President Biden Declares Christmas Eve 2024 a Federal Holiday
The executive order gives most federal employees the day off, with exceptions for roles critical to national security and public need.
- President Joe Biden signed an executive order closing federal agencies on December 24, 2024, giving employees an additional holiday before Christmas.
- The closure applies to all executive departments and agencies, but employees needed for national security, defense, or other essential services may still be required to work.
- This marks the first time during Biden's presidency that Christmas Eve has been designated as a federal holiday; previous presidents, including Trump and Bush, have done so in past years.
- Employees granted the day off will still receive their regular pay, and those required to work will be eligible for holiday premium pay.
- The closure could impact in-person services such as Social Security offices and USPS locations, though many online services will remain operational.