Is Good Friday a public holiday in US? Here's what's open and closed

On Good Friday, which will be observed this year on April 18, federal government offices and postal services will remain open in the US.

Published on: Apr 17, 2025, 07:16:39 IST

Edited by Sumanti Sen

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Good Friday will be observed this year on April 18. It is one of the most significant days in Christianity, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, it is not a federal holiday in the U.S. as federal government offices, postal services, and most schools remain open on Good Friday.

Is Good Friday a public holiday? Here's what's open and close (Pixabay - representational image)

States like Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas recognise the day as a state holiday, with certain public institutions, courts, and schools remaining close in those states. Private businesses also observe the day at their discretion by adjusting work hours or offering employees an optional leave. U.S. stock markets such as the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ close on Good Friday, making it one of the rare religious holidays acknowledged by financial institutions all over the country.

The end of Lent

Good Friday marks the nearing end of Lent – 40 days of fasting, prayer, and penance observed by Christians. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025) and concludes on the evening of the day before Good Friday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, which includes observances such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

The Holy Week represents the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. Palm Sunday commemorates his entry into Jerusalem, Maundy Thursday signifies the Last Supper, and Good Friday reflects on his crucifixion. Holy Saturday is the waiting period before the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20 this year, is the foundation of Christian faith. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes hope, renewal, and the victory of life over death. Several cultural traditions like egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and festive family meals at get-togethers are part of the celebrations, especially in the U.S. The Easter egg, in particular, represents new life – a symbol that is linked closely to Christ’s resurrection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.