We made it to 2022! Will this be the year that you take a bucket-list vacation over the holidays? Travel opportunities are returning as airline routes are reestablished and international destinations reopen to American tourists. Judging by the latest travel industry news, the cost of hotels and flights are way up over 2021. Some of the price increase is due to energy costs and general global inflation. However much is a result of a huge pent-up demand to take a holiday in 2022. So how many vacation are you going to take this year?

Now is the time to mark your calendar with the list of national and company holidays that you have off in 2022. Every official holiday date is an opportunity to plan a trip. When you leverage your paid holidays by taking adjacent vacation days, you’ll save valuable time off to use later in the year. That is why VacationCounts publishes the official list of federal and observed holidays in the USA every year. Americans get so little time off work compared to the rest of the world 😞

That is why company holidays represent the best way to take more time off from work and from life. Use every public holiday to the fullest in order to benefit from numerous long weekend trips and longer breaks.

So without further ado, here is the list of the holiday dates in the USA for 2022 – the official calendar date and the observed date if a holiday happens to fall on a weekend or non-working day. Learn about the history of each holiday along along with smart ideas on how to turn each into a memorable vacation.

Reminder: Review Your Official Company Holiday List

Before you get out your 2022 calendar to start planning, grab a copy of your company holiday list. Check your office inbox or login to your employee portal to find out which holidays you’ll get off this year. Full-time workers in America typically receive all of the following U.S. federal holidays. In addition you may get one or two extra holidays this year depending on your company and in which state you reside. Your own workplace holiday list will vary as there is no legal requirement to offer paid holidays in the US. Hopefully your employer is generous and you will get paid for these American holidays plus get a floating holiday or two as a bonus.

Compare your list with this set of 2022 standard holidays for federal government or state employees. Of course if an official holiday date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the observed date will often be the day before or after. So take notice when you mark your personal or travel calendar with your 2022 holiday closures.

2022 Holidays and Observances in the USA

Saturday, January 1, 2022 – New Year’s Day

Observed: Monday, January 3, 2022

What do you do when New Year’s Day is on a Saturday? Do you give employees the Friday off even though New Year’s Eve is technically in 2021? Or do you wait until January 3rd by offering the Monday as a holiday? It’s up to your employer of course, but the Monday is the official holiday for 2022.

I’m sure that many of you have taken off the entire week from Christmas to New Year’s, so you’ll be able to extend the weekend by a day. Consider taking off on the Tuesday after as well in order to avoid a likely busy travel day. This is also your last chance to make sure any remaining accrued vacation days are either taken at the end of 2021 or rolled over into 2022. Ask yourself if you should be rolling over vacation days on a regular basis.

Monday, January 17, 2022 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MLK Day is the first official holiday in 2022 in the USA after Christmas and New Year’s break. Since it comes so close to the previous holiday period, it isn’t likely to be a popular travel weekend. Still having a 3-day weekend in the middle of winter is still an opportunity to take time off from work as work. It shouldn’t require a lot of advanced planning so you can wait until the last minute to check for travel deals.

A staycation is recommended if you want to save on the costs of a hotel. Finding a nearby state park is one idea depending upon weather conditions where you live. It will also be much quieter in major cities in January, so consider a shopping or cultural day trip or weekend. Of course check to make sure the park or historic site is open as many have limited hours during the off season or due to covid.

Of course it would be appropriate and educational to take a moment to remember Martin Luther King, Jr and the civil rights movement he led. Search your community events calendar as there may be special events scheduled like history lectures or art exhibits or even at your local library. Also seek out national commemorative events that are broadcast online for the public to stream from home.

Monday, February 21, 2022 – President’s Day

When I grew up there was a separate holiday for both Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays. They weren’t born on the same day! Over the years they merged into what is known as Presidents Day since there are many leaders we should be thankful for. Regardless, it is a national holiday in America and offers a three-day weekend in February. So what can you do to celebrate this holiday? Well first if you have kids consider turning the day into an American history lesson. Watch a documentary about a former president or seek out a national historic site to see history in person.

Like the MLK day in January, there isn’t a lot of travel around President’s Day in February since it’s still winter and very cold in most parts of the country. You never know when an unexpected snow or ice storm will ground flights across many parts of the country. You can still plan for a a weekend road trip or take a ride to a nearby city to act like a tourist for the day. There are always lots of sales on during this holiday so go spend some presidents!

