US federal holidays with 2026 dates
The US has 11 federal holidays. When one falls on a Saturday it is observed on Friday; on a Sunday it is observed on Monday. Most banks, schools and government offices close; private employers vary.
| Holiday | Date rule | 2026 date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | 2026-01-01 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | 2026-01-19 | Monday |
| Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) | Third Monday in February | 2026-02-16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | 2026-05-25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | 2026-06-19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | 2026-07-03 (observed) | Friday |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | 2026-09-07 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | 2026-10-12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | 2026-11-11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | 2026-11-26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 2026-12-25 | Friday |
Notes
- Saturday holidays are observed the preceding Friday; Sunday holidays the following Monday (as with July 4 in 2026).
- Inauguration Day (Jan 20 every 4 years) is a holiday only for federal employees in the Washington DC area.
- Private companies are not required to follow the federal schedule.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the 11 federal holidays?
- New Year's Day, MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- When is the July 4 holiday observed in 2026?
- July 4, 2026 is a Saturday, so the federal holiday is observed on Friday, July 3.
- Do businesses have to close on federal holidays?
- No — only federal offices close by law. Banks usually follow, but private employers choose their own holiday calendars.