Taking a break from work is not just a luxury it’s a necessity for maintaining mental health, focus, and long-term productivity. In 2025, you can make your paid time off (PTO) go much further by strategically planning around public holidays. Whether you’re an employee looking to stretch your days off or an HR leader aiming for seamless team scheduling, this guide will help you master PTO planning like a pro.
The Power of Planning: Why It Matters
Many people approach paid time off (PTO) reactively, requesting leave only when they feel exhausted or when a last-minute need arises. But a proactive approach, especially one aligned with public holidays, unlocks far greater benefits.
1. Stretch Your PTO Further
When you align PTO with public holidays, you can enjoy longer breaks without using more days. For example, taking 4 PTO days around a public holiday can easily give you 9 consecutive days off. This strategy allows you to travel more, rest more, and spend more quality time with family all while conserving your leave balance.
2. Reduce Burnout and Fatigue
Employees who space out their time off throughout the year — especially during natural breaks like public holidays — are less likely to experience burnout. Regular, well-timed rest helps:
Improve focus and productivity
Lower stress levels
Boost mental and physical health
Prevent end-of-year PTO rushes that disrupt business continuity
3. Maintain Team and Business Continuity
For managers and HR teams, well-planned leave ensures:
Fewer overlapping absences
Better resource allocation during peak and low-demand periods
Improved visibility into who’s available and when
Consistent service or project delivery, even during busy holiday seasons
Tools like Day Off allow companies to monitor team leave calendars in real-time and approve requests based on workload needs a massive step up from manual or spreadsheet-based tracking.
4. Align Personal Goals and Life Events
Have a wedding, graduation, family reunion, or dream vacation in mind? Aligning these milestones with nearby public holidays reduces the amount of PTO required and helps you plan confidently around other work commitments.
5. Simplify the Approval Process
Last-minute leave requests are more likely to be declined, especially around busy holiday periods when many team members are out. But with early planning:
You get your preferred dates
You avoid scheduling conflicts
Managers have ample time to adjust workloads
In essence, early planning equals peace of mind for both employees and leadership.
Public Holidays in 2025: What to Know
In the U.S., there are 11 federal holidays observed nationwide. These dates are important for leave planning, as most government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed. By syncing your PTO with these holidays, you can create longer breaks using fewer days off.
Below is a complete list of the U.S. federal holidays in 2025, including the day of the week they fall on which is key to maximizing time off.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 20 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) | February 17 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 26 | Monday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Friday |
| Labor Day | September 1 | Monday |
| Columbus Day (Observed) | October 13 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Tuesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 27 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday |
Maximizing PTO Around These Public Holidays
Here are a few examples of how you can use these holidays to extend your time off in 2025:
Memorial Day – May 26 (Monday)
Take PTO from May 27–30 (Tues–Fri)
Get 9 days off from May 24 to June 2 using just 4 PTO days
Independence Day – July 4 (Friday)
No PTO needed for a 3-day weekend (July 4–6)
Extend with PTO from July 7–11
Get 10 days off (July 4–13) using 5 PTO days
Thanksgiving – November 27 (Thursday)
Take PTO on November 29 (Friday) and the following Mon–Wed (Dec 1–3)
Get a 9-day break (Nov 27–Dec 5) with just 4 PTO days
Christmas – December 25 (Thursday)
Take PTO on Dec 26 (Friday) and the following Mon–Wed (Dec 29–31)
Combine with New Year’s Day (Jan 1, 2026 – Thursday) for an 8-day holiday stretch
FAQs
1. How many PTO days should I save for public holidays?
It depends on your total annual PTO allowance and your priorities. If you want longer breaks, try saving at least 5–7 PTO days to combine with public holidays throughout the year. Plan in advance to avoid using them all at once.
2. Can I take PTO around every Public Holidays?
You can, but it depends on your company’s approval policies and team coverage. It’s best to be strategic — prioritize holidays that fall midweek or near weekends for the biggest benefit.
3. What if a Public Holidays falls on a weekend?
In most countries, when a public holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s observed on the nearest weekday (usually the following Monday). Check your local laws and your HR team’s policy or use a tool like Day Off to track adjusted holidays automatically.
4. How far in advance should I request PTO?
Ideally, request PTO at least 4–8 weeks ahead of the desired dates, especially around public holidays when demand is high. Some companies may have internal deadlines for peak periods.
5. What happens if too many team members request leave for the same Public Holidays?
Most companies use a first-come, first-served approach or prioritize based on role, seniority, or critical business needs. Using a leave management app like Day Off helps teams visualize leave overlaps and plan accordingly.
6. How can I find public holidays for other countries or remote teams?
Use international holiday calendars or apps like Day Off, which automatically syncs country-specific public holidays based on team member locations. This is especially helpful for distributed or remote-first companies.
7. Can I combine sick leave with PTO or public holidays?
Generally, no sick leave and PTO are tracked separately and require different approvals. However, if you’re transitioning from sick leave to PTO (e.g., recovering with extra rest), consult HR or your company’s leave policy.
8. How do I track my remaining PTO days accurately?
The most efficient way is to use a leave tracking tool like Day Off, which calculates used, scheduled, and remaining PTO in real time. Manual spreadsheets can lead to errors, especially in larger teams.
9. Is it okay to take PTO just before or after a Public Holidays?
Yes! It’s one of the smartest ways to maximize your time off. Just ensure you communicate early and check in with your team to maintain fair coverage.
10. Can my company block PTO around public holidays?
Yes, some companies designate blackout periods during peak times or major projects when no PTO is allowed. This is usually communicated in advance and should be clearly outlined in your company’s PTO policy.