WASHINGTON — It is Friday, December 26, 2025, and many Americans are waking up to a bit of confusion regarding the day’s holiday status. While millions of federal employees are enjoying a rare “extra” paid day off, the rest of the country is finding a mixed bag of closures and normal business hours.
Here is the definitive guide to what is open, what is closed, and why today is a holiday for some—but not all—of the United States.
The “Trump Holiday”: Is Today a Federal Holiday?
The short answer is: Yes, but only for this year.
President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on December 18, 2025, declaring both Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24) and the day after Christmas (Friday, Dec. 26) as holidays for federal executive departments and agencies.
This move effectively created a five-day holiday block for government workers, but there are two major caveats:
- It is not permanent: Today is not a “standard” federal holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas. To make a holiday permanent, Congress must pass legislation. This order only applies to 2025.
- It is for federal staff: The order technically only mandates closures for executive branch employees. Private companies, state governments, and local municipalities are under no legal obligation to follow suit.
Banks and Financial Markets
Despite the federal government closure, the financial engine of the U.S. is largely up and running.
- Banks: OPEN. Most commercial banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) are open for regular business hours today. The Federal Reserve Banks are also operating on a normal schedule today, despite the executive order affecting other government agencies.
- Stock Markets: OPEN. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are operating during normal trading hours (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET).
- Bond Markets: OPEN. Bond trading is active today, though it will see an early close next week on New Year’s Eve.
Mail and Package Delivery
If you are waiting for a late Christmas gift or an after-holiday bill, you are in luck.
- USPS (Post Office): OPEN. While the USPS is a federal entity, it typically maintains a different operational standard for presidential “excused” days. Post Offices are open for retail transactions today, and standard residential and business mail delivery is taking place as usual.
- UPS and FedEx: OPEN. Both private couriers are operating normal pickup and delivery services today.
State and Local Government
Because the holiday was declared via a federal executive order, state-level status depends entirely on where you live.
- Michigan: OPEN. Michigan does not recognize December 26 as a state holiday. Most state and local government offices in the Great Lakes State are open today.
- New York: OPEN. Similar to Michigan, New York State does not list Dec. 26 as a legal holiday.
- States with State Holidays: In a few states—including Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida—the day after Christmas is traditionally recognized as a state holiday, meaning local government offices there may be closed regardless of the presidential order.
Retail and Grocery Stores
Today is one of the busiest days of the year for the retail sector as the “Great Return” begins.
- Major Retailers: OPEN. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and major malls are all open and often featuring “After-Christmas” clearance sales.
- Grocery Stores: OPEN. Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods, and Wegmans are operating normal Friday hours to accommodate New Year’s Eve party planning.
Essential Tips for Property Owners (Flood Risks)
As highlighted in recent weather reports, parts of the Northeast are currently dealing with a “Winter Wallop” of nearly 9 inches of snow. While today is a holiday for some, for homeowners, it is a day of maintenance.
If you are dealing with heavy snow accumulation today, keep these Flood Insurance Tips in mind for the inevitable melt:
- Clear Foundation Piles: Shovel snow away from your home’s foundation to prevent “seepage” flooding when it melts.
- The 30-Day Rule: Remember that you cannot buy flood insurance for an active storm; most policies have a 30-day waiting period.
- Check the Sump Pump: If you have today off, use 15 minutes to test your pump before the “snow-melt” begins later this weekend.
Summary Table: Dec. 26 Status
| Institution | Status | Notes |
| Federal Agencies | CLOSED | Per Trump Executive Order; Essential staff may work. |
| Banks | OPEN | Standard hours for most branches. |
| Post Office (USPS) | OPEN | Regular mail delivery and retail services. |
| Stock Market | OPEN | Regular 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET trading. |
| Public Schools | CLOSED | Most are on winter break until Jan. 5, 2026. |