Hey, do you love planning your year ahead? Knowing federal holidays helps a lot. You can mark days off for trips or family time.
The Office of Personnel Management, called OPM, makes the list each year. There are 11 federal holidays in total. These days give many people a break from work.
Federal offices shut down on these days. Banks close too. Stock markets stop trading. It’s like a national pause for rest or celebration.
This year, January has two holidays. They are New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Some months have none, like March, April, and August.
Why do holidays matter? They honor important events or people. They also create long weekends. Who doesn’t like an extra day to relax?
Why Federal Holidays Are Special
Think of federal holidays as big national parties or quiet remembers. Some celebrate freedom, like Independence Day. Others honor heroes, like Veterans Day.
Many holidays fall on Mondays. This makes three-day weekends. It’s smart planning by the government.
If a holiday lands on Saturday, we observe it on Friday. If on Sunday, it’s Monday. This rule keeps it fair for workers.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday. So, we get Friday off instead. Nice bonus for summer fun.
Full List of Federal Holidays in 2026
Here is the full list with dates and days. Plan your calendar now.
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1 This starts the year fresh. Many people recover from New Year’s Eve parties.
Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. – Monday, January 19 We honor the civil rights leader. Schools often teach about his dreams.
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 16 It remembers George Washington. Now, it celebrates all presidents.
Memorial Day – Monday, May 25 We thank soldiers who died in wars. Picnics and parades happen.
Juneteenth National Independence Day – Friday, June 19 This marks the end of slavery in the US. It’s a newer holiday since 2021.
Independence Day – Observed on Friday, July 3 Real date is July 4, but it’s Saturday. Fireworks and barbecues for everyone.
Labor Day – Monday, September 7 It honors workers. Marks the end of summer for many.
Columbus Day – Monday, October 12 Some call it Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It has different meanings now.
Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11 We thank living veterans. Parades and moments of silence.
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26 Family meals with turkey. Give thanks for good things.
Christmas Day – Friday, December 25 Celebrate with gifts and lights. A joyful time for many.
See how many long weekends? February, May, September, and more. Great for short trips.
What About December 24 and December 26?
People ask about Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. In 2025, President Trump made them holidays for federal workers. It gave a longer break that year.
But for 2026, no. They are not official holidays. No new order yet.
Christmas Day is Friday in 2026. It makes a nice weekend. But December 24 is Thursday, a work day. December 26 is Saturday anyway.
Presidents can add extra days sometimes. We wait and see if it happens again. For now, stick to the 11 holidays.
Who Gets These Days Off?
Federal workers get paid holidays. Many private jobs follow too. But not all companies do.
Banks and post offices close on most. Check for your local ones. Schools often close.
If you work in shops or hospitals, you might work. Some get extra pay for holidays.