People Also Ask There are 11 federal holidays in 2026 in the United States: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The federal holidays in 2026 are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The 2026 federal holiday dates are listed on this page with their observed dates. When a holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed on the nearest weekday (Friday or Monday). Check the calendar above for exact dates. Yes, most banks and financial institutions are closed on all federal holidays in 2026. The Federal Reserve is also closed. ATMs and online banking remain available. No, USPS post offices are closed on all federal holidays in 2026, and there is no regular mail delivery. Priority Mail Express may still be delivered in some areas. There are 8 long weekends created by federal holidays in 2026. When a holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, it creates a three-day weekend. The next federal holiday is Labor Day, which falls on 2026-09-07. Year-Specific Highlights for 2026 In 2026, the United States observes 11 federal holidays. Independence Day falls on 2026-07-04 (Saturday), observed on 2026-07-03 due to the weekend. Christmas Day lands on 2026-12-25 (Friday). Thanksgiving is celebrated on 2026-11-26 (Thursday). Memorial Day kicks off the summer travel season on 2026-05-25, and Labor Day closes it on 2026-09-07. 1 holiday falls on a weekend in 2026, requiring weekday observation under federal law: Independence Day (2026-07-04 → observed 2026-07-03). Veterans Day is observed on 2026-11-11, and Juneteenth on 2026-06-19. Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on 2026-01-19, and Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) on 2026-02-16. Total federal holidays: 11 Long weekends created: 8 Independence Day 2026: 2026-07-04 (Saturday) — observed 2026-07-03 Thanksgiving 2026: 2026-11-26 (Thursday) Christmas Day 2026: 2026-12-25 (Friday) Memorial Day 2026: 2026-05-25 (Monday) Labor Day 2026: 2026-09-07 (Monday) Veterans Day 2026: 2026-11-11 (Wednesday) Juneteenth 2026: 2026-06-19 (Friday) MLK Day 2026: 2026-01-19 (Monday) Presidents' Day 2026: 2026-02-16 (Monday) Notable Date Patterns in 2026 Across the 11 federal holidays in 2026, 8 create three-day long weekends by falling on a Monday or Friday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, 2026-01-19); Washington's Birthday (Monday, 2026-02-16); Memorial Day (Monday, 2026-05-25); Juneteenth National Independence Day (Friday, 2026-06-19); Independence Day (Friday, 2026-07-03); Labor Day (Monday, 2026-09-07); Columbus Day (Monday, 2026-10-12); Christmas Day (Friday, 2026-12-25). 1 holiday requires weekday observation because the actual date falls on a weekend. 10 holidays fall on midweek days (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), typically without extended weekend benefits. The month with the most federal holidays in 2026 is January with 2 holidays. This distribution shapes the year's rhythm of long weekends, bank closures, and postal service interruptions throughout 2026. Holidays Creating Long Weekends in 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, 2026-01-19 Washington's Birthday — Monday, 2026-02-16 Memorial Day — Monday, 2026-05-25 Juneteenth National Independence Day — Friday, 2026-06-19 Independence Day — Friday, 2026-07-03 Labor Day — Monday, 2026-09-07 Columbus Day — Monday, 2026-10-12 Christmas Day — Friday, 2026-12-25 2026 Federal Holiday Distribution Chart The bar chart below shows how the 11 federal holidays in 2026 are spread across the calendar. January carries the heaviest load with 2 observances, while several months carry none — a pattern that shapes when federal workers, banks, and the USPS pause nationwide.

