Presidents Day 2026 is Monday, Feb. 16 — what’s open and what’s closed

Presidents Day 2026 lands on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, creating a three-day weekend for many Americans and triggering widespread closures across federal offices, financial services, and mail operations. The holiday arrives at a busy point in the winter calendar, when families plan quick getaways, retailers push midseason promotions, and schools weigh weather make-up days against long-weekend schedules.

Even though it’s widely called “Presidents Day,” the federal holiday’s official name remains Washington’s Birthday—and the way it’s observed can still vary by state, city, and employer.

When is Presidents Day 2026?

Presidents Day is observed on the third Monday in February. In 2026, that third Monday falls on Feb. 16. The date shifts year to year, but the “third Monday” rule makes it predictable well in advance.

The move to a Monday was part of a broader effort in the early 1970s to create more consistent long weekends for workers. In practice, it means Presidents Day will never fall on George Washington’s actual birthday (Feb. 22), though the holiday remains tied to him in federal law and tradition.

What Presidents Day actually honors

At the federal level, the holiday is still anchored to George Washington, the first U.S. president. Over time, many states and organizations broadened the meaning to honor more than one leader—often including Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12—then eventually using the day to recognize U.S. presidents more generally.

That evolution helps explain why you’ll see different names on calendars and storefront signs. Some say “Presidents Day,” some say “Washington’s Birthday,” and some blend the two. The day’s meaning has become partly civic commemoration and partly seasonal marker: a late-winter pause before the stretch into spring.

What’s closed on Feb. 16

Presidents Day affects services in ways that matter for errands, bills, and travel plans. The biggest impacts are government operations, mail service, and financial markets.

Key closures and slowdowns to expect on Monday, Feb. 16 (ET):

• Federal government offices are closed, and many courts and administrative services pause.

• Post offices are closed, and regular mail delivery does not run.

• Major banks typically close branches for the day; online banking still works, but some transfers and postings can be delayed until Tuesday.

• U.S. stock and options markets are closed, meaning no regular trading session.

The main practical takeaway: if you need in-person banking, official documents, or time-sensitive mailing, plan for Friday, Feb. 13, or Tuesday, Feb. 17 instead.

What’s open, and what varies locally

Unlike some holidays, Presidents Day doesn’t shut down most consumer life. Many retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and entertainment venues stay open, often with normal or slightly adjusted hours. That’s why the weekend tends to be busy for shopping and short trips.

The biggest wildcard is schools and local government. Some districts close for the holiday, some stay open, and some treat it as a teacher workday. Municipal services (like libraries and city offices) also vary. If you’re planning child care or need a local office open, the safest assumption is: check your district or city schedule for Feb. 16.

Travel can be another variable. Airports and airlines operate normally, but holiday traffic can be heavier than a typical February weekend, especially in winter getaway destinations.

What to watch next: the calendar after Presidents Day

For many workplaces, Presidents Day is the last federal holiday until late spring. The next major federal holiday is Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026, which often marks the start of summer travel and a new cycle of seasonal business.

In the nearer term, families and employers often use Presidents Day as a planning checkpoint: winter sports trips, spring break budgeting, and the start of tax-season crunch time. If your plans depend on government filings, shipping timelines, or market hours, this is one of those “small” holidays that can still cause a big ripple across a Monday.

Sources consulted: U.S. Office of Personnel Management; Federal Reserve; U.S. Postal Service; New York Stock Exchange