February 2026 National Holidays Usa

February 2026 National Holidays in the USA: Your Definitive Guide to Planning & Observance

Ah, February! The shortest month, often bringing chilly winds and the promise of spring. But what about national holidays in the USA for February 2026? If you’re looking to plan a long weekend, manage your business operations, or simply understand what closures to expect, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s cut straight to it: there is one official federal holiday in February 2026 that will grant many Americans a day off.

However, the term “national holiday” can be a bit tricky. Many popular observances, historical commemorations, and even state-specific holidays often get lumped into this category. My goal here is to clear up that confusion, provide you with the exact details for February 2026, and give you a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

The Sole Federal Holiday in February 2026: Washington’s Birthday

For February 2026, the United States observes just one federal holiday:

• Washington’s Birthday (often called Presidents’ Day): Monday, February 16, 2026

This means that on February 16, 2026, most federal government offices will be closed. This includes postal services, federal courts, and other non-essential federal operations. Many banks also close their doors, and a good number of schools and private businesses choose to observe this holiday, offering employees a paid day off. Understanding this distinction is crucial for planning your month effectively.

Navigating the Holiday Landscape: Federal, State, and Popular Observances

The confusion around “national holidays” often stems from the different categories of public days off and commemorations in the U.S. Let’s break down what each term really means.

Federal Holidays: The Nation’s Official Day Off

Federal holidays are designated by the U.S. government. They apply nationwide to federal employees, and federal institutions. There are currently 11 federal holidays recognized by the government. When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, it’s typically observed on the closest weekday (e.g., Friday if it’s a Saturday, Monday if it’s a Sunday). These holidays are generally paid days off for federal workers, and many private sector employers follow suit, though they are not legally mandated to do so.

Here’s a quick list of all 11 federal holidays for your broader 2026 planning:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (Third Monday in January)
• Washington’s Birthday (Third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (First Monday in September)
• Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

State-Specific Holidays: A Patchwork of Traditions

Beyond federal holidays, individual states can designate their own holidays. These are observed by state and local government offices and may include paid time off for state employees. Crucially, state holidays vary significantly. What’s a day off in one state might be a regular workday in another. A prime example in February is Lincoln’s Birthday, which is a state holiday in several states but not a federal one.

Popular Observances & “National Days”: Beyond Official Closures

Many dates we refer to as “national days” or “holidays” are actually popular observances, cultural traditions, or commemorative periods, but they are not federal or even state holidays in the sense of a widespread day off. Think of Groundhog Day or Valentine’s Day. While widely recognized and celebrated, they don’t typically lead to closures of schools or businesses. Black History Month, which spans all of February, is another vital national observance, focusing on education and recognition rather than a day off.

February 2026 at a Glance: Your Comprehensive Holiday & Observance Calendar

To make your planning as straightforward as possible, I’ve compiled a detailed table of everything noteworthy happening in February 2026. This includes the federal holiday, key state holidays, and popular observances.

Date	Day	Holiday / Observance Name	Type	Who Observes (Commonly)	Notes
February 1-28	Throughout Month	Black History Month	National Observance	General Public, Educational Institutions, Cultural Organizations	A month-long recognition of African American history and achievements. Not a day off.
February 2	Monday	Groundhog Day	Popular Observance	General Public	A traditional holiday to predict the arrival of spring. No official closures.
February 3	Tuesday	National Freedom Day	Observance	General Public	Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment (abolishing slavery). Not a day off.
February 12	Thursday	Lincoln’s Birthday	State Holiday / Observance	Some State Governments (e.g., IL, NY, CT), General Public	Honors Abraham Lincoln. Observed as a day off in specific states only. Not a federal holiday.
February 14	Saturday	Valentine’s Day	Popular Observance	General Public	A day of romance and affection. No official closures.
February 16	Monday	Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)	Federal Holiday	Federal Government, Banks, Post Office, Some Schools, Many Businesses	Celebrates George Washington’s birthday and broadly honors all U.S. presidents.

Deeper Dive into Key February Days

Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day): History and Modern Impact

Observed on the third Monday in February, Washington’s Birthday officially commemorates the birth of George Washington, the first U.S. President. His actual birthday is February 22. Over time, particularly with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971, the holiday became known more commonly as Presidents’ Day, a broader recognition of all U.S. presidents, often specifically Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12) due to its proximity.

