An archival Christmas photo shows the President and the First Lady standing in the Cross Hall of the White House, framed by holiday decorations and Christmas trees. The image was previously shared on the First Lady’s official Facebook page.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order closing executive departments and agencies of the federal government on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve), and Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, granting federal employees two additional paid days off surrounding the Christmas holiday.
Executive order grants one-time closures, not permanent holidays
The order applies to the executive branch and directs federal agencies to close on the designated dates. It does not establish new statutory holidays, which would require congressional action, and is limited to the 2025 calendar year.
Agencies retain authority to maintain essential operations
The directive allows department heads to require employees to report for duty where national security, public safety, defense, or other critical needs warrant continued operations.
OPM clarifies pay, leave, and “in-lieu-of” holiday rules
The Office of Personnel Management issued guidance detailing how the additional closures affect employees on alternative and compressed work schedules, including the designation of substitute holidays for those whose regular non-workdays fall on Dec. 24, 25, or 26.
Closure applies to executive branch, not private sector or markets
The executive order does not extend to Congress, the judiciary, state governments, or private employers, which are expected to follow previously established holiday schedules.
