Under the order, Christmas Eve (December 24) and December 26 were declared federal holidays for this year, effectively extending the Christmas Day break into a long weekend. The decision applies only to federal government departments and agencies.
While many private companies choose to observe federal holidays by offering paid leave, they are not legally required to do so. As a result, Trump’s newly announced holidays do not apply to private-sector employees.
Did Trump make Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
Yes — but only for federal workers this year.
The order allows agency heads discretion, meaning some federal employees may still be required to report to work. Private employers may offer time off if they wish, but there is no legal obligation.
Is December 26 a federal holiday?
Yes — again, only for federal workers and only for this year.
For a holiday to become permanent, legislation must be passed by Congress and signed into law by the president. The most recent addition to the federal holiday calendar was Juneteenth, which became a permanent holiday in 2021 under the Biden administration.
Temporary holiday declarations are not unusual. In 2014, former President Barack Obama declared December 26 a federal holiday when it fell on a Friday. Trump also issued similar orders during his first term, designating Christmas Eve as a federal holiday in 2019 and 2020.
What will be open and closed on Christmas Eve and December 26?
Although some federal offices may close on December 24 and December 26, most banks, retailers, and private businesses will remain open.
The US Postal Service will be closed on Christmas Day, with no mail delivery. However, post offices will be open for retail services and mail delivery on both December 24 and December 26.
According to the Federal Reserve, banks will operate as usual on December 24 and December 26 but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Costco are largely following standard practice by closing only on December 25. Target stores will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, remain closed on Christmas Day, and reopen for normal hours on December 26. Walmart, Costco, and most other private retailers will also close only on Christmas Day.
Trump has previously criticized the number of holidays
Despite issuing the temporary holiday order, Trump has repeatedly argued that the US has too many paid holidays.
In a May 5 post on Truth Social, he wrote that the country already observes too many holidays, claiming there are “not enough days left in the year.” He made similar remarks on Juneteenth, arguing that non-working holidays cost the US economy billions of dollars and suggesting the number of holidays should be reduced.
In 2025, there will be twelve federal holidays (two of which fell on the same day). He has proclaimed new holidays, such as Gulf of America Day on February 9, Victory Day for World War II on May 8, and Victory Day for World War I on November 11 (although that day is already federally recognized as Veterans Day).
