The upcoming calendar year of 2025 is set to reflect numerous federal holidays and market closures, marking significant occasions for Americans nationwide. The Office of Personnel Management has released its schedule of federal holidays, totaling 12 observances across 11 days. A peculiar aspect of this year is the overlapping of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the Presidential inauguration on January 20. While these are significant occasions, another momentous event will occur on January 9, 2025, as President Joe Biden has declared the day as a national day of mourning for the late former President Jimmy Carter.
According to the OPM, the list of federal holidays for 2025 includes:
- Wednesday, January 1: New Year’s Day
- Monday, January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Monday, January 20: Presidential inauguration
- Monday, February 17: Washington’s Birthday
- Monday, May 26: Memorial Day
- Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth
- Friday, July 4: Independence Day
- Monday, September 1: Labor Day
- Monday, October 13: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Tuesday, November 11: Veterans Day
- Thursday, November 27: Thanksgiving Day
- Thursday, December 25: Christmas Day
Each of these holidays provides federal employees, as well as many private-sector workers, with days off work, thereby affecting business operations across the country. When major holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving arrive, federal offices, banks, and the stock market close their doors to pay homage.
January 9, 2025, brings extra significance not only as the memorial day for President Carter but also due to the closure of federal offices, stock markets, and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This day is dedicated to honoring President Carter’s legacy, which is underscored by President Biden's proclamation: "While January 9, 2025, is not a federal holiday in the traditional sense, it carries significant federal implications." The closures echo the respect afforded to influential leaders who have shaped history.
On this solemn day, major U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will halt trading, honoring Carter's memory. The decision reflects past traditions when significant events, like the death of President George H.W. Bush, led to similar market closures. Bonds will trade on reduced hours, ending operations early at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. For banks, the situation might differ; typically, they remain open on national days of mourning, enabling consumers to access services, yet it is prudent for customers to confirm their specific bank's operating hours.
Besides the stock markets, the USPS will suspend operations, ensuring no mail delivery or retail services are available on January 9, mirroring services during previous national days of mourning. The Supreme Court will also be closed, aligning with federal office closures, showing the country's commitment to honoring the president's life. Although court proceedings were not scheduled, this measure recognizes Carter’s contributions.
It’s important to note, though, private businesses are not required to close on January 9. While federal offices will officially cease operations, many companies may choose to remain open or adjust their hours based on their respect for the occasion. Malls, restaurants, and other retail stores will proceed with normal activities, determined by individual policies.
Looking beyond Carter’s day of mourning, the holiday schedule for the year remains central to the operational framework of federal and financial institutions. The joint observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the inauguration adds complexity to scheduling, as will observances of various faiths celebrated throughout the year, such as the expected dates for Ramadan, Easter, and Hanukkah. Organizations may need to navigate these special dates carefully to accommodate diverse employee backgrounds and needs.
Through the lens of historical significance, January 9 serves as not only a moment of reflection for the late President Carter but also as a reminder of the established traditions and practices surrounding federal observances. The national day of mourning echoes Carter’s enduring legacy as he is celebrated not just for his presidency but for his humanitarian efforts, exemplified through his work with the Carter Center and his legacy of peace.
Though 2025 brings the intersection of these various holidays and days of mourning, it stands as a year dedicated to reflection, and it will be particularly noted for its federal holiday observances and their impact on the everyday lives of Americans.