Calendar & Information of All U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026

In the United States, a federal holiday is recognized by Congress and designated in Title V of the U.S. Code 6103 – Holidays. This gives Congress the authority to create holidays for federal institutions. Did you know which were the first 4 Federal holidays established in 1880?

They were New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Over the years, other federal holidays were created to remember or celebrate significant moments in the nation’s history and cultural developments.

In this article, Trip.com will go through the details for all the Federal holidays in 2026. This includes the exact date and day of the week for each holiday as well as suggestions on what you can do to plan for a long weekend. Lastly, we will also show you some of the fun things you can do during these important breaks! Before we start, let us take a quick look at the list of Federal holidays 2026.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Brief Introduction

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Holidays are essential breaks to maintain a work-life balance, and there are 11 Federal holidays in 2026 to look forward to in the upcoming year!

The schedule for the official U.S. Federal Holidays 2026 released by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is listed below.

(Federal Holidays, opm.gov)

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026– New Year’s Day

January 01 2026, Thurday

If a holiday lands on a weekend, it might be celebrated either a day before or after. When a holiday occurs on a Saturday, it is commemorated on the prior Friday. Conversely, if a holiday happens on a Sunday, the subsequent Monday is recognized as a holiday for compensation and leave purposes.

This extended break is an excellent opportunity to travel greater distances, and that means an overseas vacation! Some of the most famous New Year celebrations in the world are held at Syndey (Australia), Edinburgh (Scotland) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). If you wish to stay closer to home, you can join in the renowned New Year celebrations held in New York too.

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Sydney is known for its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks event which features 2 impressive fireworks shows.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19 2026, Monday

This goal was accomplished in 1983 when the King’s birthday was approved as a national holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. However, due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, this holiday is shifted to the third Monday of January every year. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act enacted in 1968 was an Act of Congress that moved several federal holidays to a Monday to create 3-day weekends for federal employees. This act has also affected the date of several other holidays, which we will elaborate on later.

As the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. falls on a Monday in 2026 (January 19), employees can enjoy an extended break by taking a day off on either Friday, January 16, 2026, or Tuesday, January 20, 2026, creating a 4-day long weekend. During this holiday, you can visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta to learn more about this influential civil rights leader. Trip.com also offers a virtual tour of the Martin Luther King Memorial for those who prefer exploring from home.

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The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. is a day to commemorate one of the most important leaders of the civil rights movements in the 1950s and 1960s

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Washington’s Birthday

February 16 2026, Monday

While the official name of this holiday remains Washington’s Birthday, it is more popularly addressed as President’s Day to commemorate other great American presidents such as President Abraham Lincoln. Due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Washington’s Birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year.

As Washington’s Birthday falls on a Monday in 2026 (February 16), employees can extend the long weekend by taking a day off on Friday, February 13, 2026, or Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to create a 4-day break. Take this opportunity to visit the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, home to the colossal sculptures of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

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The Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota bears the colossal sculpture of 4 great American presidents.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Memorial Day

May 25 2026, Monday

As this holiday unofficially marks the beginning of summer, many people celebrate with a classic barbecue gathering. Under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. In 2026, Memorial Day falls on May 25 (Monday), and employees can extend the long weekend by taking a day off on Friday, May 22, 2026, or Tuesday, May 26, 2026, to enjoy a 4-day break.

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Memorial Day is the day when the country honors U.S. soldiers who have died while serving in the military.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Juneteenth National Independence Day

June 19 2026, Friday

Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980. In 2021, President Biden signed the bill that established Juneteenth as the 11th federal holiday. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19. Employees can turn this into a 5-day long weekend by taking Thursday, June 18 and Monday, June 22 off, creating a break that runs from Thursday through Monday.

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Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Independence Day

July 04 2026, Saturday

As Independence Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, employees can enjoy a long weekend with the federal holiday observed on Friday, July 3, 2026. By taking Thursday, July 2, 2026, off, they can create a 4-day break. Alternatively, employees can take July 6–8, 2026 (Monday to Wednesday), off to enjoy an extended 5-day holiday stretch from July 3 to July 8.

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Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which established the United States of America.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Labor Day

September 07 2026, Monday

Employees can extend the long weekend by taking a day off on Friday, September 4, 2026, or Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to enjoy a 4-day break. On this holiday, many people celebrate with barbecue parties, firework displays, and lively parades. One of the most iconic Labor Day events is the vibrant West Indian Day Parade Carnival held in Brooklyn! The holiday also marks the unofficial end of summer, making it a perfect time to enjoy family activities before the new school year begins.

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Plan one last barbecue party on Labor Day before the summer ends!

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Columbus Day

October 12 2026, Monday

Under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday of October each year. In 2026, Columbus Day falls on October 12 (Monday), and employees can extend the long weekend by taking a day off on Friday, October 9, 2026, or Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to enjoy a 4-day break. One of the most popular events during this holiday is the Columbus Day Weekend Festival held at Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island.

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Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.5

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Veterans Day

November 11 2026, Wednesday

You can show your support by attending a Veterans Day event near you or by donating to veteran-focused charities. Even a simple “thank you” to a veteran you know can mean a lot! Veterans Day is observed on November 11 each year. In 2026, it falls on a Wednesday, and employees can create an extended long weekend by taking Monday, November 9, 2026, or Friday, November 13, 2026, off.

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Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the U.S. military.

U.S. Federal Holidays 2026 – Thanksgiving Day

November 26 2026, Thursday

Thanksgiving Day is a time for family gatherings and, of course, a delicious Thanksgiving feast! Visit Trip.com to explore more ideas on how to celebrate this holiday. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In 2026, it falls on November 26 (Thursday), and employees can extend the holiday by taking Friday, November 27, 2026, off to enjoy a 4-day long weekend.

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The tradition of thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims had a feast to celebrate their first harvest on this land.

U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026 – Christmas Day

December 25 2026, Friday

In recent years, this festive occasion is increasingly celebrated as a secular holiday. Christmas Day falls on December 25, 2026 (Friday). Many employees choose to take Monday, December 28, 2026, off to create a 4-day long holiday, or combine it with additional days off for an extended festive break.

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Visit the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York during your Christmas holiday!