Data source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) federal holiday schedule for 2026, established under 5 U.S.C. § 6103. Historical Context for 2026 2026 holds special significance in American history as the Semiquincentennial year — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. This milestone is commemorated nationwide through the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016 (Public Law 114-240) to coordinate official celebrations, civic events, and educational programs through July 4, 2026. Independence Day 2026 falls on a Friday (observed 2026-07-03 due to weekend), making it a particularly meaningful observance as the nation marks two and a half centuries of constitutional democracy. Juneteenth National Independence Day, federally recognized since June 17, 2021, will be observed in 2026 on 2026-06-19, continuing to expand in cultural recognition five years after its federal designation. The year 2026 also hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026 (June–July), co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, adding an international dimension to summer holiday planning for many American workers. 2026 Year in Review: Holiday Highlights 2026 holds special significance as the United States Semiquincentennial year — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress through Public Law 114-240 in 2016, coordinates official celebrations, civic events, and educational programs culminating on July 4, 2026. Independence Day 2026 falls on Saturday, observed on Friday, July 3, creating a three-day weekend that amplifies nationwide commemorations. The year also hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 11–July 19), co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first tournament expanded to 48 teams, with 11 U.S. host cities including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The convergence of the Semiquincentennial and World Cup creates an unprecedented summer of civic engagement, international tourism, and holiday observances. Federal employees receive 11 paid federal holidays in 2026, with one weekend adjustment (Independence Day). The year also marks five years since Juneteenth National Independence Day became the 11th federal holiday on June 17, 2021. The 2026 commemorative peak centers on July 4 weekend, when the Semiquincentennial climax, World Cup knockout rounds, and the Independence Day federal observance converge. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission's America250 initiative funds 50-state grassroots programming including signature events at Independence Hall, the National Archives, and the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. The FIFA Council selected MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the World Cup final, with AT&T Stadium in Dallas hosting a semifinal and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles hosting the other. The 48-team World Cup format includes 104 matches across 16 cities in three countries, marking the first World Cup with three host nations. The 2026 Civic Alliance, comprising 50-plus nonprofit partners, coordinates cross-country service projects timed to federal holidays, particularly Memorial Day and Independence Day observances. Beyond the Semiquincentennial, 2026 marks several historically significant American centennials and anniversaries uniquely tied to this year: the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66's official establishment on November 11, 1926 (coinciding with Veterans Day 2026), honoring the iconic 'Mother Road' connecting Chicago to Santa Monica through Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Amarillo, and Albuquerque; the 50th anniversary of Apple Inc., founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California, with Apple Park commemorations planned throughout 2026; the 80th anniversary of the National Basketball Association (NBA), originally founded as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) on June 6, 1946 at New York's Commodore Hotel, with the NBA 80th anniversary celebration at Madison Square Garden timed between Memorial Day and Juneteenth; the 100th anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), founded September 9, 1926 by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) under David Sarnoff, with NBC's first national radio broadcast on November 15, 1926 through the Red Network and Blue Network; the 100th anniversary of the first Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) administration by the College Board on June 23, 1926, developed by Carl Brigham of Princeton, with the College Board's 2026 SAT centennial academic conference timed to the Juneteenth federal holiday; the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh publication on October 14, 1926, featuring Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, and the Hundred Acre Wood, with the New York Public Library's original Pooh bear display and Smithsonian affiliate programming timed to Columbus Day 2026; the 250th anniversary of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River on December 25-26, 1776, preceding the Battle of Trenton, commemorated by Emanuel Leutze's painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Washington Crossing Historic Park's annual reenactment on Christmas Day 2026; and the 50th anniversary of the United States Bicentennial celebration of 1976, with the U.S. Mint's Bicentennial quarters, Bicentennial coins, and the Bicentennial Flag revisited in 2026 retro programming at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Economic Impact of 2026 Holidays U.S. federal holidays in 2026 generate substantial economic activity across retail, travel, and hospitality sectors. Based on historical patterns from the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Thanksgiving-to-Cyber Monday period typically drives over $200 billion in retail spending, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday each exceeding $9 billion in online sales. Independence Day travel, according to AAA historical data, typically sees 47-50 million Americans traveling 50+ miles, with automotive travel accounting for approximately 80% of trips. Memorial Day travel historically reaches 40+ million travelers, marking the unofficial start of the summer travel season. The convergence of the Semiquincentennial celebrations and FIFA World Cup 2026 (June-July) is expected to amplify summer travel and hospitality revenue, particularly in the 11 U.S. host cities. Federal holiday closures cost an estimated $500-700 million per federal holiday in lost government productivity, offset by increased consumer spending in leisure and hospitality. The FIFA World Cup 2026 economic impact projection estimates $5 billion in short-term economic stimulus across the 16 North American host cities, with U.S. host cities expected to capture the majority share. Hospitality sectors in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Miami project record summer bookings during the June 11-July 19 tournament window. The Semiquincentennial tourism bump concentrates around Philadelphia (Independence Day weekend), Boston (historical sites), and Washington, D.C. (National Archives, Smithsonian museums). Consumer spending patterns in 2026 diverge from prior years due to the convergence of federal holiday weekends with World Cup match schedules, particularly around the July 4 weekend overlap with World Cup knockout rounds. The U.S. Travel Association projects $30+ billion in summer travel spending, exceeding 2025 baselines by an estimated 8-12%. Note: Specific 2026 figures will be released by NRF, AAA, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis after each holiday period; the estimates above are based on historical trends and should not be cited as actual 2026 data. Cultural Highlights of 2026 2026 cultural landscape is shaped by the Semiquincentennial commemorations and FIFA World Cup. