Planning ahead for 2026 starts with understanding when the United States will pause for its major holidays. Public holidays shape the rhythm of American life. They influence school calendars, business hours, travel demand, and community events.

This guide brings together the full list of 2026 U.S. federal holidays, along with widely recognized observances and cultural celebrations. Whether you’re preparing a business schedule, organizing family travel, or simply curious about American traditions, this article gives you a complete, easy-to-use breakdown.

The United States is unique in how it celebrates. Many holidays come with deep historical roots. Others have changed over time through legislation or shifting cultural values. Some observances aren’t federal holidays but still play a national role, appearing on calendars, prompting ceremonies, and shaping public discussions.

Here, you’ll find the national holidays recognized by the U.S. government, followed by state-level and cultural observances that matter across the country. Throughout the article, each holiday includes:

• Exact 2026 date

• Background and meaning

• How Americans typically celebrate

• Practical notes for travelers and businesses

Let’s walk through the full 2026 U.S. holiday calendar month by month.

US Holidays 2026: Full Federal Holiday Calendar, Observances, Long Weekends, and How Americans Celebrate

US Federal Holidays in 2026

The United States recognizes 11 federal holidays. On these days, federal government offices close and most employees receive paid leave. Many private businesses follow the same schedule, although some remain open.

Here is the full list for 2026:

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

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19

3. Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 16

4. Memorial Day – Monday, May 25

5. Juneteenth National Independence Day – Friday, June 19

6. Independence Day – Saturday, July 4 (observed Friday, July 3)

7. Labor Day – Monday, September 7

8. Columbus Day – Monday, October 12

9. Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11

10. Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26

11. Christmas Day – Friday, December 25

Now let’s explore each holiday in detail.

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

January 2026

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

New Year’s Day marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. In the United States, it’s both a celebration and a day of rest after New Year’s Eve festivities.

Meaning and traditions
Americans welcome the new year with fireworks, countdowns, and midnight celebrations. Families often gather for brunch, watch sports (especially college football bowl games), and set goals for the year ahead.

Impact on daily life
Most businesses, banks, schools, and government offices close. Public transportation often operates on holiday schedules.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19, 2026

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality through nonviolent action.

Historical significance
MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1983 and is observed on the third Monday of January. It coincides with King’s birthday on January 15.

How Americans celebrate
Many communities hold service projects, reflecting King’s legacy of public service. Schools and organizations host lectures, discussions, and memorial events.

Travel and business notes
Federal offices close, and some companies encourage volunteer programs.

February 2026

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

Popularly known as Presidents Day, this holiday honors George Washington and, informally, all U.S. presidents.

Why it matters
It began as a celebration of Washington’s birthday but evolved into a broader recognition of national leadership.

Common traditions
Retail sales, historical reenactments, museum events, and educational programs about American presidents.

Closures
Government offices and many banks. Most private businesses remain open.

March 2026

March contains no federal holidays, but several observances are widely recognized.

Daylight Saving Time Begins – Sunday, March 8, 2026

Clocks move forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. in most states. Airlines, schools, and businesses plan around this shift.

St. Patrick’s Day – Tuesday, March 17, 2026

A cultural celebration of Irish heritage with parades, music, and green-themed festivities. Not a federal holiday, but a major event in cities like Boston, Chicago, and New York.

April 2026

April also has no federal holidays, but several dates matter to many Americans.

Easter Sunday – April 5, 2026

Easter is not a federal holiday, but it’s one of the most significant Christian celebrations. Traditions include sunrise services, egg hunts, and family gatherings.

Earth Day – Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Schools and community groups organize clean-ups and environmental campaigns.

Arbor Day – April 24, 2026

Observed on the last Friday of April, Arbor Day promotes tree planting and environmental stewardship.

May 2026

Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026

Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who have died in service.

Historical meaning
It originated after the Civil War and has grown into a national day of remembrance.

How Americans observe

• Visiting cemeteries and memorials

• Attending parades

• Holding moments of silence

• Starting the summer season with picnics and weekend travel

Closures
Government offices, many businesses, and schools close. Travel spikes significantly.

June 2026

Juneteenth National Independence Day – Friday, June 19, 2026

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States, dating back to June 19, 1865, when the news reached enslaved people in Texas.

Celebrations
Parades, concerts, educational programs, community meals, and historical reenactments.

Why it’s important
It became a federal holiday in 2021, recognizing the ongoing story of freedom in America.

July 2026

Independence Day – Saturday, July 4, 2026

Observed Friday, July 3 for federal employees

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

How Americans celebrate
Fireworks, barbecues, patriotic concerts, parades, and sporting events. Cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston host major annual displays.

Closures
Because the holiday falls on a Saturday, the federal “observed day” is Friday, July 3.

August 2026

August has no federal holidays, but it’s a major vacation month. Many schools resume near the end of the month.

