Presidents Day 2026: President’s Day is at the core of all US federal holiday events and gives individuals an opportunity to reflect on the effects of all US Presidents. It originally honored President George Washington but is now used to commemorate all US Presidents and provide millions of workers and families with a three-day weekend.
When is Presidents Day 2026
In 2026, President’s Day falls on Monday, February 16. The holiday is celebrated every year on the third Monday in February and this arrangement is due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Law, which was designed with the aim of creating a long weekend.
History of Presidents Day
The President’s Day was initially designed to honor President George Washington’s February 22nd birthday and was first marked in 1879. The holiday was soon spread across the US, making it a paid federal holiday by 1885. However, in 1971, it was further moved to the third Monday of February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Law. The day was also to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s February 12th birthday and other presidents.
Meaning & Tradition of Presidents Day
The holiday is a reminder of the role of presidential leadership and a reasoned evaluation of how the American system of politics is structured. It consists of various traditions such as the reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address in the Senate, patriotism displays and school programs to educate students. However, it has developed over the years to be a day celebrated by shopping and coming together to celebrate.
What Will Be Open on Presidents Day 2026
While government offices close, many private businesses remain operational:
- Retail stores, malls and online shops
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants and fast-food chains
- Gas stations and convenience stores
What Will Be Closed on Presidents Day 2026
Federal offices, financial institutions and many schools pause operations on February 16:
- Federal government offices
- Banks and most credit unions
- Post offices and mail delivery
- Stock and bond markets
- Many public schools varies by district
Is President’s Day 2026 a Federal Holiday?
President’s Day in 2026 is a holiday where the federal employees are entitled to a holiday, and the non-federal employees can have a holiday or not, depending on the organizational position and this day is to celebrate the contributions of the first president, as well as other presidents.
Federal Holidays List for 2026
|
Date |
Holiday Name |
Day of the Week |
|
January 1 |
New Year’s Day |
Thursday |
|
January 19 |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
Monday |
|
February 16 |
Washington’s Birthday / Presidents Day |
Monday |
|
May 25 |
Memorial Day |
Monday |
|
June 19 |
Juneteenth National Independence Day |
Friday |
|
July 3 |
Independence Day (Observed) |
Friday |
|
September 7 |
Labor Day |
Monday |
|
October 12 |
Columbus Day |
Monday |
|
November 11 |
Veterans Day |
Wednesday |
|
November 26 |
Thanksgiving Day |
Thursday |
|
December 25 |
Christmas Day |
Friday |
