Is Presidents Day a federal holiday? What’s open and closed Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

Mo. Basuony

Published: February 13, 2026 10:26 AM ET

Presidents Day lands on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET). It is a federal holiday, which means many government functions pause for the day while much of the private sector operates on regular Monday schedules. Here’s a quick guide to closures and services.

Is Presidents Day a federal holiday?

Yes. Presidents Day is a federal holiday honoring the nation’s presidents, rooted in an 1879 observance for George Washington and broadened in the late 1960s to recognize all U.S. presidents. As a federal holiday, it triggers closures for federal offices and certain services nationwide.

Government offices and mail

Federal office buildings will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 (ET). The United States Postal Service will pause retail counters and regular mail delivery for the day. Normal USPS retail and delivery operations are set to resume Tuesday, Feb. 17 (ET).

Many state, county and local government offices typically align with the federal calendar, but schedules can vary by jurisdiction. Residents should check local office hours for services such as motor vehicle branches, courts, and libraries.

Banks and financial markets

Most major banks plan to close their branches in observance of the holiday on Monday, Feb. 16 (ET). Mobile apps and ATMs remain available, and in-person banking is expected to resume Tuesday, Feb. 17 (ET). Some regional or community institutions may post exceptions; customers should verify their branch’s status before heading out.

U.S. stock markets will close for the holiday. Both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will observe the day off on Monday, with normal trading hours returning Tuesday, Feb. 17 (ET).

Shipping and package services

UPS pickup and delivery services will operate on Presidents Day. FedEx will be open with modified services, and hours can vary by location and service type. Customers with time-sensitive shipments should confirm local schedules or service levels for Feb. 16 and plan for standard operations to return Tuesday.

Retail and grocery stores

Most retailers and supermarkets will be open and running on regular Monday hours. While some chains may adjust store or pharmacy schedules by location, the broader retail landscape typically treats Presidents Day as a standard business day.

In Wisconsin, for example, several grocery chains and Milwaukee-area supermarkets have confirmed they will operate on regular schedules for Monday, reflecting a nationwide pattern of stores staying open during the holiday.

Transit, parking and schools

Public transit agencies may run on regular or modified schedules. Riders should check route updates for the holiday. Municipal parking rules can also shift for holidays in some cities; posted signage takes precedence.

School schedules are set locally and can vary. Some districts treat Presidents Day as a day off, while others remain in session or use it as a staff development day. Families should review their district calendars for Monday’s plan.

Key takeaways for Monday, Feb. 16 (ET)

Closed: Federal offices, regular USPS retail and mail delivery, U.S. stock markets, most bank branches
Open: Most retail and grocery stores, UPS pickup and delivery
Modified: FedEx services and select local operations (transit, parking, schools) vary by location

For anything time-sensitive on the holiday, double-check local hours and service notices, and expect a full return to typical operations Tuesday, Feb. 17 (ET).