Nonessential employees granted time off for Christmas Eve, Crucian Festival and New Year’s observances
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued a proclamation setting the 2025–26 holiday work schedule for the Government of the Virgin Islands and authorizing commissioners and agency heads to grant administrative leave to nonessential employees so they can observe the Christmas and New Year holidays and take part in Crucian Christmas Festival activities.
The governor’s proclamation recognizes the Christmas season as a time of joy, family gatherings and cultural celebration, and notes the importance of the Crucian Christmas Festival in showcasing Virgin Islands culture and boosting the local economy.
“As Virgin Islanders, we use this season to gather with our families, show hospitality to visitors and celebrate the traditions that make our islands unique,” Governor Bryan said. “This administrative leave allows our public servants to share in the joy of the Crucian Festival, support our small businesses and be present with their loved ones during the holidays.”
Under the proclamation, commissioners and agency heads are authorized to grant administrative leave to nonessential employees as follows:
Administrative Leave – St. Croix Only
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Administrative leave from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for nonessential employees on St. Croix to participate in J’ouvert, the St. Croix Festival Food Fair and New Year’s Eve activities.
Administrative Leave – St. Thomas–St. John Only
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
Administrative leave from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for nonessential employees on St. Thomas and St. John to observe New Year’s Eve and take part in festivities.
Administrative Leave – Territorywide
- Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Administrative leave from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for nonessential employees across the territory to observe and honor Christmas Eve. - Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Administrative leave from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for nonessential employees across the territory to participate in the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival Children’s Parade.
The proclamation also notes the cultural and economic significance of the Crucian Christmas Festival, including the Food Fair, J’ouvert, Children’s Parade and Adults’ Parade, and encourages all Virgin Islanders to use the season to fellowship, reflect and pray for continued growth and restoration in families, the economy and the wider community.
The administrative leave provisions do not apply to essential employees, employees on regular or rotating shifts, or employees who are already on annual or sick leave during the designated times.
Legal holidays during the 2025–26 season, as set forth in Title 1 V.I.C. § 171, include Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025), Christmas Second Day (Friday, Dec. 26, 2025), New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026) and Three Kings Day (Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026).
View proclamation here
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