As the holiday season unfolds, it’s important to be aware of certain services for Friday, December 26. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
In a recent move, President Donald Trump issued an executive order making December 24 and December 26 federal holidays this year. This decision affects federal employees across the nation.
While this executive order grants additional time off for many, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of the change. The provision is exclusive to 2025 and does not establish these dates as permanent federal holidays.
Consequently, most federal employees will enjoy two extra days off during the holiday period, complementing the already recognized Christmas Day holiday. However, the executive order specifies that certain federal employees, particularly those involved in national security, defense, or critical public operations, may still be required to work on these days.
Is the day after Christmas a federal holiday?
Yes, but only for this year, and only for federal employees.
Trump’s executive order declared Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and the day after Christmas (Dec. 26) federal holidays for 2025. The order applies only to this year and does not permanently add those dates to the federal holiday calendar.
As a result, most federal employees will have two extra days off, in addition to Christmas Day, which is already a standard federal holiday. But the order notes that some federal workers may still be required to work if their roles involve national security, defense, or other essential public needs.
Is the post office open on the day after Christmas?
Yes, the post office will be open on the day after Christmas and there will be mail delivery on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.
Are banks open on the day after Christmas?
Yes, banks will be open on Dec. 26, but remember to check for specific hours.
What does Trump’s holiday order change?
The executive order affects federal government offices only. It does not require private businesses, banks, or state and local governments to close, and it does not change the list of federally recognized holidays going forward.
Has this happened before?
Yes. Presidents from both parties have granted federal workers extra time off around Christmas in the past.
George W. Bush declared Christmas Eve a federal holiday in 2001 and 2007. Barack Obama also gave federal employees Dec. 24 off in 2012 and Dec. 26 off in 2014. Trump, during his first term, declared Christmas Eve a federal holiday in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and Joe Biden gave federal workers Christmas Eve off in 2024.
What’s different this year is federal employees are receiving two additional days off around Christmas, something that hasn’t happened in recent years.
