The White House has issued an executive order closing federal executive departments and agencies on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 and Friday, Dec. 26, 2025—creating a longer holiday shutdown around Christmas, with exceptions for essential needs.
In practical terms, that means many federal offices that normally keep limited hours on Christmas Eve will be fully closed, and the day after Christmas becomes another non-working day for much of the federal workforce. For the public, it’s a reminder to plan around a compressed end-of-year calendar: fewer business days to handle federal paperwork, get answers by phone, or resolve in-person issues.
What stays open? The order allows agencies to keep specific offices, installations, or staff on duty for national security, defense, or other public needs. So don’t expect a total “lights out” across government—critical operations, emergency services, and mission-essential work can continue depending on the agency.
The bottom line: if you need something from a federal office this week, assume delays, check service notices, and aim to handle time-sensitive items outside the Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 closures.
