Yes — Presidents Day 2026 (officially Washington’s Birthday) is a U.S. federal holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026, meaning many government offices, US banks, the U.S. stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq, bonds) and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed, while most retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and some private services remain open with regular or modified hours.
What Is Presidents Day 2026 — Federal Holiday Explained
Presidents Day is one of 11 federally recognized holidays in the United States each year, observed on the third Monday in February — in 2026, that falls on February 16. Although the official federal name is Washington’s Birthday under U.S. law, the holiday is commonly called Presidents Day as a broader tribute to all U.S. presidents.
This holiday was codified under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which shifted several holidays to Mondays to create long weekends. Presidents Day is a chance for Americans to celebrate the legacy of early presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln — whose February birthdays anchor the tradition.
What’s Closed on Presidents Day 2026
Federal Government Offices
- All federal agencies and services close for the day.
- This includes social security offices, SNAP offices, and most federally governed administrative bodies.
U.S. Postal Service
- All USPS post offices shut and mail delivery is suspended for the entire day.
- Mail delivery resumes on Tuesday, February 17.
Banks and Financial Institutions
- Major banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, Capital One, PNC, Truist and others — observe the holiday and close their physical branches.
- While ATMs and online/mobile banking remain available for basic tasks, in-person services are not available.
U.S. Stock and Bond Markets
- The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq, and bond markets will be closed.
- Transactions cannot be executed on these exchanges on Presidents Day.
- Markets reopen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Public Schools and Government-Run Institutions
- Most public K-12 schools, colleges and universities are closed, although some districts may make independent decisions.
- Local government offices may also shut for the day.
What’s Open or Operating on Presidents Day 2026
Retail Stores and Grocery Chains
- Most retail shops, supermarkets and big-box stores remain open.
- Stores often run Presidents Day weekend sales on furniture, appliances, and other goods.
Restaurants and Pharmacies
- Nationwide restaurant chains and pharmacies typically stay open, though hours may vary by location.
- Retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens generally operate normally.
Private Shipping and Delivery Services
- UPS services run as normal, and many UPS Store locations remain open with regular hours.
- FedEx offers pickup and delivery on the holiday, although some locations may operate on a modified schedule.
- UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations packages may experience an extra transit day due to the USPS shutdown.
ATMs and Digital Services
- ATMs remain accessible, and mobile/online banking apps continue to function for electronic transfers, balance inquiries, and transactions.
Historical Roots & Cultural Significance
Presidents Day was first established in 1879 to honor George Washington’s birthday (February 22). It became a nationwide federal holiday and was later expanded under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971 so the date would always fall on a Monday — creating a long weekend for many Americans.
Though “Washington’s Birthday” remains the official legal name, public usage has shifted almost exclusively to “Presidents Day,” celebrating Washington, Abraham Lincoln and, increasingly, all U.S. presidents.
Travel & Leisure: Planning Around Presidents Day
Presidents Day often marks one of the first major travel peaks of the year, as families use the long weekend for short trips or winter escapes. Many states also schedule ski holidays, winter festivals and special events around this date. Keep in mind:
- Airports may see higher passenger traffic Sunday through Monday.
- Hotels and resorts often fill quickly and rates can spike unless booked in advance.
- Holiday weekend weather can influence travel plans, especially in northern states in February.
Quick Reference: What’s Closed and What’s Open
| Service | Status on Feb. 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Federal Government Offices | Closed |
| USPS Mail & Post Offices | Closed |
| Banks (Physical Branches) | Closed |
| Stock Market & Bond Markets | Closed |
| Public Schools | Generally Closed |
| Retail Stores | Open |
| Grocery Stores | Open |
| Restaurants | Open |
| UPS Delivery | Open |
| FedEx Delivery | Open / Modified |
| ATMs & Online Banking | Available |
Expert Tips for Navigating Presidents Day 2026
- Plan banking and bill payments early: Transactions initiated on the holiday may only process the next business day, Tuesday, February 17.
- Confirm local services: While USPS shuts nationwide, private carriers may vary by region.
- Stock trading calendars: If you trade stocks, set reminders well before the holiday since U.S. markets are fully closed.
- Check school district schedules: Many districts vary on whether they use Presidents Day as a snow makeup day.
Conclusion: What Presidents Day 2026 Means for You
Presidents Day 2026 — officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday — is a formal federal holiday observed across the United States on Monday, February 16, 2026. As with other federal holidays, this means key government functions pause, major financial markets and banks shut, and postal services halt for the day. Yet, for most Americans, life goes on: retail stays open, delivery services like UPS and FedEx operate, and digital banking tools keep customers connected.
Planning ahead for these closures ensures you don’t get caught by surprise — especially if you need postal services or personal banking. And if you’re heading out to take advantage of Presidents Day sales or travel, mapping out your schedule around these closures can save you time and frustration.
