United States Federal Holidays 2026: Official Calendar and Observances
London, 16 February 2026 – Today marks Washington’s Birthday, more commonly known as Presidents’ Day, across the United States. As a federal holiday, government offices, the United States Postal Service, and most banking institutions remain closed. This year, the American calendar features 11 statutory federal holidays, providing significant periods for national observance and travel planning.
Current Observance: Washington’s Birthday
Observed on the third Monday of February, Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) celebrates the legacy of George Washington and other former American leaders. While the federal government officially recognises the day as “Washington’s Birthday”, many states and private businesses refer to it as Presidents’ Day. Following today’s observance, the next major federal holiday will be Memorial Day in late May.
Official 2026 Federal Holiday Schedule
The following table outlines the official dates for federal holidays in the United States for the 2026 calendar year. Please note that when a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on the preceding Friday; if it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.
| Holiday Name | Official Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January 2026 |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Monday, 19 January 2026 |
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Monday, 16 February 2026 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday, 19 June 2026 |
| Independence Day | Friday, 3 July 2026 (Observed) |
| Labour Day | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday, 12 October 2026 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, 26 November 2026 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December 2026 |
Impact on Services and Travel
During these dates, federal employees are generally entitled to a paid day off, and most non-essential government services are suspended. Public transport may operate on reduced “Sunday” schedules. Travel experts note that the periods surrounding Independence Day and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day are expected to be the busiest for domestic travel in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the post office open today?
No. As 16 February 2026 is a federal holiday, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not deliver regular mail, and post office branches are closed.
Why is Independence Day observed on 3 July?
In 2026, 4 July falls on a Saturday. According to federal law, when a holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday immediately preceding is treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes for most federal employees.
Are banks closed on federal holidays?
Most retail banks follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule and will be closed on the dates listed above. However, online banking and ATM services remain functional.