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2026 Holidays in United States

The 11 U.S. federal holidays observed in 2026, including the observed Independence Day date.

Official-source dataVerified:
Quick answer

In 2026, United States has 11 federal holidays. The full-year calendar below marks the official dates and relevant notes.

2026

Year

United States US

Current country/region

11

Total holiday days

June 19, 2026Juneteenth National Independence Day

Next holiday

2026 holiday calendar

A 12-month calendar. Hover over a marker or focus it with the keyboard to read the details.

★Statutory holiday

January 2026

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New Year's DayThursday, January 1, 2026Statutory holiday
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.Monday, January 19, 2026Statutory holiday

February 2026

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Washington's BirthdayMonday, February 16, 2026Statutory holiday

March 2026

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April 2026

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May 2026

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Memorial DayMonday, May 25, 2026Statutory holiday

June 2026

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Juneteenth National Independence DayFriday, June 19, 2026Statutory holiday

July 2026

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Independence Day (observed)Friday, July 3, 2026The calendar date is July 4; federal employees observe the holiday on Friday, July 3 in 2026.Statutory holiday

August 2026

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September 2026

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Labor DayMonday, September 7, 2026Statutory holiday

October 2026

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Columbus DayMonday, October 12, 2026Statutory holiday

November 2026

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Veterans DayWednesday, November 11, 2026Statutory holiday
Thanksgiving DayThursday, November 26, 2026Statutory holiday

December 2026

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Christmas DayFriday, December 25, 2026Statutory holiday

Holiday list

11 results, sorted by date.

Export CSV
DateWeekdayHoliday nameType
ThursdayNew Year's DayFederal holiday
MondayBirthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.Federal holiday
MondayWashington's BirthdayFederal holiday
MondayMemorial DayFederal holiday
FridayJuneteenth National Independence DayFederal holiday
FridayIndependence Day (observed)The calendar date is July 4; federal employees observe the holiday on Friday, July 3 in 2026.Federal holiday
MondayLabor DayFederal holiday
MondayColumbus DayFederal holiday
WednesdayVeterans DayFederal holiday
ThursdayThanksgiving DayFederal holiday
FridayChristmas DayFederal holiday

Official source and scope

This page is based on U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Check the official source again for travel, payroll or legal decisions.

Frequently asked questions

How many U.S. federal holidays are there in 2026?

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management lists 11 federal holidays for 2026.

Why is Independence Day shown on July 3 in 2026?

July 4 falls on a Saturday, so federal employees observe the holiday on Friday, July 3.

Do all U.S. businesses close on federal holidays?

No. This schedule applies to federal employees. States, schools and private employers may follow different schedules.

Holiday Stories

Independence Day (July 4th)

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally severing the thirteen American colonies from British rule. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document proclaimed the radical idea that "all men are created equal." Today, Independence Day is celebrated nationwide with fireworks displays, parades, backyard barbecues, and concerts. The National Mall in Washington, D.C. hosts one of the largest fireworks shows in the country. The holiday has been observed on a weekday in 2026, giving many Americans a long weekend.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving traces its origins to a three-day harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people in the fall of 1621. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863, setting the date as the final Thursday of November. Today it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November as a day of gratitude, family gathering, and feasting. The traditional meal centers on roast turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has been a beloved tradition since 1924.

Christmas

Christmas on December 25 commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. While rooted in Christian tradition, it has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural holiday. Customs include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, hanging stockings, and singing carols. The figure of Santa Claus — derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas and popularized by 19th-century American writers and illustrators — is central to the modern celebration. Many families attend midnight Mass or church services on Christmas Eve, and the season is marked by extensive charitable giving.

Memorial Day

Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it emerged after the Civil War when communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Traditions include placing American flags on veterans' graves, attending memorial services, and wearing red poppies — a symbol inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields." The holiday also unofficially marks the start of summer, with many Americans enjoying the long weekend with family outings.