You’re probably looking at your calendar right now, trying to figure out if you actually have the day off or if the banks are going to be closed. It happens every year. We all know the holiday exists, but because it doesn’t sit still on a specific calendar date like Christmas or the Fourth of July, we’re left guessing.
So, when is Presidents Day celebrated?
Basically, it happens on the third Monday of February. Every single year. In 2026, that means the holiday falls on February 16. If you’re planning ahead for 2027, it’ll be February 15. It’s a floating target, and there’s a very specific, slightly bureaucratic reason for that.
The Monday Holiday Law That Changed Everything
We used to celebrate George Washington’s birthday on February 22. Period. It was his actual birthday (at least according to the New Style calendar), and for a long time, the country stuck to that. But then the 1960s happened, and Congress decided they wanted to make life a bit more convenient for federal employees and, honestly, the American consumer.
Enter the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968.
This law was a massive shift in how Americans experience time off. The goal was to create more three-day weekends. Congress figured that if people had three days off in a row, they’d spend more money, travel more, and boost the economy. They moved several holidays—including Memorial Day and Veterans Day (though Veterans Day eventually moved back)—to designated Mondays.
Presidents Day was part of this shuffle.
By law, the holiday is technically still "Washington’s Birthday" at the federal level. The government hasn't actually changed the name to "Presidents Day" in the U.S. Code. Yet, if you look at a mattress sale or a car dealership flyer, you’ll never see it called Washington's Birthday. We’ve collectively rebranded it.
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Why We Never Actually Celebrate on Washington’s Birthday Anymore
Here is a weird bit of trivia: because the holiday is locked to the third Monday, and Washington’s birthday is February 22, the holiday can never actually fall on his real birthday.
The latest possible date for the third Monday is February 21.
It’s a bit ironic. We honor the man by specifically avoiding his actual birth date.
And then there’s Abraham Lincoln. His birthday is February 12. Before the 1968 Act, many states celebrated both Washington and Lincoln as separate holidays. When the Monday holiday law kicked in, it created a convenient "sandwich" period between the two birthdays. This led to the popular adoption of the name "Presidents Day" to cover both men—and eventually, all the people who have held the office.
The State-by-State Confusion
States don't have to follow federal holiday names. This is where it gets messy. If you're in Virginia, the holiday is officially "George Washington Day." In Alabama, they celebrate "George Washington and Thomas Jefferson's Birthday" (despite Jefferson being born in April). Arkansas gets even more specific, combining Washington with civil rights activist Daisy Gatson Bates.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a localized free-for-all.
But for most of us, it’s just that Monday in February when the mail doesn't come.
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The Economic Engine of a February Monday
Retailers love this holiday. Seriously. February is usually a dead zone for shopping. The post-Christmas hangover is real, and the weather is usually miserable across half the country. By positioning the holiday on a Monday, the government inadvertently created one of the biggest shopping windows of the year.
Think about it.
You’ve seen the commercials. Huge discounts on appliances, "White Sales" for linens, and those iconic car commercials where a guy in a powdered wig tries to sell you a truck. It’s deeply American to honor our founding fathers by getting 20% off a dishwasher.
But beyond the sales, the timing of when is Presidents Day celebrated serves as a vital mid-winter break for schools. Most K-12 districts bake this into their "mid-winter recess" or "February break." For parents, it’s a logistical puzzle; for kids, it’s a reprieve from the slog of the spring semester.
Does it Actually Honor the Presidents?
There is a valid argument made by historians like Alexis Coe (author of You Never Forget Your First) that by turning the holiday into a generic "Presidents Day," we’ve diluted the significance of Washington himself. When we celebrate everyone, we kind of celebrate no one.
Washington was the only president unanimously elected. He set the precedent for stepping down after two terms—a move that was practically unheard of for a powerful leader at the time. By lumping him in with, say, Millard Fillmore or Franklin Pierce, some feel we lose the "Great Man" aspect of the original February 22nd tradition.
On the flip side, proponents argue that the office is bigger than the person. Celebrating the Presidency as an institution reflects our democratic values. It's a day to reflect on the peaceful transfer of power, which, as we've seen in recent years, is the real bedrock of the country.
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What’s Actually Closed?
Since this is a federal holiday, the "who is open" list is pretty standard, but there are always exceptions.
- Banks: Most follow the Federal Reserve schedule and stay closed. Online banking works, but don't expect a teller to answer the door.
- The Post Office: No mail delivery. If you’re waiting on a package from USPS, it’s staying at the sorting facility until Tuesday.
- Stock Markets: The NYSE and NASDAQ take the day off.
- Courts and Government Offices: All closed.
- Retail and Restaurants: Almost entirely open. In fact, they want you there. This is their "Black Friday" of the winter.
Actionable Steps for Your Long Weekend
Knowing when the holiday falls is only half the battle. If you're looking to actually make use of the day rather than just doom-scrolling, here are a few ways to actually engage with the history (or just the time off):
Check the State Parks.
Many state parks offer free admission or special "Winter Hikes" on Presidents Day. It’s a great way to clear the head.
Visit a National Site Virtually.
If you can't get to Mount Vernon or Springfield, Illinois, the National Park Service has incredible digital tours of the homes of various presidents. They’ve poured a lot of money into high-res scans of these estates.
Audit Your Taxes.
I know, it sounds terrible. But since the holiday falls in mid-February, you usually have all your 1099s and W-2s by then. Using that extra Monday to knock out your tax return can save you a massive headache in April.
Look for "hidden" travel deals.
While everyone looks for flights on Friday and Monday, the real deals for this weekend often appear if you fly on the Saturday morning of the holiday weekend.
Ultimately, Presidents Day is what you make of it. Whether it's a day of historical reflection on the 46 people who have shaped the American executive branch, or just a day to catch up on sleep and buy a new toaster, the third Monday of February is firmly etched into our national rhythm. Mark your 2026 calendar for the 16th—just don't expect to mail any letters.