Holidays: Most employers choose to offer public holidays as paid leave to boost employee morale.
Public Holidays deducted from PTO: Some of the employers count on public holidays as a part of an employee’s annual PTO allowances, reducing the available days for personal leave.
Unpaid public holidays: Firms might observe public holidays without offering pay, especially for hourly employees.
Common PTO days include:
Day after Thanksgiving: November 28, 2026
C hristmas Eve: December 24, 2026
New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2026
FAQs
1- Is Labor Day considered a federal holiday?
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the U.S., which is observed annually on the first Monday in the month of September. It recognizes the labor movement and the accomplishments of American workers. In tribute to workers globally, many businesses and educational institutions are closed on this day.
2- Which federal holidays are paid?
If a person is allowed a paid day off on a federal holiday, this will differ depending on their labor agreement and the employer’s rules. In the United States of America, these days are considered holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, New Year’s Day); however, it is the employer’s decision whether to grant the employees a paid day off, as there is no federal law requiring it.
3- Which federal holidays are mandatory?
In the United States, the government sets the list of holidays at the federal level, but it is up to the decision of an individual employer whether a private business has to grant a paid day off for such holidays.
The most commonly practiced federal holidays, like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, are recognized, but private businesses are free to decide whether they will be open or closed.
4- Can AI make a check stub for your business?
Yes, AI can make check stubs for your business, but it can make mistakes. A reliable paycheck stub generator helps you generate pay stubs for your business. With experience and powered by an AI technology, it ensures accurate calculations deliver results on the spot.
5- Do federal holidays delay direct deposits?
In the U.S., direct deposits may be affected by federal holidays, depending on individual banks and employer policies. In case a federal holiday comes on a weekday, this can be a burden in processing direct deposits.
Key Takeaways
Having full knowledge about federal holidays in 2026 is essential for employers and employees. This will enable them to work out working hours, manage the application of paid leave, and maintain accurate payroll records. When they are aware of the changes all the time, companies can operate according to the law, and at the same time, workers get the opportunity to take a break, which they really deserve.
To simplify payroll management during these holidays, use the Paystub Generator Free tool to automate calculations, ensure accurate pay records, and save time. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, combining awareness of holiday schedules with effective payroll tools keeps your year organized and stress-free.
