Is New Year’s Eve a Federal Holiday? Key Facts

As the end of the year approaches, many people are busy planning their celebrations for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. One common question arises: Is New Year’s Eve a federal holiday? The answer is no. While both days are widely celebrated in the United States, only New Year’s Day—observed on January 1—is classified as a federal holiday.

Understanding Federal Holidays

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), New Year’s Day is one of the 11 federal holidays designated each year. Federal offices, including courts and post offices, will be closed on this day, affecting postal services and government operations.

Here’s a list of federal holidays observed in 2025:

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

New Year’s Eve: A Celebratory Day

Although New Year’s Eve falls on December 31 and is not a federal holiday, it remains a pivotal day for festivities. It marks the last day of the year, and many people celebrate with gatherings, fireworks, and countdowns to the new year. Even though government offices remain open, some employers may choose to give their employees the day off, or at least allow early departures to prepare for evening events.

Celebrations and Pharmacy Hours

For those who may need to stock up on medication or essentials, it is crucial to know pharmacy hours during this busy time. Most major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid will operate on varying schedules during New Year’s Eve.

Several pharmacies may be open until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve but check local listings as hours can differ by location. On New Year’s Day, while pharmacies may have limited hours, some 24-hour locations will continue to serve customers.

Here's a quick summary of store accessibility around New Year’s Eve:

• Kroger: Open on New Year’s Eve until 4 p.m.
• Target: Open until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
• Walmart: Operating normal hours for both days.

Conclusion

To sum it up, New Year’s Eve is not a federal holiday, whereas New Year’s Day is recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. This distinction is crucial for planning work schedules, errands, and celebrations as the year comes to a close. Make sure to check specific store hours in your area to ensure you have everything you need for the celebrations ahead!