The holiday season in the United States often brings a sense of confusion regarding which days are officially recognized by the government and which are simply observed by tradition. As families gather for Christmas celebrations, a common question arises: is December 26, often referred to as Boxing Day in other nations, a federal holiday? For the vast majority of years, the answer is a straightforward no. While December 25 is one of the eleven permanent federal holidays established by Congress, the day following it is typically a standard workday for federal employees and most of the private sector.
The Standard Federal Calendar
The United States government operates on a specific schedule of federal holidays defined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Christmas Day is the only holiday designated for the end of December. This means that on a typical December 26, federal offices, post offices, and most banks resume their regular operations. While many employees may choose to take personal leave or use vacation time to extend their break, there is no automatic entitlement to a paid day off. The day serves as a “bridge” for many back into the reality of the work week, even if the atmosphere remains festive.
Rare Exceptions and Executive Orders
There are unique circumstances where December 26 can become a de facto holiday. This usually occurs when Christmas Day falls on a Thursday; occasionally, a sitting President may issue an Executive Order granting federal employees an extra day off on Friday to create a four-day weekend. For example, in 2019, an executive order closed federal departments on the 26th.1 However, these are discretionary actions and not permanent fixtures of the law. Without such a specific proclamation, the day remains a standard business day. It is always wise to check current annual announcements from the White House if Christmas falls near a weekend.
Retail and Economic Impact
Despite not being a federal holiday, December 26 is one of the busiest days for the American economy. Retailers often view this day as a critical “second wave” of the holiday season. Thousands of consumers flock to stores to exchange gifts, use gift cards, and take advantage of significant post-holiday clearance sales. In the private sector, very few businesses close their doors; in fact, many increase their staffing to handle the influx of shoppers. This creates a sharp contrast between the quiet, closed-down nature of Christmas Day and the high-energy commercial activity that defines the following morning.
Comparison of Late-Year Federal Holidays
To better understand how December 26 fits into the broader holiday landscape, it is helpful to look at the official designations for the end of the year. The following table highlights the recognized federal holidays during the winter season.
| Holiday Name | Official Date | Federal Status | General Office Closure |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in Nov | Yes | Yes |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes | Yes |
| December 26 | December 26 | No | No (Standard Business) |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Yes | Yes |
Regional and State Variations
While the federal government sets the tone, individual states have the authority to designate their own holidays.2 In states like Texas, Kentucky, Michigan, and North Carolina, December 26 is sometimes recognized as a state holiday (often labeled as the “Day After Christmas”).3 In these specific regions, state government offices and local courts might be closed. However, this does not affect federal services like the Social Security Administration or the U.S. Postal Service. Residents in these states might enjoy a quieter day locally, even while the rest of the country remains in full swing.
Cultural Observations vs. Legal Status
Cultural traditions often cloud our perception of legal holidays. Because many schools are on winter break and many corporate offices have “slow periods” between Christmas and New Year’s, it can feel like a holiday. In the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, December 26 is “Boxing Day,” a formal public holiday with deep historical roots.4 While some Americans with international ties observe these traditions, the U.S. has never formally adopted Boxing Day into its legal or cultural framework.5 For most Americans, the 26th is simply the beginning of the “week between,” a period of transition before the New Year.
Planning Your Schedule
If you have errands to run, such as visiting the DMV, mailing a package, or visiting a local bank branch, you can generally expect these services to be available on December 26. The only caveat is if the 26th falls on a Sunday, in which case most offices would be closed anyway. It is always recommended to call ahead to local businesses, as some small “mom-and-pop” shops may choose to stay closed to give their staff an extended break, regardless of the federal status of the day.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Post Office open on December 26?
Yes, the U.S. Postal Service typically resumes regular mail delivery and retail counter services on December 26, unless the day falls on a Sunday.
Q2: Are banks closed the day after Christmas?
Most major banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule. Since December 26 is not a federal holiday, banks are generally open for regular business hours.
Q3: Is December 26 called Boxing Day in the U.S.?
While the term is well-known due to international influence, it is not an official holiday or a widely used term for the day in the United States.6
disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources; our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
