PTO and Holidays - Using PTO Around Holiday Weeks
Complete guide to using PTO around holidays. Learn how holidays interact with paid time off, floating holidays, blackout dates, and strategies for planning time off around holiday weeks.
Holidays vs. PTO
Company holidays are separate from PTO. They're paid days off that don't count against your PTO balance. If a holiday falls on a day you're using PTO, policies vary—some give you the holiday back, others don't.
Floating Holidays
Some employers offer floating holidays—flexible paid days off you can use anytime. These are often separate from regular PTO. Common number: 1-3 floating holidays per year. Use them strategically around long weekends.
Holiday Week Planning
Many employees use PTO around holidays to extend breaks. Popular times: Day after Thanksgiving, week between Christmas and New Year's. Book early—these dates fill up fast. Check blackout dates in your policy.
Blackout Dates
Some companies have blackout dates around holidays when PTO isn't allowed. Common in retail, hospitality, healthcare. Understand your company's restrictions. Plan alternative time off if needed. Consider requesting early.