2024 Federal Holidays list must be a welcome sight for federal employees and their family members. Federal employees have a huge number of important jobs that leave little time for holidays, thus with this list they can enjoy some family time to relax and cherish.
Apart from the above fact, if you take a look at the general list of holidays, you will find that many are observances or holidays in certain US states. On these days, even the general public might not get a holiday, but this list of holiday indicates that it is celebrated across the US on a national scale.
America has been given the name melting pot, for a fair reason, it is truly a country that is built with a huge diversity of people. These people can belong from various cultures and religions, thus they will have varied days of observance. So, the US Congress laid down 10 occasions that would be celebrated as a holiday on a national scale across America.
Federal employees need to work from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday being holidays each week. Some of the holidays may be historical events related to the history of US or can be related to the customs of a particular area. So celebrating these holidays is essential. Thus, if any one of the holidays fall on a Saturday, then it is celebrated on the Friday preceding the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, then it is observed on the following Monday.
| Buddhist Calendar | Sikh Calendar | Hindu Calendar |
| Muslim Calendar | Christian Calendar | Jewish Calendar |
| Bahai Calendar | Rastafari Calendar | Zoroastrian Calendar |
| Pagan Calendar | Jain Calendar | Shinto Calendar |
123NewYear team has created the following list, which contains the 10 Federal holidays announced by the US Government along with an 11th one that is considered a holiday in many states. These usually fall on a Monday, providing Americans with the opportunity to plan out long weekends.
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 2024 | New Year’s Day | According to the Gregorian Calendar; this is the day which marks the beginning of the new year. Even before the clock strikes 12 on December 31st; parties and celebrations start with a lot of grandeur. Parades and other different sports events are also held on this day. People take resolutions so that the new year is better than the previous one. |
| January 21 2024 | Birthday of Martin Luther King | Jr Martin Luther King Jr. was a well-known civil rights leader. He is known for his fight against racial segregation. He also was an advocate of non-violent protest and won the Nobel Peace Prize. This day was first observed in 1986 on his birthday and has ever since been observed to commemorate his efforts. |
| February 18 2024 | Washington’s Birthday/President’s Day | The first president of America was George Washington; but before becoming the president he has played crucial role in the military. HE led the American Continental Army to triumph over the British in 1783. He is also known as Father of United States. His birthday was celebrated to commemorate this great man. It is also known as President’s Day. |
| May 27 2024 | Memorial Day | During the American Civil War; many soldiers lost their lives fighting for the cause. This day was celebrated to honor the soldiers who fought in the civil war. It was originally called Decoration day but later on was renamed as Memorial Day. Initially it was celebrated on 30th May but; was later shifted to last Monday of May to create three day weekends; using this federal holiday. |
| July 4, 2024 | Independence Day | Around the year 1775; the people of New England started fighting against the British for their independence. After a year in 1776; on the 2nd of July; the Congress secretly voted to gain independence from Great Britain and two days later; on 4th July; the Declaration of Independence was published. Since that day; this date has been called Independence day by Americans. On this day; people attend parades and celebrate the day with a lot of pomp and show. |
| September 2 2024 | Labor Day | The Central Labor Union wanted to create a holiday for workers and the first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882. In 1894; this became a federal holiday. It is usually celebrated so that people can appreciate the worker’s contribution to society. Barbecues; fireworks and grand events mark celebrations for the day. |
| October 14 2024 | Columbus Day | Christopher Columbus was the Portuguese explorer who discovered America. A common notion is that he was the one who laid foundation for the European settlers to arrive in this “New World”. Some Americans refrain from celebrating this day as they feel that his arrival led to the demise of the indigenous people’s culture and history. |
| November 11, 2024 | Veterans Day | At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918; an armistice came into effect between Germany and the Allied Forces; marking the end of World War I. This day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of this day and honor the war veterans who fought during World War I. At the 11th hour; which is 11a.m.; a silence of two minutes is observed to honor the memory of men and women who lost their lives in the war. Other celebrations include parades and church services. At some places; the American flag is hung at half-mast as well. |
| November 28, 2024 | Thanksgiving Day | In 1621; the Pilgrims held Harvest celebrations in Plymouth; Massachusetts. This is believed to be the origins of the modern day Thanksgiving celebrations. However the first Thanksgiving is supposed to have been held in 1623; when a long period of drought ended with rains. Modern day celebrations include a ceremonial meal of turkey; stuffing; gravy; pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. |
| December 25, 2024 | Christmas Day | For Christians the birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most important dates in the year. Christmas celebrations can vary from family to family. Some decorate their home and garden with lights; while many set up a Christmas tree with beautiful decorations. Churches hold special services on this day. Another common tradition is that on the night before Christmas; the mythical figure Santa Claus brings gifts for the children; which are opened on Christmas morning. |
| December 26, 2024 | Day after Christmas | Some states like South and North Carolina; Kansas; Texas; New Hampshire and Virginia; have declared this day to be a holiday. It gives Americans another day to enjoy the Holiday cheer with family and friends. |