A federal holiday is a public holiday officially recognized by the United States government. These days honor important people, historic events, and national traditions. On federal holidays, most government offices and many public institutions are closed, while private businesses and schools may decide whether to remain open. Federal employees typically receive a paid day off, or premium pay if they are required to work, supporting a better balance between work and personal life.
In 2026, federal holidays follow standard observance rules across the civil service. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed for pay and leave purposes. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. This page provides a clear and complete list of the 2026 federal holidays to help you plan time off, family events, and important dates throughout the year.
Printable Federal Holidays 2026
Download free printable 2026 federal holiday calendar templates in PDF format to stay organized all year. These ready to use calendars highlight every official federal holiday, making it easy to track leave, schedule events, and plan ahead.
2026 Calendar with Federal Holidays
Use our 2026 calendar with federal holidays clearly marked on a single page. View the entire year at a glance and quickly see how each holiday fits into your schedule.
List of Federal Holidays 2026
See all eleven official US federal holidays for 2026 listed in date order. This simple table format helps you check upcoming holidays and plan important events with ease.
| Event Name | Date (2026) | Days Left |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday, January 1 | |
| MLK Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | |
| Presidents' Day | Monday, February 16 | |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | |
| Indep. Day Off | Friday, July 3 | |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 | |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 | |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 | |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 |
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. It is a federal holiday that celebrates the beginning of the new year, often marked by fireworks, parties, and resolutions for the year ahead. It is a time for reflection and fresh starts as people gather with friends and family to welcome the possibilities of the coming year.
MLK Jr. Day
On Monday, January 19, 2026, MLK Jr. Day is observed. This holiday falls on the third Monday of January. It is a federal holiday that honors the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on equality, justice, and community service. It is observed as a day of service across the nation where citizens volunteer to improve their communities.
Presidents' Day
Monday, February 16, 2026 marks the observance of Presidents' Day. This holiday falls on the third Monday of February. It is also known as Washington's Birthday, this federal holiday honors all U.S. presidents. It is often celebrated with patriotic events and historical educational activities that highlight the leadership and legacy of the nation's past presidents.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 25, 2026. This holiday falls on the last Monday of May. It is a federal holiday that honors those who died in military service to the United States. It traditionally marks the start of the summer vacation season and is observed with parades, cemetery visits, and family gatherings to remember the fallen.
Juneteenth
On Friday, June 19, 2026, Juneteenth is celebrated. It is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It celebrates African American culture with festivals, music, and educational events that reflect on the history of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Indep. Day Off
Friday, July 3, 2026 marks the observance of Indep. Day Off. It is the observed holiday for Indep. Day, which falls on a weekend.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on Saturday, July 4, 2026. It is a federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This patriotic holiday is marked by fireworks, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings that celebrate American freedom and history.
Labor Day
On Monday, September 7, 2026, Labor Day is observed. This holiday falls on the first Monday of September. It is a federal holiday that honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the strength and prosperity of the country. It traditionally marks the end of summer and is celebrated with parades, picnics, and a day of rest.
Columbus Day
Monday, October 12, 2026 marks the observance of Columbus Day. This holiday falls on the second Monday of October. It is a federal holiday that celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. It is observed with parades and events celebrating Italian-American heritage and the historical significance of the exploration of the New World.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is observed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is a federal holiday that honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a time to thank living veterans for their service and sacrifice through parades, ceremonies, and community events.
Thanksgiving Day
On Thursday, November 26, 2026, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated. This holiday falls on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a federal holiday and harvest festival celebrated with a traditional feast including turkey and pumpkin pie. It is a time for expressing gratitude for blessings and gathering with family and friends to share a meal and give thanks.
Christmas Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 marks the celebration of Christmas Day. It is a federal holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with gift-giving, family meals, and decorations. It is a major cultural and religious holiday marked by joy, charity, and time spent with loved ones.