Monday, May 30, 2022 – Memorial Day

Finally when we get to the Memorial Day holiday, there is a feeling that the spring and summer holidays have arrived. Of course school breaks such as spring break and the traditional Easter holiday comes before Memorial Day. However there are no official national holidays in the U.S. in March or April. Spring break varies and is a school or university holiday and Easter is a religious holiday which you may get at work.

It pays to plan ahead well in advance if you want to take a vacation during the month of May. This holiday is meant to be a solemn period to remember the war dead; however the real meaning of Memorial Day is often overlooked as families vacation from coast to coast. Try to take a moment to at least honor people who served our country in war. Perhaps a family member that you haven’t thought about in a long time.

With a Monday holiday you can choose to take 4 of your earned vacation days to have the entire week off for a maximum of 9 days off in a row. Or you can take off the previous week and return on the Monday if you need to return to your office promptly. Given the warm weather it is a popular time for an outdoor vacation. If you need to fly or wish to take a cruise, early in the year is when you should start making booking decisions.

Sunday, June 19, 2022 – Juneteenth (Emancipation Day)

Observed: Monday, June 20, 2022

The newest holiday on the U.S. holiday calendar is Juneteenth which first appeared on June 17, 2021. Actually it’s been celebrated since news of the emancipation finally reached Galveston, Texas in 1865. This new federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, though it has been a state holiday in Texas since 1980. Many other states followed over the years. While Juneteenth is always on the 19th of the month, it will move to Monday the 20th in 2022 marking an important 3-day weekend for government workers and most full-time employees across the country.

The holiday happens around the end of the school year and not long before the anticipated 4th of July festivities. So you will have to compare your work and school calendars to see if it makes sense to extend this 3-day weekend into a full week or two of vacation. If you plan to stay close to home on the Independence Day, this week in June could be a good time for a big trip. Since it’s a new holiday it is hard to predict if this date will turn into a popular day to travel throughout the 50 states.

Regardless, do take a moment to read up on the history of Juneteenth and the important reasons why it became the 11th holiday recognized by the U.S. federal government last year.

Monday, July 4, 2022 – Independence Day

When it comes to holidays where food is a major part, I think there is a tie between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. This biggest summer holiday is all American! It doesn’t matter whether you spend it in your backyard around the BBQ, at a park to watch the fireworks, or on vacation anywhere in the USA. Since kids are off for the summer school holidays, it is an extremely popular time to travel. Coincidentally in 2022, Independence Day falls on a Monday. Are you getting tired of every US holiday falling on a Monday? At least you have a three-day weekend at the very least. If you’ll be up late on the 4th watching fireworks, ask to take one of your vacation days on the 5th to recover 😁

The possibilities for a summer vacation around the 4th of July are many. Taking advantage of the free day off is just a start. To enjoy the spirit of the independence day holiday, plan a trip to a city that rolls out the red, white and blue carpet or visit a Revolutionary War historic site. Hopefully in 2022 there will be many street parades, fireworks displays, and American food festivals to choose from. To find out, search Google for a city tourism site and view the event or festival calendar (such as Choose Chicago – 4th of July or Visit Dallas Events of the 4th). Hotel rates will be high so you might want to browse hotels and make a flexible booking as soon as possible.

Monday, September 5, 2022 – Labor Day

Ahhh, … a day off from work designed specifically for working people. Who doesn’t deserve a national holiday that thanks us for contributing our time and effort for the greater good. That’s the historical purpose of the Labor Day holiday at least. Not so long ago there were few limits on working hours, no paid time off, child labor, and harsher working conditions. Now Americans enjoy on average 9 or often 10 or 11 paid holidays per year along with the possibility of floating religious holidays and observances.

As Labor Day is the first Monday in September, it is considered the end of the summer holiday period though it’s not quite autumn yet! Kids are going back to school and work gets busier after the peak summer season in July and August. Like with most 3-day weekends, it makes sense to try to avoid travel on the Friday and Saturday as well as returning on the Monday. Add one or two vacation days to enjoy a more relaxed trip. Better yet, take the whole week off if you your work and family schedule allows. Since Labor Day is a popular time to visit beaches, national parks, and lakefront recreation areas, consider planning a trip off the beaten path to avoid the crowds.

