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Federal holidays are important in the United States, as it provides the meaningful opportunities for rest and national recognition. These 2026 holidays are designated to commemorate the significant historical events, honor influential leader and celebrate the values that shape the nation.
Federal employees know exactly what they are supposed to do on those holidays, as there is clear guidance about paid leave and office closures. Private employers are not required to adhere to the federal holiday schedule, but many of them do (such as banks). Most private companies provide some paid holidays for their employees.
There are 11 official federal holidays in 2026 in the United States of America. Each has its own historical antecedents, purpose, and cultural significance that make it much more than just another day off. For businesses and employees looking to manage payroll efficiently during these holidays, tools like free paystub generator can help simplify record-keeping and ensure accurate pay calculations.
What Are Federal Holidays?
A federal holiday is a day on which federal offices and agencies are closed. That includes places like United States post offices and federal courts, as well as many government banks. Most federal employees are given a paid day off per federal law on these days.
Although private sector employers are not mandated by law to abide by these holidays, many coordinate their workdays with the federal calendar. Businesses often offer paid time off (PTO) or modified work hours, particularly for recognized occasions such as Thanksgiving and Veterans Day.
How Many Federal Holidays Are in 2026?
As of 2026, there are 11 official U.S. federal holidays, each established by federal law and primarily observed by federal agencies and employees.
The concept of a federal holiday began in 1870, when Congress established that federal employees in the District of Columbia should receive paid time off for New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. During the following years, other holidays, including George Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, became official. By 1885, many of these celebrations had been adopted by federal employees nationwide.
In time, other holidays would evolve in meaning to represent larger national values. Armistice Day itself was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to commemorate all Americans who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Other holidays now acknowledge historical landmarks and milestones and civil rights accomplishments, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983 and Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021.
The first major change in the observance of holidays came in 1968, when, with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, certain holidays were moved to early on a Monday to be observed. This established regular three-day weekends for federal employees, and the practice soon spread across the country.
Note: For employers and employees alike, keeping track of holidays is important for scheduling and payroll. You can use the free pay stub template, which can make it easier to document work hours, holiday pay, and time off, ensuring accuracy without extra administrative effort.
Federal Holidays 2026 Calendar
The following dates have been officially designated as U.S. 2026 federal holidays:
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. – Monday, January 19
- Washington’s Birthday – Monday, February 16
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence Day – Friday, June 19
- Independence Day (Observed) – Friday, July 3
- 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
In 2026, Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday. As a result, the federal holiday will be officially observed on Friday, July 3.
This is in accordance with normal federal practice, which allows a weekday observance of a holiday if it falls on a weekend. However, when holidays fall on a Saturday, they are observed on the preceding Friday, and when a holiday occurs on Sunday, it is observed on the next Monday.
This method continues the practice of providing federal employees with a steady workday holiday that falls on a predictable annual schedule.
The Meaning Behind U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026
Here we mentioned federal holidays 2026 and why they are celebrated.
New Year’s Day – January 1
New Year’s Day – First day of the calendar year, and is considered a symbol of a new beginning. Americans, for their part, observe with resolutions and reflection.
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. – January 19
It is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who led the Civil Rights Movement. It is also a national day of service dedicated to full equality and the changing face of this nation.
Washington’s Birthday – February 16
Presidents’ Day, which is it celebrates George Washington and all U.S. The day highlights presidential leadership and American history.
Memorial Day – May 25
Memorial Day celebrates U.S. soldiers who died in the service of their nation. Americans mark it with ceremonies, tributes, moments of remembrance.
Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. It honors the history and contributions of African Americans to our great Nation.
Independence Day (Observed) – July 3
This holiday celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is marked by patriotic events, fireworks, and nationwide celebrations.
Labor Day – September 7
Labor Day is recognizes the contributions of American workers. It also serves as the unofficial end of summer.
Columbus Day – October 12
Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the Americas. Some states and cities celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day to recognize Native American history and culture.
Veterans Day – November 11
Veterans Day is to honor all American veterans of all wars. The nation holds ceremonies and events to honor them for their commitment and sacrifices.
Thanksgiving Day – November 26
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and spend time with family. It is usually observed with communal feasts and introspection.
Christmas Day – December 25
Christmas Day is observed as a Christian holiday and a cultural celebration. It is widely associated with family traditions, gift-giving, and festive gatherings.
Federal Holiday Compliance and Payroll Considerations
While private employers are not obligated by law to offer employees paid time off for federal holidays, knowing the schedule of federal holidays is important when it comes to maintaining a stable staff.
Keep track when you know when holidays are, you can plan your staffing, adjust your schedule, and be assured that payroll is run the correct way.
Federal holidays may generate compliance and payroll difficulties, particularly for those businesses spanning several states. Rules about overtime, holiday pay, sick days and vacation accruals. Read on to learn more about how you can comply with these laws to avoid costly penalties and keep employees happy.
Having clear policies and using a dependable paystub creator can make it easier administratively. This methodical process allows for uniformity in practice and helps manage legal risks by creating an equitable and transparent workplace for all employees.
People May Also Ask
1) What federal holidays are in January?
In January 2026, the federal holidays are New Year’s Day on January 1 and Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19.
2) What federal holidays are in February?
February 2026 observes Washington’s Birthday, also known as presidents day 2026, on February 16.
3) What federal holidays are in March?
There are no federal holidays in March 2026.
4) What federal holidays are in April?
There are no federal holidays in April 2026.
5) What federal holidays are in May?
Memorial Day is observed on May 25, 2026.
6) What federal holidays are in June?
Juneteenth National Independence Day falls on June 19, 2026.
7) What federal holidays are in July?
Although Independence Day is on July 4, 2026, it is observed on Friday, July 3, since July 4 falls on a Saturday.
8) What federal holidays are in August?
There are no federal holidays in August 2026.
9) What federal holidays are in September?
Labor Day is observed on Monday, September 7, 2026.
10) What federal holidays are in October?
Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Also Check:
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FAQ's
What federal holidays are in November?
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In November 2026, Veterans Day is on Wednesday, November 11, and Thanksgiving Day is on Thursday, November 26.
What federal holidays are in December?
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Christmas Day is observed on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Is May 25, 2026, Memorial Day?
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Yes, May 25, 2026, is Memorial Day.
What day does Thanksgiving 2026 fall on?
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Thanksgiving 2026 date is 26th November, which falls on a Thursday.
What day does Labor Day fall on in 2026?
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Labor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7.
What day is Presidents' Day on in 2026?
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Presidents’ Day 2026 is observed on Monday, February 16.
When is Memorial Day 2026?
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Memorial Day in 2026 will be observed on Monday, May 25.
What holidays are on Monday in 2026?
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The federal holidays that fall on a Monday in 2026 are Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day.
When is presidents day 2026?
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Presidents’ Day in 2026 will be observed on Monday, February 16.
What are the US national holidays in 2025?
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The U.S. national holidays in 2025 included New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
What are the federal holidays in the 2026 calendar?
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The federal holidays in the 2026 calendar are New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day (Observed), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
How many holidays do we have in 2026?
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In 2026, the United States has a total of 11 official federal holidays.
