You're probably staring at your calendar, squinting at that third Monday in February, and wondering if you actually have to log into Zoom or if you can finally catch up on sleep. It’s a fair question. Every year, the date shifts. So, is February 17 2025 a holiday?
Yes. It absolutely is.
Specifically, it’s Presidents' Day. Or Washington’s Birthday. Or "Washington-Lincoln Day," depending on which state's tax laws you’re currently living under. If you work for the federal government or a bank, you’re likely golden. If you work in retail? Well, you’re probably looking at a "Door Buster" sale instead of a day on the couch.
But there is a lot of weird nuance here. It isn't just a day for mattress sales and mail not showing up. It’s a day where the intersection of federal law and state preference creates a messy, confusing patchwork of who actually gets the day off.
The Federal Reality of February 17
Legally speaking, the United States federal government recognizes this day as Washington’s Birthday. That is the official name listed in 5 U.S.C. § 6103. Congress never actually changed the name to "Presidents' Day" on a national level, even though almost everyone calls it that now.
Because February 17, 2025, falls on a Monday, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act kicks in. This law was passed back in 1968 and took effect in 1971. The whole goal was to give federal employees more three-day weekends. It’s a bit ironic—we celebrate a Founding Father’s birth by ensuring we have a convenient time to go camping or hit the outlets.
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Who definitely gets the holiday?
- Federal Employees: All non-essential federal offices are closed.
- The Post Office: USPS won't be delivering regular mail.
- Stock Markets: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq take the day off.
- Banks: Most follow the Federal Reserve schedule. If the Fed is closed, your local branch likely is too, though your mobile app will still work fine for basic stuff.
Why February 17 2025 feels different in different states
Here is where it gets kind of annoying. Since the U.S. doesn't have "national holidays" that mandate private businesses close, it’s all up to your boss or your state legislature.
In Alabama, for example, they officially celebrate George Washington and Thomas Jefferson on this day. In Arkansas, it’s Washington and Daisy Gatson Bates. If you are in Virginia—Washington’s home state—the holiday is strictly called "George Washington Day."
Most public schools will be closed on February 17 2025, but even that isn't a total guarantee. Some districts use the day as a "snow day makeup" if the winter has been particularly brutal. You’ll want to check your specific school district’s 2024-2025 instructional calendar. Honestly, there’s nothing worse than driving your kid to a dark parking lot because you assumed the holiday applied to them.
The weird history of the date
George Washington was actually born on February 22. Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12. For a long time, these were two separate celebrations.
By the late 1960s, the government realized having everyone take random Tuesdays and Wednesdays off was killing productivity. When they moved the celebration to the third Monday of February, the date now never actually lands on Washington’s real birthday. The earliest it can be is February 15; the latest is February 21.
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So, in 2025, we are celebrating a man’s birthday on the 17th when he was born on the 22nd.
Does it matter? Probably not to you if you’re getting paid to stay home. But for historians, it’s a bit of a quirk. It’s also why the "Presidents' Day" moniker stuck—it became a catch-all to honor Lincoln, Washington, and basically anyone else who has sat in the Oval Office.
Traveling on the February 17 long weekend
If you’re planning to travel, be prepared. February 17 2025 sits right in the middle of the "ski season" peak. Because many schools also have a "Mid-Winter Break" or "February Vacation" during this week (especially in the Northeast like New York and Massachusetts), airports are going to be a nightmare.
Expect:
- Higher-than-average TSA wait times on Friday the 14th and Monday the 17th.
- Surge pricing on Uber and Lyft in major cities.
- Hotel premiums in "winter wonderland" destinations like Aspen, Park City, or Stowe.
If you aren't a skier, this is actually a great time to visit cities that are usually packed with business travelers. Since the corporate world slows down for the holiday, you might find some decent deals in places like Chicago or DC, provided you don't mind the cold.
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Is your favorite store open?
Short answer: Yes.
Retailers love February 17 2025. It is one of the biggest sales periods of the first quarter. While the government shuts down, the private sector ramps up.
- Grocery Stores: Almost all are open (Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods, etc.).
- Big Box Stores: Target, Walmart, and Costco generally operate on normal Monday hours.
- Restaurants: It's business as usual. In fact, many brunch spots will be busier than a normal Monday because people are off work.
One tiny exception: Small, family-owned businesses or high-end boutiques might choose to close to give their staff a break. A quick call ahead is never a bad idea if you’re heading to a "mom and pop" shop.
What to do if you have the day off
If you’ve confirmed that February 17 2025 is a holiday for you, don’t waste it.
Most people just end up doom-scrolling. Instead, consider the historical context. The National Parks Service often waives entrance fees on certain holidays, though you should check the 2025 "Free Entrance Days" list specifically as they update it annually.
It's also a prime time for "life admin." Since banks are closed, you can't do in-person wire transfers, but it’s a perfect day to organize your tax documents for the upcoming April deadline.
Actionable Steps for the February 17 Holiday
- Verify your employer’s handbook: Don’t assume. Some private companies swap Presidents' Day for the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) or a floating holiday.
- Check the school calendar now: If you have kids, see if February 17 is a standalone holiday or the start of a week-long "mid-winter break."
- Book travel by December: If you’re heading to the mountains for the long weekend, prices usually spike once the New Year’s Eve dust settles.
- Automate your bills: Since banks are closed, any manual payments due on the 17th might not process until the 18th. Set them up a few days early to avoid any "late" flags, even if most banks give a grace period for holidays.
- Watch the mail: If you’re expecting an important check or document, remember there is no residential delivery on Monday. Plan your week accordingly.
The bottom line is that February 17, 2025, serves as a needed breather during that long stretch between New Year's and Spring Break. Whether you use it to honor the presidency or just to catch up on laundry, it's a confirmed federal break.