Monday, October 10, 2022 – Columbus Day

US Indigenous People’s Day (US State holiday)

Many of you grew up celebrating Columbus day and recall the history lessons in elementary school about the incredible discovery of America. It makes for a great story, not just about Christopher Columbus but all the explorers who sailed across the ocean. Of course as times change we realize the story is a lot more complicated and tragic when you think about the native American story. That is a big reason why so many states have moved from celebrating Columbus Day to what is called Indigenous People’s Day. They are two sides to the same complex founding history of America.

Hopefully your employer is giving you a day off for Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day in October. It’s not as common as it used to be, but it’s nice to have a three-day weekend in the busy working period from Labor Day until Thanksgiving. Since it is not too cold or winter-like in October, it can be a excellent and scenic time to plan a vacation.

Friday, November 11, 2022 – Veterans Day

For 2022, Veterans Day officially falls on a Friday which is unusual for a U.S. national holiday. In my opinion it is much nicer having a holiday on a Friday than on a Monday. Friday feels more like the start of a weekend off from work. This patriotic holiday is there to honor all veterans who fought in war both at home and abroad. The origin of the Veterans Day holiday goes back to the end of World War I and has been on the U.S. calendar ever since.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it isn’t necessarily a popular time to travel. However it is still a good opportunity to take a short vacation before winter arrives and before the upcoming holiday rush. Consider taking this three-day weekend for a spin by planning a driving trip to a nearby attraction as most will be open. Where ever you decide to go, do a search for unique points of interest along your route. Google Maps is good for discovering historic markers and scenic viewpoints. In addition, check with the city, county, and state municipal or tourism offices to find out what might be scheduled in memorial so you can thank those who served.

Thursday, November 24, 2022 – Thanksgiving

Friday, November 25, 2022 – Day After Thanksgiving (Black Friday)

Thanksgiving is probably the most American of holidays, after Independence Day of course, with food such a big part of what we remember and look forward to. Are you planning to cook up the traditional seasonal eats such as turkey with all the trimmings like cranberries, stuffing, mashed or sweet potatoes, and of course pumpkin pie? What else is on your Thanksgiving table? We all know the holiday is always held on the fourth Thursday in November. I grew up watching the Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC on television. Perhaps 2022 will be the year you get to see the floats live by planning a shopping trip to New York.

If you really want to take off on a big vacation in November and avoid the domestic travel crowds and expense, consider a visit to Europe instead. The weather is still quite pleasant in most countries, especially around the Mediterranean, and while it’s hard to predict this far in advance, there could be excellent deals. The U.S. dollar has been strong recently and travel is finally opening up post-pandemic. Google Flights or Kayak are excellent sites to monitor airfares and receive email flight alerts given your dates and origin and destination airports.

Of course if you decide to stay home or to visit family for Thanksgiving like most Americans, come up with a plan to take advantage of Black Friday. You might have gotten used to shopping online, but it is really not the same as going out in person and finding the perfect gifts for your family. Since the sale period has grown beyond just the Friday after Thanksgiving, pick another day to hit the city shops or suburban shopping malls. And as with all major holidays in the USA, add a vacation day or two before or after to avoid driving or flying on the busiest and most expensive travel days.

Sunday, December 25, 2022 – Christmas Day

Observed: Monday, December 26, 2022

If you are reading this 2022 USA National Holiday list post at the beginning of the year, it will feel way too early to be thinking about Christmas. You can probably put off your Christmas holiday planning until the summer, though many are waiting until the last minute given the travel uncertainly of last year. At the very least mark your calendars for the exact end of year holidays that you will receive at your place of work. Are you granted both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve as holidays? Either way consult your HR holiday list for 2022 as both days fall on the weekend this year. Most likely you will have Monday the 26th as a holiday and in addition either Friday the 24th or Tuesday the 27th if you are fortunate!

Given the fact that the Christmas is on a weekend and New Year’s 2023 is on a Sunday, you have several vacation day usage decisions to make. You could take off the week of the 26th, using 3 or 4 vacation days if you can save them up until the end of the year, and leave it at that. To avoid the Christmas holiday crush, save a few more vacation days to depart the previous week and/or return after the 1st of January. Your vacation rollover policy could come in handy here so do the PTO math as you allocate days off for each holiday period.

