Small Business Owner's Guide to 2025 Federal Holidays

Running a small business means staying ahead of the curve—and that includes planning around federal holidays. Whether you’re managing a retail shop, a service-based company, or an online store, knowing these dates helps you schedule shifts, plan promotions, and keep customers happy. Federal holidays also impact shipping, banking, and employee availability, so having a clear calendar ensures fewer surprises and smoother operations.

There are 11 federal holidays this year, including newer additions like Juneteenth. This guide breaks down each holiday, explains how they might affect your business, and offers actionable tips to turn these dates into opportunities. From staffing strategies to seasonal marketing ideas, we’ll cover everything you need to prepare for a successful year.

2025 Federal Holiday Calendar

Here’s the full list of U.S. federal holidays:

• New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
• Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 17
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
• Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19
• Independence Day: Friday, July 4
• Labor Day: Monday, September 1
• Columbus Day: Monday, October 13
• Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11
• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27
• Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25

Note: Inauguration Day (January 20) is a federal holiday every four years but applies only to Washington, D.C.-area employees.

Key Tips for Small Businesses

1. Plan Around Peak Periods

Holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Black Friday often drive higher sales. Use historical data to forecast demand, stock inventory early, and adjust staffing. For example, retail businesses might extend hours around Thanksgiving, while service-based companies could offer holiday-themed packages.

2. Communicate Holiday Hours

Update your website, Google Business Profile, and social media with holiday hours. A simple “Closed for Independence Day” post avoids customer confusion. Consider auto-reply emails and voicemails for days your team is offline.

3. Manage Paid Time Off (PTO)

Federal holidays aren’t mandatory days off for private businesses, but many employees expect them. Decide whether to offer paid holidays, floating holidays, or overtime pay for shifts on dates like Christmas. Clear policies prevent misunderstandings and boost morale.

4. Leverage Holiday Marketing

• Sales and promotions: Run “Presidents’ Day Weekend Deals” or “Black Friday Early Access” campaigns.
• Social media: Share festive posts, behind-the-scenes content, or countdowns to major holidays like Christmas.
• Email campaigns: Highlight gift guides, last-order deadlines, or holiday discounts.

5. Prepare for Shipping Delays

FedEx, UPS, and USPS often pause services on federal holidays. Update customers about cutoff dates for holiday shipping and consider using buffer days to manage expectations.

6. Train Seasonal Staff

Hire temporary workers early for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pair them with experienced team members to streamline training and maintain service quality during busy periods.

7. Celebrate Lesser-Known Holidays

Dates like Juneteenth (June 19) or Small Business Saturday (November 29) can attract niche audiences. Host events, partner with local vendors, or donate a portion of sales to relevant causes.