Every year on the third Monday of February, the U.S. celebrates George Washington’s Birthday, which has been unofficially nicknamed “Presidents Day” to recognize and appreciate all of the country’s presidents.
The February holiday, which falls after Valentine’s Day, means that non-essential federal agencies all close. Some businesses also choose to remain closed, so it’s important to double check specific store holiday hours before making the trip.
Here’s a closer look at Presidents Day, and how it might affect you:
When is Presidents Day 2026?
Presidents Day is Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
What is Presidents Day and why do we celebrate it?
Presidents Day was declared a federal holiday in 1879 as an official holiday to honor George Washington’s Birthday, which is Feb. 22, 1732.
After years of being celebrated on that date, it was changed in 1971 to always occur on the third Monday of February.
While still officially called Washington’s Birthday, over the years the term Presidents Day has been more widely used to generally celebrate all U.S. presidents.
What’s open on Presidents Day 2026?
While the U.S. Postal Service will be closed, UPS and FedEx shipping and mailing services will still be available (but might have delays on arrival times, so check with your local store.)
Aldi, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods and Costco will all be operating with their regular business hours.
Walgreens and CVS will also be operating as normal, though pharmacies may have reduced hours depending on location.
All major restaurant chains, including McDonalds, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A and more will remain open as well.
For all other small and local businesses, it’s best to check specific store hours before you go.
Which federal offices are closed for Presidents Day?
All non-essential federal offices close every year for Presidents Day. This includes the U.S. Post Office, libraries, banks, schools and the stock market, as well as any other government office deemed non-essential.
The United States Mint is preparing these coins in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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