2026 Public Holidays in the United States
Planning for 2026? Here’s a look at the federal public holidays observed in the United States. This list reflects the dates recognized by the U.S. government for its employees and are widely observed by businesses and organizations nationwide. Keep in mind that some states and private employers may observe additional holidays.
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026. Start the year with a day off.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026. Celebrates the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026. An opportunity to reflect on the contributions of past U.S. presidents.
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026. Honors those who have died serving in the U.S. military. Many people use this as the unofficial start of summer.
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19, 2026. Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
- Independence Day: Saturday, July 4, 2026. Celebrating the birth of the United States. Because it falls on a Saturday, many employers will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3rd. Check with your employer for their specific holiday schedule.
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026. A day to recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of workers. It’s typically considered the unofficial end of summer.
- Columbus Day: Monday, October 12, 2026. This holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. However, its observance is controversial, and some states and localities have replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026. A traditional holiday for giving thanks for the blessings of the year. Many businesses also give employees the following Friday off, making it a four-day weekend.
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026. Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a widely observed holiday around the world.
Important Notes:
- If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is usually observed on the following Monday. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is often observed on the preceding Friday. However, this is not always the case, and it’s best to confirm with your employer or institution.
- Banks, government offices, and many businesses are typically closed on these holidays.
- Schools and universities also generally observe these holidays with closures.
- Always check with your specific employer’s or organization’s holiday calendar to confirm their observed dates.
Enjoy your 2026 holidays!