Table of Contents
📅 Introduction
.Every year, federal holidays are something to which Americans look forward-they signify days off from work and school, a time to be with family, travel, and also celebrate parts of culture. Since 2026 is just around the corner, planning ahead can ensure that you make the most of these official days, whether it involves scheduling vacations, planning events, or setting aside family time.
This post will outline all 11 official US federal holidays in 2026, describe what they are, list the observed dates including adjusted days when holidays fall on weekends, and attach downloadable PDFs for easy printing and planning of your year. Calendar.best+1
Let’s dive in! 👇
📌 What Are Federal Holidays?
Federal holidays are designated by the U.S. government and are days when federal employees are typically given time off. These holidays also impact businesses, schools, banks, and many organizations across the country. While not all employers are required to provide paid leave on federal holidays, most do. Calendar.best
ALSO READ-From French To Korean: Here’s How To Wish ‘Happy New Year’ In Different Languages Around The World
📋 Full List of US Federal Holidays in 2026
Here’s the official list of federal holidays recognized in 2026, along with their dates and what they represent: Calendar.best
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | First day of the year |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 | Monday | Honors civil rights leader |
| Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) | February 16, 2026 | Monday | Celebrates U.S. presidents |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | Monday | Honors fallen U.S. military members |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19, 2026 | Friday | Commemorates emancipation of enslaved people |
| Independence Day (Observed) | July 3, 2026 | Friday | Observed holiday since July 4 falls on Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | Monday | Celebrates American workers |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | October 12, 2026 | Monday | Recognizes historical exploration & indigenous cultures |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Honors military veterans |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | Thursday | Traditional harvest & gratitude holiday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Celebrates Christmas holiday season |
👉 Total: 11 Official Federal Holidays in 2026. Calendar.best+1
📥 Download Your Printable Holiday PDF
Want an easy PDF version of the 2026 federal holiday calendar?
You can download a ready-to-print US Federal Holidays PDF that includes all holiday dates, weekdays, and quick planning reminders. These printable versions are perfect for home, office, or school planning boards. DottoDot
✔ Includes holiday names and dates
✔ Great for planning vacations or three-day weekends
✔ Easy to share with family or coworkers
👉 [Download the Printable PDF Calendar for 2026] (Link this anchor to your own hosted file or a trusted PDF)
🗓 Detailed Breakdown of Each Federal Holiday
Let’s explore the history, importance, and how Americans celebrate each holiday:
🎉 1. New Year’s Day — January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
The first day of the year — celebrated globally with fireworks, parties, and resolutions. In the U.S., many businesses close in observance, and it’s a common time for family gatherings and reflection. Calendar.best
✊ 2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day — January 19, 2026 (Monday)
Observed on the third Monday in January each year, this holiday honors the birth and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader and advocate of nonviolent protest. Many communities organize volunteer events and commemorative activities. Calendar.best
🇺🇸 3. Presidents’ Day — February 16, 2026 (Monday)
Also known as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day celebrates the contributions of all U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It’s marked with patriotic ceremonies, historical education, and often retail sales. Calendar.best
🇺🇸 4. Memorial Day — May 25, 2026 (Monday)
A solemn day of remembrance for U.S. military members who died in service to their country. Families often visit cemeteries and memorials, and it’s also considered the unofficial start of summer. AS USA
🎉 5. Juneteenth National Independence Day — June 19, 2026 (Friday)
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and cultural events nationwide. AS USA
🇺🇸 6. Independence Day (Observed) — July 3, 2026 (Friday)
Although Federal Independence Day falls on July 4, because it lands on a Saturday in 2026, the observed holiday for most workers is Friday, July 3, 2026. This adjustment allows for a long weekend celebration of American independence with fireworks, parades, and barbecues. Calendar.best
👷 7. Labor Day — September 7, 2026 (Monday)
Honoring American workers and the labor movement, Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer. Families enjoy picnics, parades, and outdoor events. Calendar.best
🌎 8. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day — October 12, 2026 (Monday)
This day marks Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, but many communities now also honor Indigenous histories and cultures under the name Indigenous Peoples’ Day. AS USA
🎖️ 9. Veterans Day — November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
Veterans Day pays tribute to all U.S. military veterans. Parades, ceremonies, and community events are common, honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served. Calendar.best
🦃 10. Thanksgiving Day — November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
A beloved holiday centered on gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting. Traditional Thanksgiving meals often include turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Calendar.best
🎄 11. Christmas Day — December 25, 2026 (Friday)
An important religious and cultural holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Many Americans take time off to spend with family and loved ones, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. Calendar.best
🛠 How Holidays Are Observed When They Fall on Weekends
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, so it’s typically observed on Friday, July 3 for federal employees. Calendar.best
This “observed date” rule helps ensure people still get the benefit of a day off even if the official date is on a non-working weekend.
