Quick answer
No, Good Friday is not a U.S. federal holiday. In 2027, Good Friday falls on Friday, 26 March 2027. Federal offices do not close specifically for Good Friday under the standard federal holiday calendar, although some states, schools, employers, religious organisations and financial markets may observe the day.
What this means
Good Friday is a religious observance, but it is not included on the U.S. federal holiday calendar. In 2027, it falls on Friday, 26 March. Federal employees do not automatically receive the day off simply because it is Good Friday, while other organisations may follow different policies.
- Private employers may provide Good Friday as paid leave or allow employees to use annual leave.
- State and local government arrangements can differ.
- Schools, courts and local services may follow their own calendars.
- Religious organisations may hold services or alter their normal schedules.
- Some financial markets may close even though Good Friday is not a federal holiday.
Common scenarios
You are checking whether work is off. Do not assume you have the day off because Good Friday is widely observed. Check your employment contract, staff calendar or HR system.
You need a federal service. Federal offices are not closed specifically because of Good Friday. Normal Friday operating hours generally apply unless an agency changes its schedule.
You are planning a longer Easter break. Because Good Friday falls on Friday, 26 March 2027, employees whose workplaces observe it may have a three-day Easter weekend before Easter Sunday on 28 March. Others may need to use annual leave.
How to plan this in Offdays
Add 26 March 2027 only where Good Friday applies to your organisation or location rather than treating it as a nationwide federal day off. See more US holiday explainers and practical leave ideas on the Offdays blog.
Final thoughts
Good Friday falls on Friday, 26 March 2027, but it is not a U.S. federal holiday. Federal employees do not automatically receive the day off, while employers and local organisations may follow their own schedules.