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission's 'America250' initiative funds grassroots celebrations across all 50 states, including historical reenactments at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, educational programs at the National Archives, and community parades marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 11–July 19) brings 48 national teams to 11 U.S. host cities, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — the largest sporting event ever hosted in North America. Independence Day 2026 (observed Friday, July 3) is expected to feature heightened celebrations nationwide, with the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., PBS's 'A Capitol Fourth' concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, and the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City. Juneteenth 2026 (Friday, June 19) marks the fifth anniversary of federal recognition, with community festivals, historical reenactments of the original June 19, 1865 announcement in Galveston, Texas, and educational programs nationwide. Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery include the traditional placement of flags on over 400,000 graves. The 2026 World Cup Fan Fest locations in host cities provide free public viewing areas, with New York's Times Square, Los Angeles's Hollywood Park, and Dallas's Fair Park among the largest. The America250 Commission's 'Road to 250' initiative culminates with yearlong programming timed to federal holidays, including Presidents' Day founding documents exhibitions, Memorial Day military heritage events, Independence Day Semiquincentennial climax ceremonies, and Veterans Day military recognition programs. PBS premieres the Ken Burns documentary 'The American Revolution' timed to the Semiquincentennial, while the National Endowment for the Humanities funds 50-state reading lists of founding-era texts. The Smithsonian American History Museum's '250 Years of American Democracy' exhibit opens on Flag Day (June 14, 2026). World Cup cultural programming includes 48-nation heritage festivals in host cities during the June-July tournament window. Legislative Changes in 2026 As of 2026, no new federal holidays have been added since Juneteenth National Independence Day was signed into law on June 17, 2021, by President Joe Biden (Public Law 117-17), becoming the 12th federal holiday under 5 U.S.C. § 6103 and the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983. The 11 federal holidays observed in 2026 remain unchanged from 2021: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Several states have ongoing legislative discussions regarding Indigenous Peoples' Day recognition alongside or in place of Columbus Day, with 13 states and over 130 cities officially observing Indigenous Peoples' Day as of 2025. No federal legislative changes affecting holiday observance dates are scheduled for 2026. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Public Law 90-363, effective 1971) continues to govern the Monday observance of four holidays: Washington's Birthday (3rd Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), and Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October). The 2026 Semiquincentennial year has prompted congressional resolutions celebrating the 250th anniversary, but no new federal holiday legislation has emerged from the 118th Congress. The Juneteenth Federal Holiday Commission, established alongside the 2021 law, coordinates 2026 fifth-anniversary observances. Lunar New Year state holiday legislation, signed in California (2022), New York (2022), and New Jersey (2023), takes effect in school-year calendars during 2026 — providing state employee coverage in those three jurisdictions. Indigenous Peoples' Day state holiday recognition expanded to Minnesota and Arizona in the 2025 legislative sessions, bringing the total to 13 states with official observance as of 2026. Diwali school district recognition continues to grow, with New York City Public Schools and several New Jersey districts observing the festival in 2026 calendars. 2026 Holiday Statistics Overview In 2026, the United States observes 11 federal holidays, creating 5 long weekends through Monday or Friday observances (Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday January 19, Washington's Birthday on Monday February 16, Memorial Day on Monday May 25, Labor Day on Monday September 7, and Columbus Day on Monday October 12). Additionally, Juneteenth (Friday June 19), the observed Independence Day (Friday July 3, adjusted from Saturday July 4), and Christmas Day (Friday December 25) create three-day weekends, bringing the total to 8 long weekend opportunities in 2026. Only 1 federal holiday requires weekend adjustment in 2026 (Independence Day, falling on Saturday). Thanksgiving (Thursday November 26) and Veterans Day (Wednesday November 11) fall on midweek days, providing no extended weekend benefit. New Year's Day (Thursday January 1) is the only midweek holiday outside the traditional long weekend structure. The month with the most federal holiday observances is November (2 holidays: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving). The federal government provides 11 paid holidays to approximately 2.1 million federal employees, with state governments observing varying numbers ranging from 10 to 13 paid holidays depending on jurisdiction. The 2026 calendar's distinctive feature is the convergence of the July 4 weekend (Independence Day observed Friday July 3) with the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds (June 11-July 19), creating unprecedented overlap between federal holiday observance and major international sporting events. The Semiquincentennial year concentrates commemorative programming around July 4 weekend, with the National Archives' continuous reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 morning. Federal payroll calendars accommodate 26 biweekly pay periods in 2026, with three pay periods falling during federal holiday closures requiring payroll timing adjustments. The America250 Commission tracks 50-state commemorative events with over 10,000 planned activities timed to federal holidays throughout 2026, particularly clustered around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. 2026 Public Holiday Calendar US Public Holidays 2026 Celebrates the beginning of the new year. Most businesses and schools are closed. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Honors the civil rights leader. Federal holiday since 1986. Washington's Birthday Honors George Washington. Officially designated as Washington's Birthday in federal law (5 U.S.C. § 6103). Honors military personnel who died in service. Marks the unofficial start of summer. Juneteenth National Independence Day Commemorates the end of slavery in 1865. Newest federal holiday (2021). Independence Day Celebrates the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Observed July 3 as July 4 falls on Saturday. Honors American workers. Marks the unofficial end of summer. Commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in 1492. Not observed by all states. Honors all military veterans. Originally Armistice Day marking WWI end. Thanksgiving Day Day of gratitude and harvest celebration. Most businesses close; many have a 4-day weekend. Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Widely observed across the country. If a federal holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed. If on Sunday, the following Monday is observed. Data sourced from U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and state government official announcements. 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