President President Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing all executive departments and federal agencies to close on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, the days immediately before and after Christmas.
Under the order, federal employees will be excused from duty on those dates. Agency heads are authorized to require certain offices to remain open and some employees to report to work on Dec. 24, Dec. 26, or both, if necessary for reasons of national security, defense, or other public needs.
The order specifies that Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 will be treated as falling within the scope of Executive Order 11582, issued Feb. 11, 1971, as well as relevant provisions of federal law governing employee pay and leave.
The director of the Office of Personnel Management is tasked with taking any actions necessary to implement the order.
The directive states that it does not alter the legal authority of executive departments or agencies, nor does it affect the functions of the Office of Management and Budget related to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. It also notes that the order will be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
The order further clarifies that it does not create any enforceable legal rights or benefits and that the costs of publication will be borne by the Office of Personnel Management.
The executive order was signed at the White House on Dec. 18, 2025.
