Presidents’ Day 2026: History, Facts, and What’s Closed

When is Presidents’ Day 2026? This year, it’s scheduled on Monday, February 16.

Presidents’ Day is one of the recognizable February holidays in the United States. It gives Americans a chance to reflect on the country’s leadership while enjoying a long weekend.

One meaningful way to celebrate this holiday is to understand what it represents, why it is observed, and how to celebrate it meaningfully. 
That’s why we will walk you through everything you need to know about Presidents’ Day this year. We’ll also share which establishments are open and which are closed on February 16, 2026. And we will also show you how to make your event memorable with digital tools like form builders.

Why is Presidents’ Day observed?

Presidents’ Day is a public holiday honoring the leaders who have shaped the United States. 

While many of us use the day to catch up on household projects or spend time with family, the holiday serves a specific civic purpose: to recognize the contributions of our nation’s commanders-in-chief, beginning with George Washington.

In 2026, the holiday takes on a particular resonance as we reflect on over 250 years of American executive leadership. 

It provides a dedicated space for us to consider the evolution of the presidency—from the foundational precedents set in the 18th century to the complex, modern challenges leaders face today. Presidents’ Day (like Veterans Day) is a time to reflect and say thanks for public service.

History of Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)

• 1800 – The unofficial start

After George Washington’s death in 1799, his birthday, which is on February 22, became an unofficial day of remembrance. Citizens held speeches, parades, and public gatherings during this day, even before it became a legal holiday. This cemented him as the “Father of His Country.”

• 1879 – First official celebration

For almost a century, celebrations honoring the first president have been local or state events. But in 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed the law that made the first president’s birthday a public holiday in Washington, D.C., initially applying only to federal workers.

• 1885 – Nationwide holiday

The holiday was expanded to all federal employees across the United States. It was still called Washington’s Birthday and was always celebrated on February 22, no matter what day of the week it fell on.

• 1968 (effective 1971) – The Uniform Monday Holiday Act

Congress passed a law to move some holidays to Mondays. The goal was to give workers more three-day weekends. The commemoration day was moved to the third Monday of February, so it no longer falls on his exact birthday.

• 1971 to today – “Presidents’ Day”

Because the new date falls between Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (Feb 12) and Washington’s (Feb 22), many people started calling it “Presidents’ Day.” The federal government still calls it “Washington’s Birthday,” but most states use the broader term to honor multiple presidents.

What’s closed and open on Presidents’ Day 2026

Because Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday, you can expect closures across the states. Since it falls on a Monday, a weekday, knowing which offices and establishments are closed or open can save you from a wasted trip or a missed deadline. Here are what’s closed and open this Monday:

Scheduled closures

• Government offices: Federal, state, and local government buildings (including DMV and Social Security offices) are typically closed.
• The U.S. Postal Service: Regular mail delivery will not happen on February 16 because post office lobbies will be closed.
• Financial institutions: Most major banks and credit unions follow the Federal Reserve Calendar and will be closed on the mentioned day.
• Equity markets: The Nasdaq and the NYSE will be closed for the day.
• Schools: Most public K-12 schools and many universities observe the holiday.

What stays open

• Retail and malls: Holiday also means having an extra time to shop, so most retailers and department stores are open, though with limited hours.
• Grocery stores and pharmacies: Local supermarket or drugstore will remain open for everyday needs.
• Restaurants: Dining services and the hospitality industry remain in operation.
• Private couriers: While the USPS is off,   FedEx and UPS often continue limited or full operations, though it is wise to check your local branch for specific 2026 schedules.

American traditions around Presidents’ Day

Activities

According to the TSA, passenger traffic at U.S. airports during Presidents’ Day weekend 2026 is expected to increase by 8% compared to 2025. About 3.5 million passengers are projected to pass through U.S. airports between Feb. 13 and 16, 2026. This shows that many people will be traveling and planning various activities during this long weekend.

1. Historical sites visits

Some citizens commemorate the holiday by visiting historical sites like Mount Vernon in Virginia, the Lincoln Home in Illinois, or the National Portrait Gallery.

2. Ski trips

Since the holiday falls in mid-February, it is a peak time for ski trips and mountain getaways. National parks often offer free admission on this day, encouraging families to explore the American wilderness.

3. “Big sales” shopping

Perhaps the most widespread modern “activity” is retail shopping. Since the 1980s, the holiday has become associated with massive discounts.

4. Community parades and pageantry

Towns across the country, most notably Alexandria, Virginia (Washington’s hometown), host massive parades featuring marching bands, equestrian units, and historical floats. These celebrations are a vibrant part of American tradition, honoring local ties to the presidency.

Food

Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, there isn’t one single meal for Presidents’ Day. Instead, the “culinary tradition” revolves around symbolic and regional ingredients.

1. Cherry pie

The unofficial dessert of Presidents’ Day. Likely stemming from the myth story of young George Washington and the cherry tree.

2. Authentic 18th-century recipes

Some citizens often recreate dishes from Martha Washington’s Booke of Cookery, such as “Hoecakes” (cornmeal pancakes) and Virginia ham, as a way of revisiting the Founders’ era.

3. The “Lincoln Log”

In many Midwestern homes and schools, it is common to serve chocolate “log” cakes or snacks that resemble the log cabins associated with Abraham Lincoln’s humble beginnings.

