Presidents Day 2026: What's Open, What's Closed

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Monday, February 16, 2026 marks Presidents Day, the federal holiday that honors the U.S. presidents. While the day is commonly referred to as 'Presidents Day,' the official designation is still 'Washington's Birthday.' Most federal offices, courts, and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed, but many retailers, grocery stores, and shipping services will remain open with modified hours.

Why it matters

Presidents Day is one of the most widely observed federal holidays in the United States, providing a day to reflect on the leadership and legacy of the nation's presidents. However, the holiday's observance and name have evolved over time, leading to some confusion about what the day actually commemorates and what will be open or closed.

The details

The U.S. first made February 22nd, George Washington's birthday, a federal holiday in 1879. In 1968, the celebration was moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. While many refer to the holiday as 'Presidents Day,' it is still officially known as 'Washington's Birthday' by the federal government.

• The U.S. made February 22nd, Washington's Birthday, a federal holiday in 1879.
• In 1968, the celebration was moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
• Monday, February 16, 2026 is the observed Presidents Day/Washington's Birthday federal holiday.

What’s next

The federal government will continue to officially observe the holiday as 'Washington's Birthday,' though many private businesses and state/local governments may refer to it as 'Presidents Day.' Individuals should check with their specific employers, schools, and local services to confirm operating hours on the February 16, 2026 holiday.