Curious about when holidays will be? Here’s a full breakdown of 2026 US federal holidays and significant celebrations you won’t want to miss.
These are the 2026 U.S. national holidays: Official federal holiday calendar
Memorial Day is just around the corner, marking the start of summer, but the year is far from over. There are still eight federal holidays left on the 2026 calendar, offering plenty of opportunities for communities to connect, reflect, and enjoy a long weekend.
From historic traditions to essential days of remembrance, here is the complete guide to the remaining 2026 US federal holidays and key cultural observances.
Federal holidays in the United States for 2026
Since the official recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021, the United States has observed 11 federal holidays each year. On these days, public institutions and government offices close, and employees are given a paid day off. While private employers are not legally required to observe these holidays, many choose to do so.
Here are the federal holidays for 2026:
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, Jan. 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, Jan. 19 |
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Monday, Feb. 16 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday, June 19 |
| Independence Day | Friday, July 3 |
| Labor Day | Monday, Sep. 7 |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday, Oct. 12 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, Nov. 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, Nov. 26 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, Dec. 25 |
On these dates, schools, banks, and most government agencies are closed, and celebrations often include parades, family gatherings, or patriotic displays.
Non-federal holidays and notable observances
In addition to federal holidays, the US observes numerous other significant dates that hold cultural, religious, or historical importance. While these are not officially recognized as paid holidays nationwide, they remain widely celebrated and acknowledged.
Here are some key observances in 2026:
| Chinese New Year | Wednesday, Feb. 17 |
| Groundhog Day | Monday, Feb. 2 |
| Valentine’s Day | Saturday, Feb. 14 |
| Mardi Gras | Tuesday, Feb. 17 |
| Ash Wednesday | Wednesday, Feb. 18 |
| St. Patrick’s Day | Monday, March 17 |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 5 |
| Cinco de Mayo | Tuesday, May 5 |
| Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May) | Sunday, May 10 |
| Flag Day | Sunday, June 14 |
| Father’s Day (third Sunday in June) | Sunday, June 21 |
| Halloween | Saturday, Oct. 31 |
| Hanukkah | Sunday, Dec. 5 – Monday, Dec. 12 |
| New Year’s Eve | Thursday, Dec. 31 |
Whether you want to join the festivities at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, experience the atmosphere of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana or make plans with your friends to enjoy a margarita on Cinco de Mayo, keeping track of when these celebrations occur will help you avoid missing out on the opportunity.
Knowing when both the federal and non-federal holidays are will help you plan a trip, a family event, or be sure to ask for personal time off, not to mention get a card off to your mom or dad so it will arrive on time.
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