How Many Federal Holidays Are There in the US in 2026: 11 or 12?

Federal holidays matter more than most people realize. They affect payroll cycles, business hours, travel demand, school schedules, and family planning. If you are mapping out your 2026 calendar, one of the first questions you may ask is simple: How many federal holidays will the United States observe in 2026?

The short answer is: There will be 12 federal holidays in the United States in 2026.

That count includes the standard 11 federal holidays plus Inauguration Day, which takes place every four years on January 20 and is recognized as a federal holiday for federal employees working in the Washington D.C. area.

Below is the full breakdown of each holiday, its exact date in 2026, and what to expect.

Read more: Full List of Federal Holidays in the US 2026: Date, Celebration, Significance

How many federal holidays are there in the US in 2026

List of US Federal Holidays in 2026

Here is the complete list of federal holidays in 2026:

1. New Year’s Day
   Thursday, January 1, 2026

2. Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
   Monday, January 19, 2026

3. Inauguration Day
   Tuesday, January 20, 2026
   (Observed only by federal employees in the D.C. area)

4. Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day)
   Monday, February 16, 2026

5. Memorial Day
   Monday, May 25, 2026

6. Juneteenth National Independence Day
   Friday, June 19, 2026

7. Independence Day
   Saturday, July 4, 2026
   Federal observance: Friday, July 3, 2026

8. Labor Day
   Monday, September 7, 2026

9. Columbus Day
   Monday, October 12, 2026

10. Veterans Day
    Wednesday, November 11, 2026

11. Thanksgiving Day
    Thursday, November 26, 2026

12. Christmas Day
    Friday, December 25, 2026

This set of holidays matches the official list recognized by the U.S. federal government and applies nationwide, with the one exception of Inauguration Day.

Why Are There 12 Federal Holidays in 2026?

For most years, the United States has 11 federal holidays. The total increases to 12 in the years when a presidential inauguration is held.

Federal holidays fall into two categories:

1. Annual federal holidays (11 total)

These happen every year and are laid out in Title 5 of the U.S. Code.

2. Inauguration Day (extra holiday every four years)

Held on January 20 following a presidential election year.
It is considered a federal holiday only for employees who work in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, but it still counts in the federal holiday list.

Because 2026 is an inauguration year, the total increases to 12 federal holidays.

Key Highlights and Observance Notes for 2026

Independence Day falls on a Saturday in 2026

When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, the observance shifts:

• If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the federal government observes it on the preceding Friday.

• If it falls on a Sunday, the observance moves to Monday.

So in 2026:

• July 4 is Saturday

• Federal holiday is observed Friday, July 3

This affects federal workers, banks, and many offices that close in alignment with federal schedules.

Three-Day Weekends in 2026

Several federal holidays create long weekends that workers often use for travel and vacation. In 2026, these include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Presidents Day

• Memorial Day

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Thanksgiving weekend

• Christmas weekend (because Christmas falls on Friday)

Businesses in hospitality, e-commerce, and transportation often see higher volume during these periods.

Inauguration Day brings regional closures

While Inauguration Day is not a national day off, its effects reach beyond Washington D.C. due to:

• Road closures

• Security measures

• Disruptions in mail and federal agency operations

Businesses that rely on federal services should expect delays around January 20.

Why Federal Holidays Matter to Employers and Workers

Federal holidays influence more than government schedules. They shape payroll cycles, overtime rules, and business operations. Here are a few reasons they matter.

1. Payroll planning

Companies must adjust:

• Direct deposit dates

• Early payroll runs for holidays falling on Fridays

• Bank processing times

2. Employee scheduling

Retail, healthcare, transportation, and hospitality often experience:

• Higher staffing needs during holiday weekends

• Overtime costs

• Adjusted opening hours

3. Travel surges

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) often reports peak travel days on holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.

4. School calendars

Public schools and universities align breaks with federal holidays, which affects family planning and childcare.

What Makes 2026 Unique Compared to Other Years?

Several factors make 2026 a notable year for holiday planning:

A presidential inauguration year

This only happens every four years and adds a rare twelfth holiday for federal workers in the capital.

A Friday Christmas

This usually creates:

• A higher travel peak

• A long holiday weekend

• Early business closures on Christmas Eve

Independence Day weekend effect

Fourth of July landing on a Saturday encourages travel from Friday through Sunday.

Tips for Planning Around Federal Holidays in 2026

If you want a smooth year, these practical tips help individuals and companies stay ahead.

For professionals

• Mark federal closures to avoid delays in government services.

• Adjust deadlines for taxes, filings, or legal matters near holiday weekends.

For businesses

• Review staffing needs at least two months before major holidays.

• Prepare marketing campaigns early for Memorial Day and Black Friday.

• Plan inventory and shipping for Fourth of July and Christmas in advance.

For travelers

• Book flights for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead.

• Expect heavy road traffic during Independence Day weekend.

• Watch for dynamic pricing on hotels and car rentals.

Conclusion

So how many federal holidays will the United States observe in 2026? The answer is 12, thanks to the addition of Inauguration Day. These holidays shape work schedules, travel behavior, and economic activity throughout the year. Planning ahead will help businesses stay organized and help individuals make the most of long weekends and family celebrations.

FAQs

1. How many federal holidays are there in the US in 2026?

There are 12 federal holidays in 2026, including Inauguration Day.

2. Why is Inauguration Day considered a federal holiday?

It is recognized by federal law and applies to federal workers in Washington D.C. every four years.

3. Is Independence Day observed on July 3 or July 4 in 2026?

The holiday falls on July 4, but the official federal observance is Friday, July 3.

4. Are federal holidays the same as national holidays?

Not exactly. The United States does not have official “national holidays,” but federal holidays apply to federal employees and many private businesses follow them.

5. Do all workers get paid time off on federal holidays?

No. Paid holidays depend on employer policy. Only federal employees are guaranteed those days off.

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