Presidents Day is officially designated as Washington's Birthday but commonly called Presidents Day
The holiday occurs on the third Monday in February, creating a three-day weekend
Federal government offices are closed, but many businesses remain open
The observance varies across different institutions and states
📖 Full Retelling
American citizens observe Presidents Day across the United States on the third Monday in February, a federal holiday originally established to honor the nation's first President George Washington, though it has evolved to celebrate all presidents who have served the country. The holiday, officially designated as Washington's Birthday by the federal government in 1885, was traditionally celebrated on February 22nd, Washington's actual birthday. However, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved the observance to the third Monday in February, creating a convenient three-day weekend for many Americans. While the federal government maintains the official name 'Washington's Birthday,' most states and the general public refer to it as Presidents Day, gradually expanding the focus beyond just the first president to include all who have held the office. Federal offices, banks, and most government operations are closed on this day, though many businesses, retail stores, and shopping malls remain open, often taking advantage of the holiday with special sales and promotions.
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Federal Holidays, American History, Presidential Legacy
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act (Pub. L. 90–363, 82 Stat. 250, enacted June 28, 1968) is an Act of Congress that permanently moved two federal holidays in the United States to a Monday, being Washington's Birthday and Memorial Day, and further made Columbus Day a federal holiday, also permanently on ...
US holiday honoring George Washington and other presidents
Presidents' Day, officially Washington's Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday hon...
George Washington (February 22, 1732 [O.S. February 11, 1731] – December 14, 1799) was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War against t...
A public holiday, national holiday, federal holiday, statutory holiday, bank holiday or legal holiday is a holiday generally established by law and is usually a non-working day during the year.
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By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/its-presidents-day-heres-whats-open-and-closed Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter It's Presidents Day. Here's what's open and closed Nation Feb 16, 2026 10:31 AM EST Government offices, the stock market and schools are closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day, but most big retailers are open. When in doubt, call ahead or look up more specific schedules online for stores in your neighborhood. READ MORE: How Presidents Day turned from reverence to retail Here's a rundown of what's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026. Government offices Federal and state government offices are closed. Courts and most schools are also closed. The official designation for the holiday is Washington's Birthday after first President George Washington, although it has come to be known informally as Presidents Day. Arguments have been made to honor President Abraham Lincoln as well because his birth date falls nearby, on Feb. 12. Banks and the stock market U.S. stock markets and banks are closed Monday but will reopen on Tuesday. Retailers Most big stores and other businesses are open. National parks National parks are open and free to U.S. residents on Presidents Day. Late last year, the National Park Service announced that admission would no longer be free on Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth, but instead on June 14, which is Flag Day and President Donald Trump's birthday. But it is still free on other holidays including Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press --> Support Provided By: Learn more Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error m...
