When Are the Holidays in 2025? A Complete Guide to Public Holidays and Observances
Planning ahead for 2025? Knowing the exact dates of public holidays helps you schedule vacations, coordinate family gatherings, and maximize your time off. Whether you're mapping out a travel itinerary or simply want to avoid scheduling important meetings on bank holidays, having a clear overview of 2025's holiday calendar is essential. Below, we break down the major public holidays across key regions—including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—so you can plan with confidence.
United States Federal Holidays in 2025
The U.S. observes 11 federal holidays each year, many of which fall on Mondays or Fridays to create long weekends. In 2025, these dates are fixed by law and apply to federal employees and most private-sector workers. Here’s the full list:
- 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 National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1
- Columbus Day: Monday, October 13
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
Note that when a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on the preceding Friday; if it falls on a Sunday, it shifts to the following Monday. This ensures most Americans enjoy a three-day weekend for major holidays like Independence Day and Christmas.
UK Bank Holidays in 2025
In the United Kingdom, bank holidays are days when most businesses and schools close. England and Wales share the same set of eight bank holidays annually, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have slight variations. For 2025, the standard bank holidays in England and Wales are:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 21
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, May 5
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, May 26
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, August 25
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
- Boxing Day: Friday, December 26
Scotland observes St. Andrew’s Day on November 30 (Sunday in 2025, so the holiday moves to Monday, December 1), and Northern Ireland adds St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) and the Battle of the Boyne (July 14) to its list.
Canadian Statutory Holidays in 2025
Canada recognizes both national and provincial statutory holidays. While federal employees nationwide get time off for certain days, provinces may add or substitute others. The core national statutory holidays in 2025 include:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18
- Victoria Day: Monday, May 19
- Canada Day: Tuesday, July 1
- Labour Day: Monday, September 1
- Thanksgiving: Monday, October 13
- Remembrance Day: Tuesday, November 11
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
- Boxing Day: Friday, December 26
Provinces like Quebec observe Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24) instead of Canada Day, and Alberta adds Family Day (February 17). Always check your province’s specific list.
Australian Public Holidays in 2025
Australia’s public holidays vary by state and territory, but several are observed nationally. Key dates for 2025 include:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Australia Day: Monday, January 27
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18
- Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 19
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 20
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 21
- ANZAC Day: Friday, April 25
- Queen’s Birthday: Monday, June 9 (varies by state)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
- Boxing Day: Friday, December 26
Some states replace the Queen’s Birthday with local events—for example, Western Australia celebrates it on September 29.
Tips for Maximizing Your 2025 Time Off
With holidays scattered throughout the year, strategic planning can help you stretch your vacation days. For instance, in the U.S., taking Friday, June 20 off after Juneteenth (June 19) gives you a four-day weekend. Similarly, in the UK, combining the Early May Bank Holiday (May 5) with annual leave can create a mini-break without using too many vacation days. Always confirm exact dates with your employer or local government, as some holidays may shift due to special circumstances or regional rules.
By aligning your personal calendar with the official 2025 holiday schedule, you’ll avoid last-minute surprises and make the most of every long weekend. Whether you're booking flights, planning staycations, or simply recharging at home, knowing "when are the holidays in 2025" puts you one step ahead.
