Mark your calendars now! The official 2026 Federal USA Public Holidays schedule is out, revealing 11 key dates that will give you long weekends and strategic vacation opportunities throughout the year. Knowing these dates is crucial for planning trips, managing payroll, and ensuring you never miss a day off. From a 9-day Memorial Day break to a special Friday off for July 4th, here’s your complete guide.
The United States has 11 federally recognized holidays for 2026. These are days when government offices close, many banks take a break, and millions of Americans get paid time off. This calendar helps you maximize your personal vacations by cleverly using your Paid Time Off (PTO) around these fixed dates. Start planning your year today.
What Are the 11 Federal Holidays in 2026?
Here is the complete, official list of dates. Bookmark this table for quick reference.
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| January 19 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday |
| February 16 | Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Monday |
| May 25 | Memorial Day | Monday |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday |
| July 3 | Independence Day (Observed) | Friday |
| September 7 | Labor Day | Monday |
| October 12 | Columbus Day | Monday |
| November 11 | Veterans Day | Wednesday |
| November 26 | Thanksgiving Day | Thursday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Friday |
Important Note: Since Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday in 2026, the observed holiday for federal employees is Friday, July 3.
Which Months Have No Federal USA Public Holidays in 2026?
While most months have a holiday, three months do not. Plan your personal time off accordingly for these periods.
- March 2026: No federal holiday.
- April 2026: No federal holiday (Easter is not a federal holiday).
- August 2026: No federal holiday.
How to Get a 9-Day Vacation Using Only 4 PTO Days?
The 2026 calendar is perfect for creating extended breaks. The best opportunity is around Memorial Day.
- The Strategy: Take 4 days of PTO on Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29.
- The Result: You get 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31.
- Perfect For: A long international trip, a cross-country road trip, or a relaxing extended family visit.
What is Closed on a Federal USA Public Holidays?
On these 11 days, certain services and offices are closed or operate differently. Here’s what to expect:
- Federal Government Offices: Closed. This includes agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and national parks’ administrative offices.
- Banks & Financial Markets: Mostly Closed. The Federal Reserve is closed, so most banks and the stock market (NYSE, NASDAQ) will not operate.
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS): Closed. There will be no regular mail delivery or pickup.
- Schools: Varies. Public schools are typically closed, but private schools set their own calendars.
- Private Businesses: Varies. Not legally required to close. Retail stores, restaurants, and hospitals often remain open.
Official Source: For federal employee guidance, refer to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website: https://www.opm.gov/
What Are the Best Long Weekends in 2026?
Several holidays naturally create three-day weekends. Here are the best ones to plan a short getaway:
- MLK Jr. Day Weekend: Jan 17-19 (Sat-Mon)
- Presidents’ Day Weekend: Feb 14-16 (Sat-Mon)
- Memorial Day Weekend: May 23-25 (Sat-Mon)
- Juneteenth Weekend: June 19-21 (Fri-Sun)
- Independence Day Weekend: July 3-5 (Fri-Sun) <- Special Friday Observed Holiday
- Labor Day Weekend: Sept 5-7 (Sat-Mon)
- Thanksgiving Weekend: Nov 26-29 (Thu-Sun) <- 4-day weekend
- Christmas Weekend: Dec 25-27 (Fri-Sun)
How Do Federal USA Public Holidays Affect Payroll?
If you manage payroll or are an employee, note these key points:
- Payday on a Holiday? If your normal payday falls on a federal holiday, your paycheck will typically be deposited the business day before.
- Hourly vs. Salaried Employees: Federal law does not require private companies to pay hourly employees for the day off. Salaried employees generally receive their full pay.
- Holiday Pay: Some companies offer premium pay (like time-and-a-half) for employees who work on a holiday.
In summary, the 2026 federal USA Public Holidays calendar offers fantastic opportunities for rest and travel. By strategically using your PTO around holidays like Memorial Day and Thanksgiving, you can create extended vacations. Always confirm with your employer regarding their specific holiday schedule and pay policies. Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2026!
