US Holidays 2026: Your Comprehensive Guide to Openings and Closures

As 2026 approaches, understanding the landscape of US federal holidays is crucial for both personal planning and business operations. While many of us look forward to a day off, it's essential to know which services will be running and which will be observing the occasion. This guide provides a detailed look at what to expect across the US in 2026, with a particular focus on the widely observed Presidents Day.

Presidents Day 2026: A Deeper Look

Presidents Day, officially known as Washington's Birthday, is celebrated on the third Monday of February. In 2026, this falls on Monday, February 16th. Established to honour the birth of the nation's first president, George Washington, it has evolved into a day to commemorate all US presidents. While it's a federal holiday, its impact on daily life varies significantly.

Retail and Dining: Mostly Business as Usual

For many consumers, the most pressing question is whether their favourite stores and eateries will be open. The good news is that most retail and dining establishments continue to operate on Presidents Day. Major grocery chains, including Aldi, Food Lion, Trader Joe's, and Wegmans, are expected to remain open during their regular hours. Similarly, popular retailers like Target have confirmed they will be open, offering shoppers the convenience they expect.

The fast-food sector also largely operates as normal. Chains such as Burger King, Chick-fil-A, IHOP, Taco Bell, and Subway typically welcome customers on federal holidays. However, it's always advisable to check with your local branch, as hours can sometimes vary by location or management decision. For those needing prescription refills or everyday essentials, pharmacies like CVS will also be open, ensuring access to essential services.

Federal Services and Financial Markets: Significant Closures

While the retail world hums along, federal and financial institutions observe these holidays more formally, leading to widespread closures.

Banking and Financial Markets

Most banks will be closed on Presidents Day, as it is recognised by the Federal Reserve as a major holiday. This means that physical branches will be inaccessible. However, many banking services remain available online. Customers can typically manage their accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills through online banking portals and mobile apps. The U.S. stock market, including the New York Stock Exchange, will also be closed in observance of Washington's Birthday. Trading activities will resume on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026.

Postal and Delivery Services

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will halt its mail delivery and close its retail locations on Presidents Day. If you need to send a package or access postal services, you'll need to wait until the following day. However, customers can still utilise the USPS website (usps.com) for online services and may find some self-service kiosks operational. In contrast, private delivery companies like UPS and FedEx are expected to operate on Presidents Day, although some minor adjustments to pickup schedules might occur in certain areas.

Beyond Presidents Day: Other US Holidays in 2026

While Presidents Day is a notable observance, the US observes several other federal holidays throughout 2026, each with its own implications for services and business operations. These include:

• New Year's Day: January 1st (Thursday) - Federal offices, banks, and postal services closed. Most retail open.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 19th (Monday) - Similar closures to Presidents Day.
• Memorial Day: May 25th (Monday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail generally open.
• Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19th (Friday) - A newer federal holiday, expect closures similar to other federal observances.
• Independence Day: July 4th (Saturday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail generally open.
• Labor Day: September 7th (Monday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail generally open.
• Columbus Day: October 12th (Monday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail generally open.
• Veterans Day: November 11th (Wednesday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail generally open.
• Thanksgiving Day: November 26th (Thursday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail often has limited hours or closures.
• Christmas Day: December 25th (Friday) - Federal offices, banks, postal services closed. Retail often has limited hours or closures.

Understanding these dates in advance allows for better planning, whether you're arranging travel, scheduling business meetings, or simply ensuring you have essential supplies before a holiday closure. For the UK audience, while these are US-specific holidays, awareness can be beneficial for those with business or personal connections to the United States.

In conclusion, while federal holidays like Presidents Day signify a pause in government operations and financial markets, the impact on everyday consumer services is often minimal. Staying informed about these holiday schedules ensures a smoother experience throughout 2026.