In December 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines by issuing an executive order that gives federal employees extra time off during the Christmas season. Specifically, he closed federal government offices on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26. This decision creates a five-day weekend for federal workers from December 24 through December 28. However, many people wonder whether this means Christmas Eve is now an official federal holiday. The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Understanding what Trump actually did and how it affects different groups of workers is important for anyone planning their end-of-year schedule.
Did Trump Declare Christmas Eve a Federal Holiday in 2025?
Yes, President Donald Trump did take action regarding Christmas Eve in 2025. However, it’s important to understand exactly what happened. Trump issued an executive order on December 18, 2025, that gave federal employees the day off on Christmas Eve (December 24). Additionally, he also granted them December 26 off as well.
Technically speaking, Christmas Eve is not a permanent federal holiday. Nevertheless, Trump used his executive power to close federal government offices on that day. This decision means federal employees get a five-day weekend from December 24 through December 28.
What Makes This Special for Federal Workers?
Federal employees received something special this year because of how Christmas falls in 2025. Christmas Day lands on a Thursday. Therefore, when Trump gave them both December 24 and December 26 off, they gained a long break from work.
During a typical year, federal workers get Christmas Day off, which is a permanent federal holiday. However, Christmas Eve is not automatically a paid holiday. Historically, some presidents have given federal employees December 24 off to create a longer weekend, but this is not guaranteed each year.
This year, the five-day weekend runs from Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, December 28. Government workers do not need to work on any of those days. Most federal offices will be completely closed during this period.
Trump’s History With Christmas Eve Days Off
This decision aligns with how Trump handled similar situations during his first presidency. In 2019, he unexpectedly gave federal workers December 24 off, even though Christmas fell on a Wednesday that year. Additionally, in 2020, when Christmas Eve fell on a Thursday, he gave the full day off to federal employees.
Likewise, other recent presidents have sometimes granted Christmas Eve off. President Barack Obama did the same thing in 2014, which was also a year when Christmas fell on a Thursday. However, Obama did not give an additional day off on Christmas Eve that year.
Trump’s approach in 2025 appears more generous than some predecessors. By granting both December 24 and December 26 off, he created an extended break for the federal workforce.
Important Details About Federal Offices
While most federal offices will be closed, there are exceptions to this rule. According to Trump’s executive order, agency heads can require certain offices to remain open on December 24 or December 26. This applies only when there are important reasons, such as national security, defense needs, or other critical public needs.
This means some government workers in sensitive positions or essential services may still need to work during these days. However, the vast majority of federal employees should not report to their offices. Employees in non-essential positions should expect their workplaces to be closed.
What This Means for Private Sector Workers
It’s crucial to note that this executive order only affects federal government employees. Private companies are not required to follow the same rules. Most private businesses will operate normally on December 24, 2025.
Therefore, workers in the private sector should check with their own employers about whether they will have the day off. Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday for private workers. If your employer is a private company, corporation, or non-government organization, you may still need to work on December 24 unless your specific workplace has decided to close for the holidays.
Is Christmas Eve Now a Permanent Federal Holiday?
No, Christmas Eve is not a permanent federal holiday, even after Trump’s 2025 executive order. Trump’s action was specific to this year only. It does not create a lasting change to federal holidays going forward.
Federal holidays are established by Congress through legislation. A president cannot permanently create a new federal holiday through an executive order. Therefore, future presidents will need to make their own decisions about whether to give federal workers December 24 off in upcoming years.
The existing permanent federal holidays include Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and several others. Christmas Eve remains outside this list of permanent holidays.
The Bottom Line
President Trump granted federal employees a five-day weekend in 2025 by closing government offices on December 24 and December 26. This decision affects only federal government workers, not private sector employees. The order is for 2025 only and does not make Christmas Eve a permanent federal holiday. Most federal offices will be closed, although some essential services may continue operating based on agency head decisions.
If you work for the federal government, you should not need to work December 24-28, 2025. If you work in the private sector, check with your employer directly about their holiday policies.
