Non-essential government workers have been granted administrative leave on certain days during the festival season.
Gov. Charles Turnbull issued a proclamation Wednesday allowing non-essential employees the day off on Dec. 24, Dec. 27, Dec. 31 and Jan. 7, 2000.
Turnbull noted that the Dec. 31 date, New Years Eve, is also a federal holiday.
He also said that the Jan. 7 date is the day of the Childrens Festival Parade on St. Croix.
"Granting government employees administrative leave will encourage greater participation in the Food Fair and enhance the celebration of the Christmas Festival by all residents and visitors," Turnbull said.
Administrative leave does not apply to essential employees such as police and fire fighters; employees on a regular or rotating shift and employees on annual or sick leave.