September 2026

Labor Day – Monday, September 7, 2026

Labor Day honors American workers and the contributions they’ve made to the country’s economic and social development.

Traditions
Parades, union events, barbecues, and the unofficial end of summer.

Business notes
Most government offices close. Retail businesses usually hold sales and remain open.

October 2026

Columbus Day – Monday, October 12, 2026

Columbus Day marks Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492, though its modern interpretation varies.

Modern context
Some states now recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, honoring Native American histories and cultures.

Celebrations
Parades (especially in Italian-American communities), cultural festivals, and educational programs.

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Halloween – Saturday, October 31, 2026

While not a federal holiday, Halloween is one of the most widely celebrated American traditions.

Children go trick-or-treating, and adults enjoy costume parties and themed events.

November 2026

Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased.

Traditions
Ceremonies, wreath-laying events, parades, and community recognitions.

Closures
Federal offices, many banks, and some schools close.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26, 2026

Thanksgiving is rooted in early colonial harvest traditions. Today, it’s a holiday centered on gratitude, family, and shared meals.

Key elements

• Turkey dinners with traditional sides

• Parades (especially the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade)

• Football games

• Start of the holiday shopping season

Travel impact
Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

December 2026

Christmas Day – Friday, December 25, 2026

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ but is widely observed across religious and secular communities.

Common celebrations
Decorations, gift exchanges, church services, community events, and festive meals.

Business notes
Government offices and most businesses close. Retail stores may reduce hours on Christmas Eve.

Full List of 2026 US Public Holidays (Quick Reference)

Holiday	Date	Day
New Year’s Day	January 1	Thursday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	January 19	Monday
Presidents Day	February 16	Monday
Memorial Day	May 25	Monday
Juneteenth	June 19	Friday
Independence Day (Observed)	July 3	Friday
Independence Day (Actual)	July 4	Saturday
Labor Day	September 7	Monday
Columbus Day	October 12	Monday
Veterans Day	November 11	Wednesday
Thanksgiving Day	November 26	Thursday
Christmas Day	December 25	Friday

Major Cultural and Social Observances in 2026

Beyond federal holidays, several observances shape public awareness, school activities, and cultural events.

Black History Month – February

Celebrated through school programs, exhibitions, and media coverage.

Women’s History Month – March

Highlights the achievements of women across various fields.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – May

Honors AAPI contributions to U.S. history and culture.

Pride Month – June

Cities host parades and awareness campaigns supporting LGBTQ+ communities.

Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15

Celebrates Hispanic and Latino American culture and contributions.

Notes for Travelers and Businesses

1. Long weekends in 2026

Plan around these federal holiday weekends:

• MLK Weekend: Jan 17–19

• Presidents Day Weekend: Feb 14–16

• Memorial Day Weekend: May 23–25

• Juneteenth Weekend: June 19–21

• Labor Day Weekend: Sep 5–7

• Columbus Day Weekend: Oct 10–12

• Thanksgiving Weekend: Nov 26–29

2. Peak travel periods

• New Year’s

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

3. Federal vs. state holidays

Some holidays vary by state. For example:

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day replaces Columbus Day in several states.

• Mardi Gras is a public holiday in parts of Louisiana.

• Patriots’ Day is observed in Massachusetts and Maine.

4. School calendars

Most U.S. schools break for:

• Spring break (March or April)

• Thanksgiving week

• Winter break (late December through early January)

These dates influence travel costs and business activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many federal holidays does the U.S. have in 2026?

There are 11 federal holidays in 2026.

2. When is the Fourth of July observed in 2026?

The actual holiday is Saturday, July 4. The official federal observed day is Friday, July 3.

3. Is Easter a federal holiday in the United States?

No. Easter is widely celebrated but not recognized as a federal holiday.

4. Do businesses close on federal holidays?

Most major businesses close for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. Others vary based on company policy.

5. Is Presidents Day the same as Washington’s Birthday?

Yes. The official federal name is Washington’s Birthday, but most Americans call it Presidents Day.

6. Is Juneteenth a paid holiday for all workers?

All federal employees get the day off. Private employers decide whether to offer paid leave.

7. What’s the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Memorial Day honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day honors all U.S. veterans.

8. Which holidays create the heaviest travel traffic?

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Fourth of July rank among the busiest travel periods.

9. Is Columbus Day still widely celebrated?

It varies. Some regions celebrate Columbus Day, while others observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

10. Do schools follow federal holiday schedules?

Usually yes, but some holidays, such as Veterans Day or Columbus Day, can differ by district.

Conclusion The 2026 U.S. calendar offers a full year of celebrations, cultural milestones, and moments of reflection. Understanding the dates and traditions behind each holiday helps with everything from planning vacations to coordinating business operations. As American society continues to evolve, these holidays remain markers of history, community, and national identity.

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