Official State Holidays – Varies Across the 50 States

Depending upon which state you call home (or where you work if you cross state lines to get to your office or if you are working remotely) you may be entitled to additional holidays. These are called state holidays and are granted to state employees by law. Like federal holidays in the USA, it is up to your employer whether they offer these local holidays to full or part-time staff. Again, check your work holiday calendar for 2022 or employee portal to get the official list that applies to your job role or status.

Holidays and Observances in the USA

OPM.gov – Policy, Data, Oversight: Pay & Leave (2022)

Time and Date – Holidays and some observances (2022)

OfficeHolidays – Public Holidays in USA in 2022

Extra Holidays to Get or Take in 2022

Why limit yourself to the U.S. federal list of 11 holidays when the calendar is full of opportunities to commemorate, participate, and celebrate. There are holidays for every possible occasion, but here is my list of the most popular in the United States and in many countries around the world. At least consider the ones that occur on a weekday and therefore give you a reason to take a vacation day, floating holiday, personal day, or bonus day off in lieu.

The benefit of taking off non-official or non-traditional holidays this year is to avoid the crowds and high prices that often come around the major holidays. And it’s more fun to take off for many of these special days…

📅 Chinese New Year

📅 Groundhog Day

📅 Lincoln’s Birthday

📅 Valentine’s Day

📅 Mardi Gras

📅 St. Patrick’s Day

📅 Easter Weekend

📅 Cinco de Mayo

📅 Halloween

📅 Election Day

How to Track Your 2022 Work Holidays

Are you tracking your own holidays as well as vacation days, floating days, personal days, as well as rollover days off? Or are you relying on your HR or payroll system at work to track the numbers, assuming they are always accurate? The best way to get all the paid time off you earn and deserve is to track it yourself (and inform your payroll or benefits manager if there are any discrepancies). There are numerous ways including using a notebook, spreadsheet, or calendar – paper or online are both OK. You can give the Vacation Days Tracker Spreadsheet (template) a try which is free and published by the VacationCounts team every year.

However if you are serious about not just tracking your holidays and PTO but also how you leverage those days off to take more vacations each year, give the VacationCounts web app a try. It’s free and works the same on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. All you need is a Google account to login and secure your vacation, holiday, and time off tracking in the cloud. And it’s fun to plan ahead to take as many vacations as possible this year!

VacationCounts Time Track App

The personal vacation tracking app VacationCounts has recently been updated for the holiday calendar year 2022. That means you can input your time off counts for the year (vacation days, personal days, floating days, bonus days) as well as the list of holidays you have off in 2022. Of course it supports previous calendar years so you can compare how many vacations you took in 2020 and 2021 with 2022.

After you have completed the vacation year setup steps, start mapping out your vacation dates for the year. You’ll be able to enter all the details about each vacation you intend to take including dates, destinations, and links to your itinerary documents. For each vacation stored in the app, you can “take” vacation days and holidays to keep track of your remaining totals. This is the smart way to maximize your paid time off and take as many or as long vacations as you wish.

👍Learn more about the VacationCounts Holiday Tracking App

How to Take Holidays Like Vacation Days

The only difference between holidays and vacation days is that holidays are fixed days off set by your employer (and the U.S. federal government) while vacation days are flexible (with approval rules set by your human resources department). Both are paid days off that can be enjoyed doing whatever you wish. That could be relaxing at home with family, going out with friends, traveling on vacation, or pursuing hobbies of any sort. This is your friendly reminder to treat holidays just like vacation days.

Instead of being disappointed that you only receive 10 or 15 days (2 or 3 weeks) of paid vacation each year at your full-time job (the average range being from 9 to 19 days of PTO according to BLS based on years of service), include the holidays in your total. Add the number of vacation days or PTO you will earn in 2022 to the number of paid holidays you have listed. In reality you have about an extra 2 weeks of time off from work than you think!

Unless you have floating holidays, like for major religious holidays or optional holidays, the holidays listed above are fixed on the 2022 calendar. In order to take the maximum number of vacations this year, plan a trip for every 3-day weekend. Can you do it?! By adding vacation days to holiday periods you can extend those 3-day weekends into 4-day or even a week of vacation. That is why you should get out your calendar today to pencil in potential vacation periods for every month of 2022 ⛱️