February 2025: A month of celebrations and observances

Anyone looking at the lineup of holidays in February will notice it's a month filled with celebrations—honoring Black history, love, football, and, yes, even groundhogs. While February doesn’t have many federal holidays, it’s packed with other significant occasions worth acknowledging.In 2025, there are a total of 12 federal holidays across 11 days, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Only one of those falls in February. While most people won’t get extra days off (unless their boss is unusually generous or really into groundhogs), it’s still a good idea to mark your calendar for major events like Super Bowl Sunday or Valentine's Day.

February is also Black History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout history.


According to the OPM, the only federal holiday in February is:

Yes, Presidents’ Day is a bank holiday, meaning many organizations will be closed. The U.S. Postal Service, schools, and major banks such as Wells Fargo, Citibank, Bank of America, and Truist will not be open on Feb. 17.


While Presidents’ Day is the only official day off, there are several other notable dates in February:

Black History Month is observed throughout February, starting on Saturday, Feb. 1. The 2025 theme,African Americans and Labor, explores the various ways work—whether free or forced, skilled or unskilled—has intersected with the Black experience, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).


National Freedom Day, which marks the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln signing the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on Feb. 1, 1865, kicks off Black History Month. Though not a federal holiday, the president of the United States may issue a proclamation recognizing the day each year.


Imbolc, a Pagan holiday, is observed from the evening of Feb. 1 to Feb. 2. Also known as Candlemas, it is one of four ancient Cross-Quarter days believed to mark seasonal transitions. Its name, meaning “lambs’ milk,” signifies the start of lambing season. Over time, it evolved into Candlemas, a Christian holiday celebrating the presentation of Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. Interestingly, Groundhog Day has roots in this ancient tradition.


Punxsutawney Phil and other weather-predicting groundhogs will emerge early on Sunday, Feb. 2, to determine if winter will last six more weeks.


Super Bowl 59 takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9, in New Orleans. The game, featuring the Chiefs and Eagles, kicks off at 6 p.m. ET.


Valentine’s Day falls on Friday, Feb. 14, making it the perfect start to a long holiday weekend. Be sure to book dinner reservations, hotels, or flower deliveries in advance!


Presidents’ Day, also recognized as George Washington’s Birthday, is on Monday, Feb. 17, extending the Valentine's Day weekend for many workers.


February also includes several fun national observances:

Whether you’re celebrating history, love, sports, or just a fun national day, February has plenty of reasons to make it a month worth remembering!