Is Monday a federal holiday? Yes. Monday, February 16, 2026, is a federal holiday in the United States in observance of Washington’s Birthday, widely known as Presidents Day.
The federal government recognizes Washington’s Birthday as one of the 11 official U.S. federal holidays. In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, February 16, because it is observed on the third Monday of February each year. Federal offices will close, and many banks, courts, and government services will pause operations for the day.
Here’s what that means nationwide.
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What Federal Holiday Falls on Monday, February 16, 2026?
Washington’s Birthday is the official name of the federal holiday observed on the third Monday in February.
Although many Americans call it Presidents Day, federal law still designates the holiday as Washington’s Birthday. The observance honors George Washington, the first U.S. president, whose actual birthday is February 22.
Congress moved the holiday to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971. The change created long weekends for workers and aligned several federal holidays with Mondays.
In 2026, the third Monday in February is February 16.
Federal Holidays in 2026
The United States recognizes 11 federal holidays each year. These holidays apply to federal employees and federal government operations.
Here is the complete list for 2026:
| Holiday | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Thursday) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 (Monday) |
| Washington’s Birthday | February 16 (Monday) |
| Memorial Day | May 25 (Monday) |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 (Friday) |
| Independence Day | July 4 (Saturday, observed July 3) |
| Labor Day | September 7 (Monday) |
| Columbus Day | October 12 (Monday) |
| Veterans Day | November 11 (Wednesday) |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 (Thursday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (Friday) |
So, if you’re asking, “Is Monday a federal holiday?” and referring to February 16, 2026, the answer is yes.
What Closes on a Federal Holiday?
When Monday is a federal holiday, several services close nationwide.
Federal Government Offices
All non-essential federal offices close on Washington’s Birthday. That includes:
- Social Security Administration offices
- Internal Revenue Service offices
- Federal courts
- Passport agencies
Essential services remain operational.
U.S. Postal Service
USPS does not deliver regular mail on federal holidays. Post offices close on February 16, 2026. Priority Mail Express remains available in limited cases.
Banks
Most major banks close in observance of Washington’s Birthday. This includes national banks and many regional institutions. Online banking and ATMs continue to operate.
Financial Markets
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq close on federal holidays. Markets will not trade on Monday, February 16, 2026.
What Stays Open?
A federal holiday does not automatically close private businesses.
Retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers typically remain open. Many retailers even run Presidents Day sales.
Public transportation schedules may adjust depending on local government decisions.
State and local government offices may close, but policies vary by state.
Why It’s Called Washington’s Birthday
Federal law refers to the February holiday as Washington’s Birthday.
Over time, the day evolved into a broader celebration of U.S. presidents. Retail advertising popularized the name Presidents Day, especially during winter sales events.
Despite common usage, Congress has never officially renamed the federal holiday to Presidents Day. On federal calendars and government documents, it remains Washington’s Birthday.
How Federal Holiday Observance Works
Federal holidays follow specific observance rules:
- If a holiday falls on Saturday, it is observed on Friday.
- If it falls on Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
In 2026, Washington’s Birthday naturally lands on Monday, February 16. No alternate observance date applies.
Federal employees receive paid leave for the holiday unless required to work essential shifts.
State Recognition of the Holiday
All 50 states recognize the third Monday in February as a public holiday in some form.
However, naming conventions vary:
- Some states use Presidents Day officially.
- Others use Washington’s Birthday.
- A few combine recognition of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
Despite naming differences, the date aligns with the federal calendar.
Impact on Schools and Businesses
Most public schools close on Washington’s Birthday.
Colleges and universities often suspend classes as well. Private schools and institutions set their own calendars.
Corporate offices may remain open unless company policy aligns with federal holidays.
Many employers provide paid time off if their holiday schedule mirrors the federal calendar.
Historical Background
Congress first established Washington’s Birthday as a federal holiday in 1879. Initially, the holiday fell on February 22, Washington’s actual birth date.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act shifted the observance to the third Monday in February beginning in 1971. Lawmakers intended to create predictable three-day weekends and encourage domestic travel.
Since then, Washington’s Birthday has remained one of several Monday-based federal holidays.
Common Questions About Monday Federal Holidays
Does every Monday become a federal holiday?
No. Only specific Mondays designated by federal law qualify.
In 2026, these Mondays are federal holidays:
- January 19
- February 16
- May 25
- September 7
- October 12
Other Mondays are regular business days.
Do federal employees always get the day off?
Most non-essential federal employees receive paid leave. Essential workers may still report to duty.
Are courts open?
Federal courts close on federal holidays. State courts usually follow similar schedules.
Presidents Day Sales and Travel Trends
Retailers across the country promote Presidents Day sales during the holiday weekend.
Common promotional categories include:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Mattresses
- Electronics
- Automobiles
Air travel often increases during three-day weekends. Travelers planning trips around February 16, 2026, may encounter higher demand.
Federal Holiday vs. Public Holiday
A federal holiday applies to federal government operations. It does not require private employers to close.
Some businesses treat the day as a regular workday. Others provide holiday pay or paid leave.
Labor laws do not mandate premium pay unless the employer’s policy requires it.
Confirmed Answer for February 16, 2026
To answer clearly:
If you’re asking, “Is Monday a federal holiday?” and referring to February 16, 2026, yes, it is Washington’s Birthday, one of the 11 official U.S. federal holidays.
Federal offices will close. USPS will suspend regular mail delivery. Major banks and stock markets will not operate. Many retail businesses will remain open.
Understanding the distinction between federal closure and private business policy helps avoid confusion.
The next federal holiday after February 16, 2026, will be Memorial Day on May 25, 2026.
Knowing the federal calendar helps with planning travel, banking, government services, and school schedules.
Are you planning to take advantage of the long weekend, or do you have business to handle before Monday arrives? Stay informed and plan ahead.
