Overview
- The executive order closes most federal offices on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas, with agency heads able to require staffing for national security, defense or public need.
- OPM was directed to implement holiday pay and leave rules for the two dates, which apply only in 2025 and do not alter the permanent federal holiday calendar.
- NYSE and Nasdaq confirmed Dec. 26 remains a full trading day, with markets still planning a 1 p.m. early close on Dec. 24; private employers are not required to provide time off.
- The action aligns with past one-time closures by presidents, including Trump granting Christmas Eve in 2018–2020 and Obama giving Dec. 26 in 2014.
- Legal uncertainty persists over using executive orders to grant multiple holidays, while permanent federal holidays can be created only through congressional legislation.