Your Ultimate Guide to 2026 National Holidays in the USA

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Federal holidays in the US commemorate the most significant milestones in the country’s history and its most influential figures. On these days, federal offices and banks across the country are closed, though most retail stores typically remain open. Additionally, individual US states may designate their own public holidays, which are observed only within their borders. Below is a chronological list of all federal holidays in the US for 2026.

US Federal Holidays Calendar 2026

You can add the updated list of US federal holidays to your Google Calendar.

List of Federal Holidays in the USA 2026

This overview lists all US federal holidays as officially designated by the government.

1. New Year’s Day

   📅 January 1

   New Year’s Day is celebrated globally, and in many countries, it is a designated public holiday. In the United States, this federal holiday was officially recognized in 1885.

   Traditional New Year’s celebrations often feature fireworks and iconic parades, most notably the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. It is also a tradition to watch college football games and prepare specific dishes believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year, such as black-eyed peas or lentils.

2. Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

   📅 Third Monday in January

   Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. His activism was instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination.

   In recognition of his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The federal holiday honoring his birth was signed into law in 1983 and first observed nationwide in 1986.

   On this day, Americans are encouraged to participate in community service and volunteer work. While known federally as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some states combine the observance with other local anniversaries.

   Tragically, Dr. King was assassinated at the age of 39 in Memphis, Tennessee. He is honored annually on the third Monday of January.

3. George Washington’s Birthday

   📅 Third Monday in February

   On this holiday, Americans honor the legacy of the first President of the United States, George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732. The day is frequently referred to as “Presidents’ Day,” as it also serves to celebrate Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, who was also born in February (February 12, 1809).

   Originally celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February following the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971. Today, it serves as a broader tribute to the historical impact of all American presidents.

4. Memorial Day

   📅 Last Monday in May

   Memorial Day has been observed in the U.S. since 1866. Originally called Decoration Day, it was established to honor those who died in the American Civil War. Its purpose has since expanded to commemorate all military personnel who have lost their lives in service to the United States.

   Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday in May.

   Traditions include placing flags and flowers on the graves of fallen service members and holding commemorative parades. For many, the holiday also marks the unofficial start of the summer season, often spent with family at barbecues or community events.

5. Juneteenth National Independence Day

   📅 June 19

   Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday in the United States, signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.

   The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It marks the specific date on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were free—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.

6. Independence Day

   📅 July 4

   Independence Day celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking the original thirteen colonies’ separation from Great Britain. It became a federal holiday in 1870.

   Commonly known as the “Fourth of July,” the day is characterized by massive fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. Some of the most spectacular celebrations take place in New York City and Washington, D.C. As July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday, many employees will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3.

7. Labor Day

   📅 First Monday in September

   Established by the labor movement in the late 19th century, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 under President Grover Cleveland.

   Observed on the first Monday in September, the holiday honors the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is widely regarded as the unofficial end of summer and the precursor to the start of the new school year. The long weekend is traditionally celebrated with parades, sports events, and final summer trips.

8. Columbus Day

   📅 Second Monday in October

   The second Monday in October marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. While first celebrated in New York City in 1792, it was not designated as a federal holiday until 1937.

   In recent years, Columbus Day has become a subject of debate, with many pointing to the devastating impact European arrival had on indigenous populations. As a result, many cities and states now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, focusing on the history, culture, and resilience of Native American communities.

9. Veterans Day

   📅 November 11

   Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice that ended the fighting in World War I. Originally called “Armistice Day,” it was renamed in 1954 to honor veterans of all American wars.

   While Memorial Day honors those who died in service, Veterans Day is dedicated to all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The day is observed with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies (most notably at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), and various tributes to living veterans.

10. Thanksgiving Day

    📅 Fourth Thursday in November

    The Thanksgiving tradition is generally traced back to a 1621 harvest feast shared between English colonists and the Wampanoag people.

    President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, and it officially became a federal holiday in 1941. Today, it is a time for families to gather for a traditional meal featuring roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

    Major highlights include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and a full schedule of NFL football games, which have become a staple of the holiday’s festivities.

11. Christmas Day

    📅 December 25

    Christmas Day was declared a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1870. According to American tradition, children open gifts on the morning of December 25, which are said to be delivered by Santa Claus via the chimney on Christmas Eve.

    Christmas in the U.S. is famous for elaborate light displays, festive decorations, and diverse regional traditions that reflect the country’s multicultural heritage.