On December 18, 2025, the White House announced that all executive departments and agencies of the federal government will close on December 24 and December 26, 2025, which are designated as holidays surrounding Christmas. Employees will not be required to work on these days, providing them with a break during the holiday season. Agency heads have the discretion to keep certain offices open for essential services related to national security or public necessity, based on their assessments of needs during the holiday period.

The Executive Order references existing laws and regulations, ensuring that these specific holidays align with the requirements concerning pay and leave for federal employees. It designates the Director of the Office of Personnel Management as responsible for implementing the order, which remains subject to budgetary constraints and applicable laws.

This order does not confer any rights or benefits that individuals can enforce against the federal government, highlighting its administrative purpose to facilitate holiday observance while maintaining essential government functions as needed. This announcement clarifies the federal government’s operational stance during the Christmas holiday in December 2025, balancing employee welfare with national responsibilities.

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