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Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and became a federal holiday in 2021. Here’s what to know about the holiday and what businesses will be open and closed on that day.

June 19, 1985 is known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day when slaves in Galveston Texas learned of their freedom following the President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War.

Juneteenth celebrations and parades are held across the nation.

While there has been much focus on limiting federal diversity and inclusion programs under President Donald Trump‘s second administration, the holiday has not been banned or cancelled.

As a recognized federal holiday, many state and national government institutions will be closed, including the stock market.

Here’s what to know about Juneteenth and what will be closed on and open on the federal holiday.

When is Juneteenth 2025?

Juneteenth is observed on June 19, which this year falls on a Thursday.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth or June 19, 1985 marks the day when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery, freeing over 250,000 enslaved people. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, news of freedom was slow to reach some areas, such as Texas, which was a stronghold of Confederate resistance.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

While Juneteenth has been an important observance to many black communities for over 150 years, it wasn’t until 2021 that President Joe Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

“This will go down for me as one of the greatest honors I will have as president,” Biden said at the time.

What will be closed on Juneteenth holiday?

Juneteenth is officially a federal holiday, which means federal government offices and services are closed, and federal employees are given a paid day off.

As it has also been recognized by most states as a state holiday, state government offices and services including the DMV may be closed as well.

The stock market, post offices, schools, DMV’s and most major banks will be closed. Delivery services may have limited services or modified operations.

What will be open on Juneteenth holiday?

Many retail stores, like Walmart, Target, and Costco, are expected to remain open, although some may choose to observe Juneteenth as a holiday for their employees.

Major grocery chains such as Kroger and Publix are expected to be open as are restaurants.

Amazon will still be offering same day delivery on Juneteenth.

Note: It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check business websites to confirm their Juneteenth hours. While some private employers choose to to offer it as a paid holiday, some so not. It is not a requirement for all businesses.

When are the federal holidays in 2025?

Here are all of the 11 U.S. holidays:

  • New Year’s Day, Jan. 1
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Jan. 20
  • Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17
  • Memorial Day, May 26
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19
  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, Sept. 1
  • Columbus Day, Oct. 13
  • Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27
  • Christmas Day, Dec. 25