This 2026 US government recognized federal holidays calendar gives you an official, easy-to-read overview of all federal holidays as defined by the US government. In 2026 there are 11 recognized federal holidays, and on these days most federal offices, many banks, and financial markets are closed or operate on limited schedules.
Use this calendar as a reference for planning work schedules, school calendars, payroll, travel, and personal time off. It shows each holiday’s date, day of the week, and key notes such as “observed” days when the actual date falls on a weekend.
Official List of 2026 US Federal Holidays
The following dates are recognized as federal holidays in the United States for calendar year 2026:
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. – Monday, January 19, 2026
- Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) – Monday, February 16, 2026
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026
- Juneteenth National Independence Day – Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day – Saturday, July 4, 2026 (observed on Friday, July 3 for many federal employees)
- Labor Day – Monday, September 7, 2026
- Columbus Day – Monday, October 12, 2026 (also recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some jurisdictions)
- Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Christmas Day – Friday, December 25, 2026
These 11 days are the only holidays formally recognized as federal holidays by the US government for 2026.

2026 Federal Holidays Calendar View
Here is a compact calendar-style view showing how the 2026 US government recognized federal holidays fall across the year. This helps you see long weekends and midweek breaks at a glance.
January–June 2026
January 2026 Thu 1 – New Year’s Day Mon 19 – Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. February 2026 Mon 16 – Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) May 2026 Mon 25 – Memorial Day June 2026 Fri 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
July–December 2026
July 2026 Sat 4 – Independence Day (federal holiday date) Fri 3 – Independence Day observed for many federal employees September 2026 Mon 7 – Labor Day October 2026 Mon 12 – Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some areas) November 2026 Wed 11 – Veterans Day Thu 26 – Thanksgiving Day December 2026 Fri 25 – Christmas Day
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is commonly observed on the preceding Friday for federal employees, as with Independence Day in 2026.

How Federal Holidays Affect Work and Services in 2026
On each 2026 US government recognized federal holiday, federal agencies are closed, and many other organizations adjust their operations.
- Federal offices: Most federal government offices are closed on these 11 holidays.
- Banks and financial markets: Many banks and US financial markets close or operate on holiday schedules that follow the federal calendar.
- Schools: Public schools often close on major federal holidays, though exact dates vary by district.
- Mail and shipping: The US Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on federal holidays.
- Private businesses: Many, but not all, private employers follow the federal holiday list; some add extra company-specific holidays.
Because practices can differ, it is always best to check your employer’s holiday schedule, bank notices, and local school calendar in addition to this federal-level overview.
Using the 2026 Federal Holiday Calendar for Planning
A 2026 US government recognized federal holidays calendar is a powerful planning tool for individuals, families, and organizations.
- Employees and families: Plan vacations, long weekends, and family events around three-day weekends like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
- HR and managers: Build staffing plans, PTO policies, and project timelines that anticipate reduced availability on or around the 11 holidays.
- Finance and operations teams: Schedule payroll, invoicing, and major financial transactions away from bank and market closures.
- Schools and educators: Align academic calendars and exam schedules with federal holidays to minimize conflicts and maximize student attendance.
By pairing this holiday list with a full 2026 calendar, you can map out the entire year’s key dates in one place and avoid last-minute surprises.
Tips for Creating Your Own 2026 Federal Holiday Calendar
If you want a personalized version of the 2026 US government recognized federal holidays calendar, consider these options:
- Create a one-page PDF that highlights all 11 federal holidays in a yearly grid.
- Add federal holidays as recurring events in Google Calendar, Outlook, or another digital calendar.
- Print monthly calendars that clearly mark each federal holiday in a different color.
- Include internal notes like “office closed,” “reduced support,” or “high travel demand” for each date.
Customizing the official holiday list for your own use makes it easier to coordinate teams, manage expectations, and support a better work–life balance across 2026.
Summary of 2026 US Government Recognized Federal Holidays
In summary, the 2026 US government recognized federal holidays calendar consists of 11 official dates spanning from New Year’s Day on January 1 to Christmas Day on December 25. These holidays shape how government offices, banks, markets, schools, and many employers operate throughout the year.
Add these dates to your 2026 planner now, and use them as anchor points for budgeting, scheduling, travel, and personal time off. With the federal holiday framework in place, it becomes much easier to design the rest of your year around the times that matter most.


