At a Glance
- 11 federal holidays observed each year by the U.S. government
- 2026 holiday dates range from January 1 to December 25
- Inauguration Day is a special holiday only in Washington D.C. every four years
- Why it matters: Knowing these dates helps you plan office closures, school schedules, and personal celebrations
The U.S. federal government observes a set of holidays that mark important moments in the nation’s history. Every year, 11 specific days are designated as federal holidays, closing government offices, banks, schools, and sometimes businesses and the stock market. In addition, Washington D.C. gets a twelfth holiday-Inauguration Day-when a new president is sworn in, but only every four years.
Federal Holidays in 2026
The following table lists each federal holiday and its 2026 date. Observe that the holiday is observed on a weekday, and when it falls on a weekend, the observance may shift.
| Holiday | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, Jan. 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday | Monday, Jan. 19 |
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Monday, Feb. 16 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday, Jun. 19 |
| Independence Day | Friday, Jul. 3 (Observed) |
| Labor Day | Monday, Sep. 7 |
| Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) | Monday, Oct. 12 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, Nov. 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, Nov. 26 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, Dec. 25 |
Inauguration Day
Inauguration Day is a federal holiday only in Washington D.C. and occurs every four years on the day the new president is sworn in. The most recent inauguration was on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, and the next will be on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2029.
Key Takeaways
- 11 federal holidays each year keep government and many private offices closed.
- 2026 dates range from January 1 to December 25, with some holidays observed on adjacent weekdays.
- Inauguration Day is a unique Washington D.C. holiday that happens every four years on the presidential inauguration.
With these dates in hand, you can better plan your calendar, business operations, and personal celebrations throughout 2026.
