What's Open and Closed on Presidents Day 2026

Government offices and schools are shut, but most major retailers remain open for the holiday.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Presidents Day holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026 will see federal and state government offices, courts, and most schools closed, while the U.S. stock market and banks will also be shuttered. However, most major retail stores and businesses will remain open, and national parks will offer free admission to U.S. residents.

Why it matters

Presidents Day is a federal holiday observed annually on the third Monday of February to honor the legacy of former U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The holiday's observance and what is open or closed can impact the daily routines and plans of many Americans.

The details

On Presidents Day 2026, government offices, courts, and most schools will be closed, while the U.S. stock market and banks will also be shut for the holiday. However, most major retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses will remain open. National parks will offer free admission to U.S. residents on Presidents Day, continuing a tradition that was briefly interrupted when the Trump administration changed the free admission calendar.

  • Presidents Day is observed on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

George Washington

The first President of the United States, after whom the official designation of the holiday "Washington's Birthday" is named.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, whose birth date of February 12 has led to arguments to also honor him on the Presidents Day holiday.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, whose birthday of June 14 was briefly used as the free admission day for national parks before being changed back.

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What’s next

The National Park Service may consider further changes to its free admission calendar in the future, potentially sparking additional debate over how to best honor U.S. presidents and other historical figures.

The takeaway

Presidents Day remains an important federal holiday that impacts the daily routines of many Americans, with government offices, schools, and financial markets closed, while most major retailers stay open. The holiday's observance and what is open or closed can be a source of ongoing discussion and debate.