We all look forward to a day off. Whether it is a chance to gather with family for a barbecue, a moment to honor our history, or simply an extra day to rest and recharge, holidays are important milestones in our year. But for many of us, they also require a little bit of logistical planning.
Knowing when banks, post offices, and government agencies are closed can save you from a wasted trip or a delayed payment. It helps you request time off work before the calendar fills up and allows you to book travel while prices are still reasonable.
To help you get ahead, we have put together a complete guide to the 2026 U.S. bank holidays. We will cover the specific dates you need to know, identify which holidays create long weekends, and offer simple tips to navigate business closures with confidence. With this information in hand, you can organize your year with peace of mind.
What Are U.S. Bank Holidays?
It is easy to confuse “bank holidays” with “federal holidays,” but for all practical purposes in the United States, they are usually the same thing. A federal holiday is a date recognized by the U.S. government. On these days, non-essential federal government offices close. This includes the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Federal Reserve.
Because the Federal Reserve is closed, most commercial banks and credit unions also close their branches. Transactions that rely on the Federal Reserve—like wire transfers or processing checks—typically pause until the next business day. While many private businesses choose to close or offer holiday pay, they are not legally required to do so. This is why you might find your local grocery store open on Veterans Day even though your bank is closed.
2026 U.S. Bank Holidays Calendar
Here is the full schedule for 2026. This list includes all standard federal holidays.
One important note for 2026: Independence Day falls on a Saturday. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on the preceding Friday. This means many banks and federal offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026.
|
Date |
Day of the Week |
Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
|
January 1 |
Thursday |
New Year’s Day |
|
January 19 |
Monday |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
|
February 16 |
Monday |
Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) |
|
May 25 |
Monday |
Memorial Day |
|
June 19 |
Friday |
Juneteenth National Independence Day |
|
July 3 |
Friday |
Independence Day (Observed)* |
|
September 7 |
Monday |
Labor Day |
|
October 12 |
Monday |
Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) |
|
November 11 |
Wednesday |
Veterans Day |
|
November 26 |
Thursday |
Thanksgiving Day |
|
December 25 |
Friday |
Christmas Day |
*Independence Day is legally Saturday, July 4, but observed on Friday, July 3.
Long Weekends in 2026
If you are looking to maximize your vacation time, 2026 offers several opportunities for three-day weekends. Because holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are always observed on a Monday, they automatically create a longer break.
In 2026, we get a few extra opportunities:
- Juneteenth (June 19): Falls on a Friday, creating a three-day weekend.
- Independence Day (July 3 observed): Because the observance is on a Friday, this creates another three-day summer weekend.
- Christmas Day (Dec 25): Falls on a Friday, giving you a long weekend to celebrate the holidays without needing to use extra vacation days.
Best Times to Travel or Relax
Planning ahead is the best way to reduce stress and save money on travel. Here is how you can use the 2026 calendar to your advantage.
Memorial Day and Labor Day
These are the traditional bookends of summer. They are popular for camping trips and beach vacations, meaning traffic is heavy and accommodation prices peak. If you plan to travel during these weekends, try to book your flights and hotels at least three to four months in advance.
The “July 4th” Weekend
With the holiday observed on Friday, July 3, you have a perfect window for a mid-summer getaway. Since the actual holiday is Saturday, you can expect fireworks displays and celebrations to happen on both Friday and Saturday nights depending on your location.
Veterans Day
In 2026, Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday. While it doesn’t create a long weekend naturally, it offers a unique opportunity for a mid-week break. Taking two days off (Thursday and Friday) could give you a five-day stretch of relaxation while using limited paid time off.
Post-Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday. Many schools and businesses remain closed on the following Friday, but banks and federal offices technically reopen. However, trading volume is often light, and many people treat it as a four-day weekend.
Business and Banking Impacts
When the Federal Reserve closes, the financial plumbing of the country pauses. It is helpful to know exactly what this means for your errands and business needs.
What is closed?
- Major Banks: Most branches will be locked. ATMs and online banking will still work, but human support may be unavailable.
- Post Offices: USPS will not deliver regular mail.
- Federal Offices: Passport agencies, Social Security offices, and federal courts will be closed.
- Stock Markets: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq typically close for all federal holidays except Columbus Day and Veterans Day.
What stays open?
- Private Couriers: FedEx and UPS often operate on a modified schedule, but they do not always stop completely like the USPS.
- Retail and Dining: Most stores and restaurants remain open, though some may have reduced hours on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Planning Tip: If you need to send money internationally or pay a bill that is due on the 1st or 15th of the month, check the calendar. If the due date falls on a holiday (like New Year’s Day), initiate the transaction one or two business days early to ensure it arrives on time.
Regional Holidays and Observances
While the federal calendar applies across the country, some states have their own unique holidays. On these days, state government offices might close, even if federal offices remain open.
- César Chávez Day (March 31): Widely observed in California, where state offices and schools often close.
- Patriots’ Day (April 20): Observed in Massachusetts and Maine. This falls on the third Monday in April and commemorates the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is also the day of the Boston Marathon.
- Election Day (November 3): While not a federal holiday, some states (like New York and Illinois) have made it a holiday to encourage voting.
It is always a good idea to check your specific state’s calendar, especially if you have business with local government agencies like the DMV.
How to Set Your Calendar
We recommend taking five minutes right now to mark these dates in your personal calendar.
- Digital Calendars: Most digital calendars (Google, Outlook, Apple) have a setting to “Add Holidays.” Ensure specifically “US Holidays” is checked in your settings.
- Set Reminders: For major holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, set a reminder two weeks in advance. This prompts you to mail gifts or finalize grocery lists early.
- Check Your Pay Schedule: If your payday usually falls on a Friday, and that Friday is a holiday (like July 3 or December 25 in 2026), ask your employer if you will be paid the day before or the Monday after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is usually observed the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is usually observed the following Monday. In 2026, this applies to Independence Day (Saturday, July 4), which is observed on Friday, July 3.
Are U.S. bank holidays paid days off?
For federal employees, yes. For private sector workers, it depends entirely on the employer. Many companies follow the federal schedule, but others may only offer major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas as paid time off.
Do banks close for state holidays?
Generally, no. National banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule. However, small local credit unions or community banks in specific states might choose to close or have limited hours on state-specific holidays.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth 2026
Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not stressful. By knowing the 2026 dates in advance, you can avoid the frustration of a “Closed” sign at the bank or a late fee on a bill. Whether you are planning a family reunion for the long July 4th weekend or just ensuring your mortgage payment clears on time, a little preparation goes a long way.
Mark these dates down, plan your time off, and look forward to the celebrations the year will bring.