Presidents Day 2026: What's Open and Closed

Presidents Day is on Monday, February 16, 2026. Federal offices, public schools, and the post office will be closed. Many private businesses like stores and delivery services will be open.
By Newsroom | Holidays, United States |

Holiday Observation and Operational Status

Presidents Day, observed on the third Monday of February, which falls on February 16, 2026, results in a federal holiday. This designation means federal government offices and employees typically cease operations. Public schools and many academic institutions also close. However, the impact on private sector businesses and services varies, leading to a mixed operational status across the nation.

Context of the Holiday

Presidents Day is officially recognized as Washington's Birthday, a federal holiday. It is observed annually on the third Monday of February. While its origins lie in honoring George Washington, many states now use the occasion to also commemorate Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February. The holiday’s observance dictates that federal employees are granted the day off.

  • Federal Designation: Presidents Day is a federal holiday.

  • Observance Date: Third Monday of February (February 16, 2026).

  • Honorees: Primarily George Washington, often extended to Abraham Lincoln.

  • Impact on Federal Workforce: Federal government offices are closed, and federal workers receive paid time off.

Service Status by Sector

The operational status of various services on Presidents Day 2026 shows a clear division between government-mandated closures and private sector operations.

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  • Government Services: Federal, state, and local government offices are generally closed. This includes courthouses and administrative agencies.

  • Education: Public schools, colleges, and universities typically observe the holiday with closures.

  • Financial Institutions: Banks are often closed on Presidents Day, aligning with the federal holiday status.

  • Mail Delivery: The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not operate on Presidents Day. Mail delivery is suspended, and post offices remain closed.

  • Private Delivery Services: Companies like UPS and FedEx often maintain operations, though they may observe altered schedules or limited services.

  • Retail and Grocery Stores: Most retail establishments, including grocery stores, are expected to remain open, though some may have adjusted hours.

Post Office Operations Remain Dark

A consistent observation across reports is the non-operation of the United States Postal Service (USPS) on Presidents Day. This includes the suspension of all mail delivery and the closure of post office facilities.

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Presidents Day 2026: What's Open, Closed, and Why the Post Office is Staying Dark [Full List] - 1

  • USPS Closure: Confirmed closure for Presidents Day.

  • Mail Delivery: No mail will be delivered on this day.

  • Post Office Facilities: All post office branches will be closed.

Private Delivery Services Maintain Operations

In contrast to the USPS, private shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx generally continue their services on Presidents Day. While specific schedules might vary, these companies do not typically observe federal holidays as mandatory closure days for their operations.

  • UPS: Expected to operate, potentially with modified service.

  • FedEx: Expected to operate, potentially with modified service.

Academic and Public Institutions

Public schools, colleges, and universities across the United States are consistently noted as being closed on Presidents Day. This aligns with the holiday’s status as a federal observance, impacting a broad segment of the educational sector.

  • Schools: Public K-12 schools are closed.

  • Higher Education: Colleges and universities are generally closed.

Expert Analysis

"Presidents Day highlights the distinct operational differences between government-mandated holidays and those that affect private enterprise. While federal employees are guaranteed a day of rest, the economic realities for many private sector services mean a continuation of business as usual, albeit with potential adjustments."

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Analysis by a representative of a labor policy think tank, speaking on background.

"The consistent closure of the USPS underscores its role as a federal entity. While private carriers adapt to market demands, the postal service's operations are directly tied to federal holiday schedules."

Observation from a logistics and supply chain analyst.

Conclusion

Presidents Day 2026, observed on February 16th, will result in the closure of federal government offices, public schools, and the United States Postal Service. Private sector businesses, including most retailers and private delivery services like UPS and FedEx, are expected to operate, though with possible variations in service schedules. The holiday serves as a clear marker for the cessation of federal operations while private entities largely continue their business functions.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Presidents Day in 2026?
Presidents Day is on Monday, February 16, 2026. It is always on the third Monday in February.
Q: Will the post office be open on Presidents Day?
No, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed. There will be no mail delivery.
Q: Are schools closed on Presidents Day?
Yes, most public schools and many colleges will be closed for the holiday.
Q: What about private delivery services like UPS and FedEx?
These companies usually stay open on Presidents Day. They might have different hours or services.
Q: Will stores be open on Presidents Day?
Most stores and grocery stores will be open. Some might have shorter hours for the holiday.