4. Presidential favorites

Some restaurants feature menus based on specific presidents’ favorite foods, ranging from Thomas Jefferson’s love for mac and cheese (which he helped popularize in America) to John F. Kennedy’s preference for New England clam chowder.

Formal rites

Beyond trips and foods, the holiday includes several formal rites that are upheld by the nation’s laws.

1. Reading of the farewell address

In a tradition dating back to 1896, a member of the U.S. Senate is chosen each year to read George Washington’s 7,641-word Farewell Address on the Senate floor. This rite serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of political factionalism and the importance of national unity.

2. Naturalization ceremonies

Many courts and historical sites use Presidents’ Day to administer the oath of citizenship to new U.S. citizens. These ceremonies are intentionally held on this day to welcome new members into the “American Experiment” while honoring the office that leads it.

3. Wreath-laying ceremonies

At the Lincoln Memorial and Washington’s Tomb, military honor guards and government officials conduct formal wreath-laying ceremonies to pay tribute to the lives and sacrifices of past commanders-in-chief.

Fun Presidential trivia and facts

1. Tallest vs. shortest
   Abraham Lincoln is the tallest president at 6’4″ (Often appearing taller because of his signature stovepipe hat). Opposite is James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution,” who was just 5’4″.
   
   
2. Longest vs. shortest term
   Franklin D. Roosevelt served the longest, winning four elections. Leading to the Amendment that limits presidents to two terms. In contrast, William Henry Harrison served the shortest term (only 31 days) after catching pneumonia at his long, rainy inauguration.
   
   
3. The ambidextrous president
   James Garfield was ambidextrous and was said to be able to write in Greek with one hand and Latin with the other, at once.
   
   
4. The fashion icon 
   John Quincy Adams was the first president to wear long trousers to his inauguration, when knee breeches were the standard “presidential” look.
   
   
5. A “bully” pulpit for sports
   Theodore Roosevelt loved martial arts and studied jiu-jitsu. He was also credited with “saving” American football; in 1905, he used his “bully pulpit” to demand rule changes that made the game safer
   
   
6. The exotic pet
   Herbert Hoover’s son, Allan, kept two pet alligators in the White House during his father’s term, occasionally letting them roam the grounds.
   
7. Rebecca, the raccoon
   Calvin Coolidge had a pet raccoon who was originally intended for a Thanksgiving meal but was instead given a collar and a name, “Rebecca”. They treated it as a family member.
   
   
8. Chatty Poll
   Andrew Jackson had a parrot, which he named “Poll.” During his funeral, the parrot had to be taken out because it kept shouting swear words it had learned from him.
   
   
9. Speeding tickets
   Ulysses S. Grant was indeed pulled over for “fast driving” his horse and carriage
   
   
10. “S” stands for nothing
    Harry S. Truman’s middle initial “S.” doesn’t actually stand for a specific middle name. It was chosen to honor both of his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.
    

How to make Presidents’ Day 2026 memorable?

If you want to do more than just sleep in this year, there are several ways to make the day meaningful for yourself and your family.

1. Engage with history
   Make the day more meaningful by going beyond a textbook. Watch a documentary or listen to a podcast about a lesser-known president. Understanding the challenges faced by leaders like James K. Polk or Harry Truman can give you a much broader perspective on American history.
   
   
2. Plan a “founders” brunch
   Turn the holiday into an experience. Invite friends over for a meal featuring recipes from the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s a tactile and tasty way to connect with the past.
   
   
3. Host an educational quiz
   Make learning interactive. Move away from paper handouts and use digital form builders to create trivia questions for your class. For the mentioned holiday, you can build a simple “2026 Presidents’ Day quiz bowl”. Students can submit their answers via tablet, and teachers get instant data on what the class has learned.
   
   
4. Organize a civic community event
   Plan a local parade or a historical reenactment and use digital event form creators to help you handle volunteer sign-ups and ticket sales. It keeps everything organized and makes the whole experience easier for everyone involved.
   
   You can also organize community service events on the mentioned holiday. Spending a few hours at a local food bank or park cleanup is a meaningful way to reflect on what the presidency represents.
   
   
5. Collect feedback from visitors
   If you’re running a museum or historical site activity, use quick mobile forms to ask visitors about their holiday experience. You can start with free feedback form templates to make form setup easier. The feedback helps improve your programs yearly.
   

Celebrate Presidents’ Day with dignity and digitality

As we enjoy this long weekend, we hope it’s clear that Presidents’ Day isn’t just a time to relax, but also a time to honor the Founding Fathers who helped shape America into what it is today.

It shouldn’t just pass as another holiday. It can be a day to reflect on the past and the present, while still dealing with the realities of modern life—whether you’re going on ski trips or figuring out how to make up missed trips due to bank closures.

Enjoy the holiday, organize events, and create quiz forms to help your students have a more engaging, memorable experience. Happy Presidents’ Day 2026!

FAQs

Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/09/presidents-day-federal-holiday-open-close-businesses/88533959007/
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0203-usps-to-observe-presidents-day-feb-16.htm
https://www.federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/k8.htm
https://www.nyse.com/trade/hours-calendars
https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stock-market-holiday-schedule
https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-services/holiday-shipping-schedule
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/holiday/last-days-to-ship.html