Trump Declares December 26 a Federal Holiday: A Guide to Openings and Closures

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President Donald Trump has officially extended the holiday season by declaring Friday, Dec. 26, a federal holiday, transforming the typical post-Christmas slowdown. Although his order has created an unusual five-day weekend by closing federal offices, much of the broader economy is only partially paused, resulting in widespread uncertainty about which services are available today.

The executive order, enacted last week, mandates the closure of executive departments and agencies on Christmas Eve and again on Dec. 26. Crucially, this presidential declaration differs from congressionally mandated holidays like Christmas Day. Its authority is limited to the federal government’s executive branch and does not impose legal requirements on private businesses, state governments, or independent federal operations such as the Postal Service.

The order states, “All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, the day before and the day following Christmas Day, respectively.”

For the general public attempting to handle daily tasks, manage money, or shop locally, here is a breakdown of what is operating and what is not.

Government offices

Federal services are experiencing the most immediate effect. Non-essential federal offices are closed. This closure encompasses Social Security Administration field offices, passport agencies, and the majority of administrative government buildings. Any plans to conduct business with the IRS or enter a federal facility will have to be postponed until Monday.

Mail and delivery services

In contrast to the broader federal shutdown, the U.S. Postal Service is conducting business as usual today. As an independent entity funded primarily by postage and not taxes, the USPS is not subject to the same closure mandates. Regular mail delivery is in effect, and post office locations are open.

Private delivery companies have also returned to work:

  • FedEx is maintaining standard operations, with regular pickup and delivery services available.
  • UPS has restarted its pickup and delivery services following the Christmas Day holiday.

Financial markets

Wall Street is fully open. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are operating on a standard trading schedule today after a shortened day on Christmas Eve and a full-day holiday for Christmas. Trading floors are active with participants anticipating a complete day of market movements.

Banks

The Federal Reserve is open and settling transactions, which means the core of the banking network is functional. As a result, the majority of commercial banks—including large names like Chase, , and Wells Fargo—are open today.

Although a few local community banks or credit unions may have chosen to close in line with the presidential announcement, most financial establishments are keeping to their regular hours.

Retail and grocery

In the private sector, Dec. 26 continues to be a peak shopping day, known as “Boxing Day” in many Commonwealth countries. Large retail chains like , , and Best Buy are not just open but are expected to be bustling with shoppers processing returns and searching for post-holiday sales. Grocery stores and drugstores are also following their typical operating hours.

To summarize: Federal executive agency employees can enjoy a holiday. For the rest of the workforce—including mail carriers and financial traders—it is most likely a regular workday.