As the long stretch of winter continues after the holidays, many Americans look ahead to a welcome break with the Presidents Day. The federal holiday, which arrives in February each year, offers a long weekend for millions of workers and students across the United States.
Although widely known as Presidents Day, the holiday has a deeper history, an official name that may surprise some people, and an important role in shaping today’s federal holiday calendar. Here’s everything you need to know about Presidents Day 2026, including when it falls, its official designation, why it exists, and which other federal holidays Americans will observe in 2026.
When is Presidents Day 2026?
Presidents' Day will be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The holiday always falls on the third Monday of February, which means the exact date changes every year. This timing ensures a three-day weekend for many Americans, right in the middle of winter.
What is the Official Name of Presidents Day?
Despite its popular name, Presidents Day is not the holiday’s official title.
The official federal name is “Washington’s Birthday.”
This designation is still used by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which oversees federal holidays and government employee schedules.
While Americans commonly use the term Presidents Day to honor all U.S. presidents, no law has ever been passed to formally rename the holiday at the federal level.
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Why Was Presidents Day Originally Created?
The holiday dates back to 1879, when Congress established it to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States. Washington’s actual birthday is February 22, and for many years the holiday was celebrated on that exact date.
Over time, as the nation grew and holiday schedules evolved, the observance shifted to better fit modern work patterns.
What Purpose Did the Uniform Holidays Act Serve?
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 played a major role in shaping Presidents Day as we know it today.
The main goals of the act were to:
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Move certain federal holidays to Mondays
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Create more three-day weekends
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Reduce midweek work disruptions
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Encourage travel, tourism, and family time
As a result of this act, Washington’s Birthday was moved from February 22 to the third Monday in February. The law officially took effect in 1971.
President Lyndon B. Johnson, who signed the act into law, believed longer weekends would help Americans travel more easily and enjoy time across the country.
How Did Washington’s Birthday Become “Presidents Day”?
Although the federal government still recognises the holiday as Washington’s Birthday, popular usage began to change. These are the following reasons:
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Abraham Lincoln’s birthday falls on February 12
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The holiday no longer lands on Washington’s actual birthday
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Retailers and states promoted broader recognition
Therefore, the day gradually became known as Presidents Day, honouring all U.S. presidents, past and present. Some states officially recognise it as Presidents Day, while others still use Washington’s Birthday or a variation of the name.
What Will Be Closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Since Presidents Day is a federal holiday, several services and institutions will be closed.
Closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026:
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Federal government offices
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U.S. Postal Service (no mail delivery)
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Banks and credit unions
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Stock markets (NYSE and Nasdaq)
May be open or have limited hours:
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Retail stores
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Grocery stores
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Pharmacies
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Restaurants
Hours vary by location, so it’s best to check ahead if you plan to shop or run errands.
Which Other Holidays Are Federal in 2026?
In addition to Presidents Day, the U.S. will observe several other federal holidays in 2026:
Federal Holidays in 2026
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Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
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Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
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Independence Day: Saturday, July 4 (observed Friday, July 3)
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Labor Day: Monday, September 7
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Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Monday, October 12
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Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
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Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26
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Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
Why Presidents Day Still Matters?
Presidents Day serves as:
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A moment to reflect on U.S. leadership and history
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A practical break during winter
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One of the biggest retail sale weekends of the year
Whether you use the day to relax, shop, travel, or learn more about American history, it remains a meaningful part of the federal calendar.
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