For most people, this means:

• Government Services: Federal offices, including the DMV and social security offices, will be closed.
• Postal Service: No mail delivery, and post offices will be closed.
• Banking: Most banks and credit unions will be closed.
• Schools: Many public and private schools observe the holiday with a day off.
• Retail and Businesses: A significant number of private businesses close, but many retail stores, especially car dealerships and furniture stores, often remain open with “Presidents’ Day Sales.”

Groundhog Day (February 2, 2026): A Quirky Tradition

Every February 2nd, the nation turns its eyes to a small burrowing creature for a weather prediction. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it’s six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is on its way! This beloved tradition, rooted in European folklore, is a fun cultural event but not a day off work or school.

Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12, 2026): A Regional Commemoration

While Abraham Lincoln is honored broadly on Presidents’ Day, his actual birthday, February 12, is a state holiday in several states, including Illinois, New York, and Connecticut. If you live or work in one of these states, you might find state and local government offices closed. However, it is not a federal holiday, meaning federal offices, banks, and postal services operate as usual nationwide on this day.

Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026): A Day of Affection

Falling on a Saturday in 2026, Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated cultural day dedicated to love and romance. Expect to see cards, flowers, and chocolates exchanged, and restaurants bustling. However, despite its popularity, it is not a federal or state holiday and does not involve any official closures.

Black History Month (February 2026): Honoring Heritage

February is designated as Black History Month, a critically important annual observance. Throughout the month, individuals and institutions across the country dedicate time to celebrating the achievements and recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. This involves educational programs, community events, and cultural commemorations. It is a period of reflection and learning, not a day off from work or school.

Practical Considerations for February 2026

For Employees and Employers

If you’re an employee, check your company’s holiday policy. While federal employers and many larger companies observe Washington’s Birthday as a paid holiday, private sector businesses are not legally required to do so. If you’re an employer, clearly communicate your holiday schedule and pay policies well in advance to avoid confusion.

For Businesses and Services

Expect federal agencies, banks, and the post office to be closed on Monday, February 16. Plan any essential transactions accordingly. Retail and service industries often see an increase in activity around long weekends, so prepare for varied customer traffic.

For Planning Your Time

If you’re looking for government services, remember the closure on February 16. If you’re traveling, be aware that many places might be busier, especially if schools are also out. Always confirm specific opening hours for any private businesses or attractions you plan to visit, as their observance of the holiday can vary widely.

Looking Ahead: Federal Holidays Throughout 2026

While February 2026 has just one federal holiday, the rest of the year offers several more opportunities for federal observance. Here’s a quick peek:

• May 25, 2026: Memorial Day
• June 19, 2026: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• July 3, 2026: Independence Day (observed, as July 4th is a Saturday)
• September 7, 2026: Labor Day
• October 12, 2026: Columbus Day
• November 11, 2026: Veterans Day
• November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving Day
• December 25, 2026: Christmas Day

Keep these in mind as you plan your year, ensuring you maximize your time off and minimize any inconvenience from closures.

So there you have it – the definitive breakdown of February 2026 national holidays and observances in the USA. While only one federal holiday officially marks the calendar, understanding the nuances between federal, state, and popular observances empowers you to plan smarter, whether for work, travel, or simply enjoying your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a federal holiday every month in the US?

No, federal holidays are not observed every month. For instance, March, April, August, and September (outside of Labor Day) typically do not have federal holidays. February 2026 has one federal holiday: Washington’s Birthday.

Do all employees get paid for federal holidays?

Federal employees typically receive paid time off for federal holidays. However, private sector employers are not legally required to offer paid holidays or even observe them. Many companies do, but policies vary, so always check with your employer.

Are banks open on Washington’s Birthday in 2026?

Most banks and credit unions will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day). It’s always a good idea to confirm with your specific financial institution.

What’s the difference between Lincoln’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day?

Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12) is a state holiday in several U.S. states, but it is not a federal holiday. Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday (observed on the third Monday in February), is a federal holiday that broadly honors all U.S. presidents, including Lincoln, alongside George Washington.

Is Valentine’s Day a national holiday?

No, Valentine’s Day (February 14) is a widely celebrated cultural observance dedicated to romance and affection, but it is not a federal or state holiday and does not result in official closures or days off.

How can I check for state-specific holidays in February 2026?

To check for state-specific holidays, visit your state’s official government website (e.g., your state’s Department of Human Resources or Secretary of State office) or consult reliable calendar resources that list state holidays, like Time and Date or WinCalendar, but always cross-reference official sources for accuracy.

When is Black History Month?

Black History Month is observed throughout the entire month of February each year in the United States. It is a national observance dedicated to celebrating the history and achievements of African Americans.