Federal holidays in the United States play a vital role in honoring the nation’s history, cultural values, and the contributions of its people. Observed nationwide, these holidays are officially recognized by the U.S. federal government, leading to the closure of federal offices, courts, and most banks, while also influencing work schedules in both public and private sectors. The Federal Holidays 2026 USA list and calendar provides individuals, businesses, and institutions with a clear overview of important dates to plan vacations, official work, financial transactions, and academic schedules efficiently.
In 2026, the U.S. federal holiday calendar includes significant observances such as New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some holidays fall on weekends and may be officially observed on adjacent weekdays, making it essential to check the observance dates carefully.
Understanding the 2026 federal holiday schedule helps employees manage leave, enables employers to plan operations smoothly, and assists travelers in avoiding peak periods. This article presents a complete, easy-to-read Federal Holidays 2026 USA list and calendar, ensuring you stay informed and well-prepared throughout the year.
U.S. Federal Holidays 2026: List & Calendar
The complete list of U.S. Federal Holidays for 2026 along with their dates and days of the week. In the United States, federal holidays are days when most federal government offices are closed and many employees get the day off.
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Federal holiday |
| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 19 | Monday | 3rd Monday in January |
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | February 16 | Monday | 3rd Monday in February 🇺🇸 |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday | Last Monday in May 🇺🇸 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | Friday | Commemorates end of enslavement |
| Independence Day (Observed) | July 3 | Friday* | Observed since July 4 is on Saturday 🇺🇸 |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday | 1st Monday in September |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | October 12 | Monday | 2nd Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday | Honors all U.S. veterans 🇺🇸 |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday | 4th Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
*When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the federal government generally observes it on the preceding Friday for pay and leave purposes.
Federal Holiday 2026 Quick Overview (by Month)
January
-
Jan 1 — New Year’s Day
-
Jan 19 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February
-
Feb 16 — Washington’s Birthday
May
-
May 25 — Memorial Day
June
-
Jun 19 — Juneteenth
July
-
Jul 3 — Independence Day (Observed)
September
-
Sep 7 — Labor Day
October
-
Oct 12 — Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
November
-
Nov 11 — Veterans Day
-
Nov 26 — Thanksgiving
December
-
Dec 25 — Christmas Day
USA Federal Holiday 2025- 2026
| Federal Holidays 2026 | |
| Date | Holiday |
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| Monday, February 16, 2026** | Washington’s Birthday |
| Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day |
| Friday, June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Friday, July 3, 2026 | Independence Day |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day |
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day |
| Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Federal Holidays 2025 | |
| Date | Holiday |
| Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, January 20, 2025 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| Monday, January 20, 2025* | Inauguration Day |
| Monday, February 17, 2025** | Washington’s Birthday |
| Monday, May 26, 2025 | Memorial Day |
| Thursday, June 19, 2025 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Friday, July 4, 2025 | Independence Day |
| Monday, September 1, 2025 | Labor Day |
| Monday, October 13, 2025 | Columbus Day |
| Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday, November 27, 2025 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Thursday, December 25, 2025 | Christmas Day |
FAQs
Q1. How many federal holidays are there in the USA in 2026?
There are 11 federal holidays observed in the United States in 2026. These holidays are officially recognized by the U.S. federal government and apply to federal offices and institutions.
Q2. What is the first federal holiday in 2026?
The first federal holiday in 2026 is New Year’s Day, observed on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Q3. Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday in 2026?
Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday and will be observed on Monday, January 19, 2026 (third Monday of January).
Q4. Are federal offices closed on Washington’s Birthday in 2026?
Yes, federal offices will be closed on Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day), which falls on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Q5. Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2026?
Yes, Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday and will be observed on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Q6. When is Independence Day observed in 2026?
Independence Day will be observed on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Since it falls on a Saturday, some federal employees may receive an alternative day off.
Q7. Is Labor Day a federal holiday in the USA?
Yes, Labor Day is a federal holiday and will be observed on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Q8. Are banks closed on federal holidays in 2026?
Most banks are closed on federal holidays, though some private banks may remain open on certain holidays. It’s best to check with your bank directly.
Q9. Is Thanksgiving Day a federal holiday in 2026?
Yes, Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday and will be observed on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Q10. What is the last federal holiday in 2026?
The last federal holiday in 2026 is Christmas Day, observed on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Q11. Do federal holidays apply to private sector employees?
Federal holidays are mandatory only for federal government offices. Private companies may choose to observe some or all federal holidays depending on company policy.
Q12. Are schools closed on federal holidays in the USA?
Public school closures on federal holidays vary by state and district. Holidays like Independence Day and Christmas are usually observed nationwide.
Q13. Where can I download the Federal Holidays 2026 calendar?
You can download the Federal Holidays 2026 calendar from official U.S. government websites or trusted calendar platforms in PDF or printable formats.