ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore has declared Wednesday, December 24, a state holiday, closing Maryland state government agencies and offices in observance of Christmas Eve. State offices will remain closed on Thursday, December 25, for Christmas Day. Liberal leave will apply for state employees on Friday, December 26.
The governor announced the decision on Monday, December 22. Under the declaration, December 24 will be treated like any other state employee holiday, providing full closure and paid time off for eligible workers.
“Declaring Christmas Eve as a State holiday is a small way to show our gratitude to Maryland’s dedicated public servants,” said Gov. Moore. “May all Marylanders across the state cherish meaningful holiday time with their friends, family, and loved ones.”
This action allows state employees an extended period around the Christmas holiday. Liberal leave on December 26 means employees may use accrued leave without prior approval in most cases, subject to operational needs, facilitating a four-day weekend for many. State courts will also close on December 24 and 25.
Maryland governors have periodically designated Christmas Eve as a state holiday in past years when it falls on a weekday, though it is not a standard statutory holiday. Christmas Day is a recognized state holiday under Maryland law, aligned with federal observances. The governor’s authority to designate additional days for general cessation of business stems from state personnel statutes, allowing flexibility for holidays not listed in the standard calendar.
The announcement aligns with similar actions by other jurisdictions and the federal government in some years, where expanded holiday schedules recognize public service contributions. In Maryland, state employee holidays include fixed dates such as New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Day. Additional days may be added by gubernatorial proclamation or federal designation.
This year’s timing places Christmas Eve on a Wednesday, creating a natural bridge to the weekend after liberal leave on Friday. For Southern Maryland residents employed by state agencies—including those in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties—this provides additional time for travel, family gatherings, or rest during the season. Many state workers in the region serve in roles related to public safety, transportation, natural resources, and administration, and the closure affects offices in Prince Frederick, La Plata, Leonardtown, and other locations.
The Department of Budget and Management oversees state employee leave policies, including holiday schedules and liberal leave provisions. Such policies ensure continuity of essential services while accommodating employee needs. Agencies providing 24-hour operations, such as certain public safety or health functions, may adjust schedules or provide alternate leave.
This declaration reflects ongoing efforts to support public servants amid the demands of government operations. Previous administrations have used similar proclamations to extend holiday periods, particularly when Christmas Eve falls midweek. The move supports work-life balance for the thousands of state employees across Maryland.
Residents can find more details on state holiday policies through official resources. The governor’s office released the information to inform employees and the public in advance of the closures.