Christmas 2026: Friday 25 December federal holiday guide

Christmas Day 2026 is Friday, 25 December, and it is on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management federal holiday list. With the weekend immediately after, many people treat 25–27 December as a three-day break—even though only Friday is the federal holiday.

File Toolbox editors · Published 2026-10-15 · Last verified 2026-10-15

Key points

  • Fri 25 Dec 2026 = Christmas Day federal holiday (OPM).
  • Sat–Sun 26–27 Dec are weekend days, not extra federal holidays.
  • Federal offices and many banks close Friday; retailers set their own hours.

Official U.S. date

DateDayFederal status
24 Dec 2026ThuNot a federal holiday (Christmas Eve)
25 Dec 2026FriChristmas Day — federal holiday (OPM)
26–27 Dec 2026Sat–SunWeekend

What usually closes on Friday 25 December

  • Federal agencies and most federal offices.
  • Many banks and credit-union lobbies.
  • Public schools (already on winter break in most districts).
  • Retail and restaurants: mixed—grocery and some pharmacies stay open with holiday hours; call the specific store.

Travel buffers

  • Airports: 23–24 Dec outbound and 26–28 Dec return are typically heavier than Christmas morning itself.
  • TSA ID rules still apply (REAL ID or other acceptable ID)—holiday does not relax checkpoint ID.
  • Intercity trains/buses: book early; holiday consists sell out.

Last verified 2026-10-15 against the sources listed below.

FAQ

Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?

No. 24 December is not on the OPM list.

Do post offices open on 25 Dec?

USPS does not deliver mail on Christmas Day; use USPS.com for local retail lobby exceptions.

UK Boxing Day?

See the Boxing Day guide—UK bank-holiday rules differ.

Sources

Latest articles

Christmas 2026: federal holiday and post office hoursOPM lists Christmas Day 2026 as Friday, December 25. Federal closures, weekend timing, and what usually stays open.Christmas traditions: a short overviewWhy Christmas is 25 December, common symbols and modern customs. 2026 U.S. federal date covered in the holiday guide.

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About these articles

Drafts are AI-assisted and checked against official announcements. Dates, times and road rules that affect travel are sourced and dated. Rules can change—confirm on official sites before you go. Report corrections by email.