Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced that all state offices in Arkansas will be closed on Friday, December 26, 2025, to allow employees to continue celebrating the Christmas holiday with their families. The closure follows the official recognition of Christmas Day on December 25, giving state employees an extended opportunity to observe the season and spend time with loved ones.
In her official proclamation, Governor Sanders reflected on the historical and spiritual significance of Christmas. “More than two millennia ago in the little town of Bethlehem, far from the centers of power in first-century Rome, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in a humble manger,” the proclamation states. She highlighted that Christ’s arrival was simple and witnessed by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and wise men, emphasizing that his ministry focused on the poor, powerless, and meek rather than the wealthy or influential.
The proclamation also underscored the enduring importance of Christ’s message and the celebration of His birth. “We give thanks for the arrival of Christ the Savior, who will come again in glory and whose kingdom will have no end, by celebrating His birth each year on Christmas Day,” Governor Sanders wrote. By closing state offices the day after Christmas, the governor seeks to provide employees additional time to reflect, celebrate, and be with family.
This annual adjustment in state office operations is a common practice in Arkansas and many other states, giving public servants a chance to extend holiday observances and enjoy a meaningful break during the season. State offices, including the Capitol, will remain closed on Friday, December 26, allowing employees a full day to rest and celebrate.
The decision to extend the holiday closure also reflects the cultural and religious significance of Christmas in Arkansas, recognizing the importance of both faith and family in the community. Governor Sanders’ proclamation not only acknowledges the historical roots of the holiday but also encourages reflection on the values associated with Christ’s teachings.
By granting state employees this additional day off, the governor emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, family time, and community observance of meaningful traditions. The proclamation serves as both a formal declaration and a gesture of appreciation for the state’s workforce, allowing them to enjoy the holiday in a relaxed and family-focused manner.
For residents and visitors planning to access state services, the announcement provides an important reminder that offices will not be open on December 26. Individuals needing assistance from state departments are encouraged to plan accordingly and complete any necessary tasks before the extended holiday closure.
Governor Sanders officially affixed the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to the proclamation on December 16, 2025, formally designating both December 25 as Christmas Day and December 26 as a holiday closure for state offices. The declaration reinforces Arkansas’ long-standing tradition of recognizing the cultural and spiritual significance of Christmas while supporting the well-being and family time of state employees.
As communities across Arkansas prepare for the holiday season, this extended closure allows state employees to join in celebrations, reflect on the meaning of Christmas, and enjoy the time with family and friends that the season encourages.
