Planning your year ahead? Understanding federal holidays helps you schedule vacations, prepare for business closures, and make the most of your time off.
Federal holidays are designated days when the U.S. government closes its offices. Federal employees receive paid leave, and many banks, post offices, and schools follow suit. Some holidays shift to the nearest weekday when they fall on a weekend, ensuring workers still get their day off.
This guide provides the complete 2026 federal holiday schedule, month-by-month breakdowns, information about what closes on these days, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re planning travel, coordinating business operations, or simply marking your calendar, you’ll find everything you need here.
Complete List of US Federal Holidays 2026
Here are all 11 federal holidays recognized in 2026:
|
Holiday |
Date |
Day of Week |
Observed Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New Year’s Day |
January 1 |
Thursday |
January 1 |
|
Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
January 19 |
Monday |
January 19 |
|
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) |
February 16 |
Monday |
February 16 |
|
Memorial Day |
May 25 |
Monday |
May 25 |
|
Juneteenth National Independence Day |
June 19 |
Friday |
June 19 |
|
Independence Day |
July 4 |
Saturday |
July 3 (Friday) |
|
Labor Day |
September 7 |
Monday |
September 7 |
|
Columbus Day |
October 12 |
Monday |
October 12 |
|
Veterans Day |
November 11 |
Wednesday |
November 11 |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
November 26 |
Thursday |
November 26 |
|
Christmas Day |
December 25 |
Friday |
December 25 |
How observed dates work: When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, federal employees typically observe it the preceding Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, they observe it the following Monday. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, so federal offices will close on Friday, July 3.
2026 Federal Holiday Calendar (Month-by-Month Breakdown)
January 2026 Holidays
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1
The year begins with New Year’s Day, giving federal employees a long weekend when combined with the weekend before.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19
This holiday honors the civil rights leader’s birthday and legacy. It’s observed on the third Monday of January each year.
February 2026 Holidays
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 16
Celebrated on the third Monday in February, this holiday honors George Washington and is commonly called Presidents Day.
March 2026 Holidays
No federal holidays in March.
April 2026 Holidays
No federal holidays in April.
May 2026 Holidays
Memorial Day – Monday, May 25
Memorial Day honors military personnel who died serving the United States. It’s observed on the last Monday of May and often marks the unofficial start of summer.
June 2026 Holidays
Juneteenth National Independence Day – Friday, June 19
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It became a federal holiday in 2021, making it the newest addition to the federal calendar.
July 2026 Holidays
Independence Day – Saturday, July 4 (Observed Friday, July 3)
Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Because it falls on a Saturday in 2026, federal offices will close on Friday, July 3.
August 2026 Holidays
No federal holidays in August.
September 2026 Holidays
Labor Day – Monday, September 7
Labor Day honors the contributions of American workers. It’s celebrated on the first Monday in September and marks the unofficial end of summer.
October 2026 Holidays
Columbus Day – Monday, October 12
Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October. Some states and localities have replaced this with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
November 2026 Holidays
Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day honors all military veterans. Unlike Memorial Day, it recognizes living veterans as well. It’s always observed on November 11.
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Many employers also give the following Friday off, creating a four-day weekend.
December 2026 Holidays
Christmas Day – Friday, December 25
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed on December 25. Falling on a Friday in 2026, it naturally creates a three-day weekend.
What’s Closed on Federal Holidays?
Federal holidays affect various institutions differently:
Federal government offices close completely. This includes Social Security offices, passport agencies, and federal courts.
USPS (United States Postal Service) closes on all federal holidays. You won’t receive mail delivery or be able to visit post offices on these days.
Banks typically close on federal holidays, though some branches may vary. ATMs remain operational, and online banking continues as usual.
Stock market follows most federal holidays but has some exceptions. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ observe their own calendar, which closely aligns with federal holidays but may differ for certain observances.
Schools often close on major federal holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but policies vary by district. Some schools remain open on Columbus Day or Veterans Day.
Private businesses are not required to close or give employees paid time off. Many retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses remain open on federal holidays.
Federal Holidays vs State Holidays (Key Differences)
Federal holidays apply specifically to federal employees and certain institutions. Individual states can designate their own holidays, which may or may not align with the federal calendar.
States often add holidays that reflect their unique history or culture:
Cesar Chavez Day (California) – March 31 honors the labor leader and civil rights activist.
Patriots’ Day (Massachusetts and Maine) – The third Monday in April commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Emancipation Day (District of Columbia) – April 16 celebrates the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C.
State employees receive these days off, but federal employees typically do not unless the state holiday coincides with a federal one.
How to Check Your State’s 2026 Holiday Schedule
Visit your state government’s official website or contact your state’s Office of Personnel Management. Each state publishes its holiday calendar annually, usually by the end of the preceding year.
Are There Any New Federal Holidays in 2026?
As of 2026, there are 11 federal holidays. The most recent addition was Juneteenth National Independence Day, signed into law on June 17, 2021.
No new federal holidays have been added since then. However, legislation can change. If Congress passes and the President signs a bill creating a new federal holiday, this guide will be updated accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many federal holidays are there in 2026?
There are 11 federal holidays in 2026. This includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Are banks closed on federal holidays in 2026?
Yes, most banks close on federal holidays. However, ATMs remain available, and online banking services continue operating. Some bank branches inside grocery stores or other retail locations may maintain different hours.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2026?
Yes. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and remains one in 2026. Federal employees receive the day off, and many banks and post offices close in observance.
What happens if a federal holiday falls on a weekend?
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, federal offices typically close the preceding Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, they close the following Monday. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, so federal offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
Are federal holidays paid days off?
Federal employees receive paid time off for all 11 federal holidays. Private-sector employers are not legally required to provide paid holidays, though many do as part of their benefits packages. Check with your employer about their specific holiday policy.
Planning Around Federal Holidays in 2026
Strategic planning around federal holidays can maximize your time off and create opportunities for extended breaks.
Best long weekends in 2026
- Memorial Day weekend (May 23–25) – A classic three-day weekend kicks off summer travel season.
- Independence Day weekend (July 3–5) – With the federal observance on Friday, you get a full three days.
- Thanksgiving weekend (November 26–29) – Many employers give Friday off too, creating a four-day break.
PTO stacking opportunities
Taking strategic vacation days around federal holidays extends your time off without using excessive PTO:
- Take December 28–31 off to create a week-long holiday break from Christmas through New Year’s.
- Add November 27 (Friday after Thanksgiving) if your employer doesn’t already close, creating a four-day weekend.
- Book June 22–26 off after Juneteenth (June 19) for a full week away with only four vacation days.
Travel planning tips
Book flights and accommodations early for major holiday weekends. Prices typically increase as holidays approach. Consider traveling on the holiday itself rather than the day before, when crowds peak.
Business staffing considerations
Plan ahead for reduced staffing around federal holidays. Schedule critical projects with buffer time before and after holidays. Communicate holiday closures to clients and customers well in advance to manage expectations.
Quick Reference: 2026 Federal Holidays at a Glance
- January 1 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)
- January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)
- February 16 – Washington’s Birthday (Monday)
- May 25 – Memorial Day (Monday)
- June 19 – Juneteenth (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)
Plan Your Year With Confidence
Understanding the 2026 federal holiday schedule helps you coordinate time off, prepare for business closures, and make informed plans throughout the year. Whether you’re scheduling international money transfers around bank holidays or planning family gatherings, having this information at your fingertips simplifies the process.
Mark these dates on your calendar now. Download the printable version to share with your household or team. With proper planning, you can make the most of every holiday in 2026.