2022 Holidays - United States of America

United States Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

- If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday.

- If a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- Most federal employees get the preceding Friday off.

- Private sector employers may choose to follow this rule, but it is not mandatory.

3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- The holiday is observed on Monday, meaning federal offices and many businesses will be closed.

- This applies to all federal holidays, including Independence Day (July 4th), if it falls on a Sunday.

4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- The U.S. does not have a system of automatic bridge holidays.

- However, many federal holidays are scheduled on Mondays, creating built-in long weekends (e.g., Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents' Day).

- Private employers may allow employees to take additional leave around holidays like Thanksgiving to extend the weekend.

5. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday of November): Always falls on a Thursday, often leading to a long weekend as many businesses close on the following Friday (Black Friday).

- Christmas and New Year’s: If they fall on weekends, the observed holiday is moved (Friday if on Saturday, Monday if on Sunday).

- State-Specific Holidays: Some states have additional public holidays, like César Chávez Day (California, Texas) or Patriots' Day (Massachusetts, Maine).

6. Additional Notes

- Federal holidays apply to government employees, but private companies are not required by law to grant time off.

- Some businesses, especially in retail, remain open on holidays like Labor Day, Veterans Day, and New Year's Eve.

- Holiday observances may vary by state and employer policies.