Federal Holiday : Presidents Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed each year on the third Monday of February. In 2026, it falls on February 16.
Federal Holiday : Origins of Presidents Day
Presidents Day began as a tribute to George Washington, the first President of the United States, whose actual birthday is February 22.
In 1879, the United States Congress officially declared Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday. The observance was originally fixed on his birth date.
The 1968 Holiday Shift
A major change came with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create long weekends for workers.
As a result:
- Washington’s Birthday began being observed on the third Monday of February.
- Over time, the public and retailers popularized the name “Presidents Day.”
- Despite common usage, the federal government has never officially renamed the holiday — it remains legally Washington’s Birthday.
Modern Significance
Today, Presidents Day honors:
- George Washington
- Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12)
- All men and women who have served as President of the United States
It has become both a day of remembrance and a celebration of U.S. presidential leadership.
Is Presidents Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Presidents Day is one of the 11 official U.S. federal holidays.
Federal employees receive a paid day off, and the holiday is observed nationwide, similar to Independence Day or Thanksgiving.
What’s Closed on Presidents Day?
Because it is a federal holiday, non-essential government services are closed, including:
Federal Institutions
- Federal courts
- Most government agencies
- Administrative offices
Postal Services
- Regular mail delivery is suspended
- Operated by the United States Postal Service
Federal Workforce
- Confirmed holiday leave by the Office of Personnel Management
Banks & Financial Markets
Most banks follow the federal holiday calendar and remain closed.
U.S. stock markets are also shut, including:
- New York Stock Exchange
- Nasdaq
Trading resumes on Tuesday.
What Stays Open?
Private businesses have flexibility, so many remain open, such as:
- Retail stores
- Shopping malls
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Restaurants
However:
- Some operate on reduced hours
- It’s best to check locally before visiting
Presidents Day is also known for major retail sales events, especially for appliances, furniture, and cars.
Related Federal Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Another Monday federal holiday near Presidents Day is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January.
It honors the civil rights leader’s legacy, contributions to racial equality, and the Civil Rights Movement. The day is also recognized as a National Day of Service encouraging community volunteering.
In Summary
- Observed: Third Monday of February
- In 2026: February 16
- Official name: Washington’s Birthday
- Common name: Presidents Day
- Honors: George Washington and all U.S. Presidents
- Federal offices, banks, and markets: Closed
- Retail businesses: Mostly open
Whether called Washington’s Birthday or Presidents Day, the holiday remains a nationwide federal observance honoring America’s presidential history.