Breaking: The 2025 federal holiday calendar just expanded. The White House has designated Wednesday, December 24, and Friday, December 26, as federal holidays, in addition to Christmas Day on Thursday. For many federal workers, that means a three day paid pause across midweek, plus the weekend. It is a rare five day stretch of breathing room, and it arrives right when families gather and hobbies thrive.
What just changed
The federal government will close most executive branch offices on December 24, 25, and 26. Agencies will issue detailed notes on schedules, staffing, and coverage. Some will run emergency and mission critical operations as usual. This is an administrative decision for 2025. It does not add permanent holidays to the law.
Statutory holidays come from Congress. Presidents can excuse federal employees from duty for specific dates. Past presidents have done this for Christmas Eve, and less often for the day after Christmas. The 2025 move lands in the middle of the week, which turns a typical one day holiday into a long reset for many households.
Watch for agency emails and OPM updates. Local office schedules may differ, especially for field sites and labs.
How this shapes your week
Let’s map the week. Wednesday, December 24. Thursday, December 25. Friday, December 26. Then Saturday and Sunday. Travel windows widen. Meal prep spread over days. Family visits can stagger. If you work in government, you can plan errands and rest without burning annual leave.
Parents can stretch childcare plans. Students home from college can sync with family traditions. If you volunteer, your group may shift to weekend events instead of a crowded Christmas Day. For hobbyists, this week is perfect. You can finish a long build, start a winter reading stack, or take a photo walk before the rush.
Book trains and lodging now if you are moving on Wednesday or Friday. Those are the new peak days.
What it means for services and pay
If you work in government
Most federal employees will be off with pay on December 24 and 26. If you are scheduled to work, expect holiday premium rules to apply, based on your agency policy. Mission critical teams, like security, health, and operations, may still report. Contractors are different. Check your contract or company policy. Many follow the federal schedule, but not all.
- Confirm shifts and pay codes in your time system this week.
- Move deadlines up to Tuesday, December 23, if possible.
- Coordinate out of office messages with your team.
- If you are on call, verify escalation plans.
If you are the public
Expect many federal counters to be dark on December 24 and 26. That includes passport agencies, many federal museums, and some customer service lines. National parks often remain accessible, but visitor centers could be closed or limited. Courts may adjust hearing calendars. Mail delivery has its own rules. The Postal Service sets its schedule independently, and it typically closes only on December 25. Always check your local post office hours.
Do not assume uniform closures. Essential services, airports, and some museums may operate on adjusted hours. Verify before you go.
Plan your hobbies and downtime
A five day window is a gift. Use Wednesday for setup, Thursday for celebration, and Friday for a personal project. Leave the weekend for light plans and fresh air. That rhythm keeps energy high and stress low.
Here are four simple, high reward ideas:
- Tackle a cozy kitchen project, like homemade bread or a big pot of chili.
- Build or restore something small, a shelf, a bike tune, or a planter box.
- Do a neighborhood photo safari at dusk, capture lights and winter skies.
- Host a slow game night with tea, puzzles, and a no phone rule.
If you are traveling, aim for early Wednesday departures or early Saturday returns. Roads and stations will be busier midday. City dwellers can play tourist on Friday morning. Many private attractions open, and lines are shorter. For parents, plan one anchor outing each day, then leave room for naps and surprises. The best break is a balanced one.
The precedent and what to watch next
There is a long history here. Presidents have occasionally granted Christmas Eve off when it sits near a weekend. The day after Christmas is less common, but not unheard of. The 2025 setup is unusual because it forms a clean three day federal closure in the middle of the week. Agencies will now sprint to adjust December court calendars, benefits runs, and year end tasks. Expect notices in the coming days.
Keep your eye on three things as you plan. Office specific guidance. Museum and park updates. Transit and airport staffing notes. These details will shape your movement, your reservations, and your time in the kitchen, shop, or studio.
The headline is simple. December 24, 25, and 26 are federal holidays in 2025. For many Americans, that unlocks a five day arc of rest, craft, travel, and joy. Take the win. Set your out of office. Then choose one small thing that makes you feel more like yourself, and do it well. 🎄
