Quick Read
- Presidents’ Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 16.
- Federal offices, banks, and U.S. stock markets (NYSE, Nasdaq) will be closed.
- Most major retailers (Walmart, Target, Costco) and UPS delivery services will operate as usual.
- USPS will be closed, with no regular mail delivery.
- Independence Day (July 4, 2026) will be observed on Friday, July 3, due to falling on a Saturday.
WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – As the United States prepares to observe Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, many Americans will experience a mix of closures and continued operations across the country. While federal government offices, banks, and major financial markets will pause in observance of the holiday, most retail stores and some delivery services are expected to operate business as usual, creating a varied landscape for citizens planning their day.
Presidents’ Day, officially known as George Washington’s Birthday, has been a federal holiday since 1879, initially commemorating the first U.S. President. Over time, it has evolved to honor Abraham Lincoln and the legacy of all American presidents, consistently falling on the third Monday of February. This year’s observance on February 16 marks one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government throughout 2026, impacting federal employees and services nationwide.
Presidents’ Day 2026: Navigating Closures and Openings
For millions across the U.S., Presidents’ Day 2026 will mean a day off from federal work and a halt to many financial activities. Federal government offices, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery. Most public schools and many colleges and universities are also expected to close, though parents and students are advised to verify schedules with their local institutions.
The financial sector will largely observe the holiday. Bank branches from major institutions such as Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Chase, Truist, and Citibank will not be open. Crucially, the nation’s financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and U.S. bond markets, will also be closed, confirmed by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). Trading will resume at normal hours on Tuesday, February 17, as reported by Freep.com.
Conversely, many private sector businesses and essential services will continue to operate. Major grocery chains like Walmart, Aldi, Target, Whole Foods Market, and Costco are expected to maintain their regular business hours. Retailers across the country will generally remain open. Delivery services will also see varied operations: UPS will continue its pickup and delivery services, with its store locations remaining open. FedEx, while largely operational, will run U.S. and international package and express freight services on a modified schedule, according to Livemint.
The Full Calendar of US Federal Holidays for 2026
Beyond Presidents’ Day, Americans will observe a total of 11 federal holidays in 2026. These dates are recognized by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and typically result in the closure of federal government offices, post offices, and banks. The full list of federal holidays for 2026 is as follows, according to the Hindustan Times and The Independent:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
- Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.: Monday, January 19
- Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday): Monday, February 16
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
- Independence Day: Saturday, July 4 (Observed Friday, July 3)
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day: Monday, October 12
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
Understanding Federal Holiday Observance Rules
The distinction between federal holidays and their observance by private businesses is significant. While federal holidays mandate closures for government entities and often influence banking and financial markets, private employers have the discretion to set their own policies. Many private companies choose to close or offer holiday pay, but it is not universally required.
A key rule for federal holiday observance is how weekend holidays are handled. If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is typically observed on the nearest weekday. For instance, Independence Day, which falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, will be officially observed by federal employees on Friday, July 3, 2026. This adjustment ensures that federal workers still receive the benefit of a day off.
The varied impact of federal holidays like Presidents’ Day highlights the complex interplay between government policy and private sector operations, requiring individuals to proactively check the operating status of specific services and businesses to avoid disruption.