Discover Federal Holidays 2025: Is Columbus Day Included? Explore the US Holiday Calendar
In 2025, the federal holiday calendar includes significant dates such as Columbus Day, which falls on October 13. President Trump has publicly expressed strong support for Columbus Day, calling Christopher Columbus “the original American hero” in a recent proclamation.
Understanding Columbus Day 2025
Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October. In 2025, this means that the holiday will be observed on October 13. The recognition of Columbus Day has sparked ongoing debates, with many states opting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead due to Columbus’s controversial history of colonization.
Federal Holidays Following Columbus Day
After Columbus Day in 2025, there are several additional federal holidays:
- Veterans Day: November 11 (Tuesday)
- Thanksgiving Day: November 27 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Thursday)
The History of Columbus Day
Columbus Day was officially designated as a federal holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. Initially celebrated on October 12, it was moved to the second Monday in October in 1971. This shift aimed to create a three-day weekend for federal employees.
On federal holidays, government offices, banks, the U.S. Postal Service, and most schools are closed, allowing many individuals to enjoy a day off. As awareness of historical narratives continues to evolve, communities across the nation engage in discussions about the significance of these holidays.
Looking Ahead: Federal Holidays in 2026
For those planning ahead, the federal holiday schedule for 2026 includes:
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Thursday)
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: January 19 (Monday)
- Washington’s Birthday: February 16 (Monday)
- Memorial Day: May 25 (Monday)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19 (Friday)
- Independence Day: July 3 (Friday)
- Labor Day: September 7 (Monday)
- Columbus Day: October 12 (Monday)
- Veterans Day: November 11 (Wednesday)
- Thanksgiving Day: November 26 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Friday)
As discussions about these holidays continue, it’s essential to stay informed about the federal holiday calendar and the changing perceptions surrounding historical figures like Christopher Columbus.
