Federal Holiday – When public offices are closed?

Like last year, we will observe eleven federal holidays in 2024. If the federal holiday falls on the weekend, it will be celebrated on the preceding the day of the day after. For example, if the national holiday is on a Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday; if on a Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.

Here are the dates for each of the eleven federal holidays in 2024, their dates, and a brief explanation of why we celebrate them.

National Holidays 2024 Calendar Year

1. New Year’s Day: January 1
2. MLK Day: January 17
3. Washington’s Birthday: February 21
4. Memorial Day: May 30
5. Juneteenth: June 19
6. Independence Day: July 4
7. Labor Day: September 5
8. Columbus Day: October 10
9. Veterans Day: November 11
10. Thanksgiving: November 24
11. Christmas: December 25

New Year’s Day

Celebrates the new year. January 1, 2024, falls on a Saturday, so the federal government moved it to Friday, where most federal employees and private-sector workers will enjoy a three-day long weekend. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday of January)

Celebrates the birthday of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. 

George Washington’s Birthday (3rd Monday of February)

Celebrates the birthday of one of the United States’ founding fathers, George Washington.

Memorial Day (Last Monday of May)

Celebrates the nation’s fallen soldiers, our heroes, those who have lost their lives in combat.

Juneteenth

Although it was celebrated by many, Juneteenth is a newly established federal holiday before it was recognized as one. It marks the end of slavery.

Independence Day (June 19)

The almighty 4th of July – celebrates the independence of the United States. 

Labor Day (1st Monday of September)

Honors the workers, though it’s observed on May 1 on the international scale. 

Columbus Day (2nd Monday of October)

Celebrates the achievements of Christopher Columbus, but in recent years, the main focus of the holiday shifted towards memorating the struggles of the indigenous population.

Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November)

Celebrates the blessings of the past year – the holiday that brings the whole family together.

Christmas

Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Past federal holiday dates