When is Christmas Day?

Why do we observe it?

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus in Christianity and is also celebrated in many U.S. homes as a cultural holiday.

Traditions and celebrations

Religious services, gift-giving, meals and decorations vary across households.

Planning tips

Order travel early and check shipping deadlines; federal observation shifts when December 25 falls on a weekend.

Is it a federal holiday?

Yes. It is one of the U.S. federal holidays, though schedules for private employers, schools and states can differ.

Is it a bank holiday? What’s open and closed

Christmas Day is a federal holiday, so banks, the stock market, the post office and most government offices close nationwide. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment.

The history behind the day

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus in Christian tradition, though December 25 was likely chosen in the 4th century to align with, and gradually replace, existing Roman winter solstice festivals rather than reflecting a historically documented birth date. It became a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1870, alongside New Year’s Day, Independence Day and Washington’s Birthday.

Many now-standard American Christmas traditions are surprisingly recent inventions: the modern image of Santa Claus was significantly shaped by 19th-century poetry and, later, a series of 1930s Coca-Cola advertisements, while the Christmas tree tradition was popularized in America largely through German immigrant communities in the 1800s.

How it’s marked across the country

U.S. traditions include decorating trees, exchanging gifts, family meals, religious services for those who observe them, and elaborate light displays. It’s also the single biggest retail and gift-giving occasion of the year by a wide margin.

One thing you might not know

The 12 days of Christmas in the well-known carol traditionally refer to the period between Christmas Day and Epiphany (January 6), not the 12 days leading up to Christmas.

What the date means

Christmas is observed on December 25 in the U.S. federal calendar. For Christians, it celebrates the birth of Jesus; many other households mark it through family and cultural traditions. Some Eastern Christian communities observe Christmas on another civil date because of different liturgical calendars.

Christmas Day stays on December 25, but the observed federal day off can shift to Friday or Monday when it falls on a weekend. Christmas Eve is not a regular U.S. federal holiday, although some employers and states close early or for the full day.

Plan the final weeks

Set travel plans early, then confirm shipping cutoffs directly with carriers. Ask guests about dietary needs and whether they exchange gifts before setting expectations. If hosting, keep a simple preparation schedule so the day itself has room for rest.

Check grocery, transit, pharmacy and healthcare hours before December 24. For people who do not celebrate, a quiet day or a different gathering may be preferable; avoid assuming everyone shares the same tradition.

Christmas planning checklist

• Four to eight weeks ahead: reserve travel, lodging and time-sensitive shipping.
• Two weeks ahead: confirm gathering times, meal responsibilities and accessibility needs.
• One week ahead: review delivery deadlines, worship schedules and local event reservations.
• December 24: check early-closing hours for stores, markets and services.