Us National Holidays February 2026

Your Essential Guide to US National Holidays in February 2026

Looking ahead to February 2026? If you’re hoping for an extra-long weekend or need to plan around official closures, you’ve come to the right place. February is a fascinating month for holidays in the United States, featuring a significant federal observance alongside a host of cultural, historical, and even whimsical celebrations. The good news? Yes, there’s a federal holiday in February 2026 that gives many Americans a well-deserved day off!

February 2026 brings us Washington’s Birthday, commonly known as Presidents’ Day, observed on Monday, February 16, 2026. This means federal offices, many banks, and post offices will be closed. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond this official day off, February is packed with rich observances like Black History Month, the charming Groundhog Day, and the ever-romantic Valentine’s Day. Understanding the difference between a federal holiday and other important observances is key to smart planning.

Let’s dive into exactly what February 2026 holds for your calendar, ensuring you know which days matter most for your work, banking, and leisure activities.

Federal Holidays in February 2026: The Official Rundown

When most people ask about “National Holidays,” they’re usually referring to federal holidays. These are the days recognized by the U.S. government, providing paid time off for federal employees, closing federal offices, and impacting services like mail delivery and banking. For February 2026, there is one such holiday:

Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) – Monday, February 16, 2026 (Observed)

This is the big one for February 2026. While officially named “Washington’s Birthday,” it’s widely known as Presidents’ Day and often celebrates both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, along with all U.S. presidents. In 2026, because George Washington’s actual birthday (February 22) falls on a Sunday, the holiday is officially observed on the closest Monday.

Why We Celebrate: The History of Washington’s Birthday

The observance of Washington’s Birthday dates back to the late 18th century, shortly after his death. It became a federal holiday in 1879, making it the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen. Initially, it was celebrated specifically on February 22nd. However, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 shifted several federal holidays to always fall on a Monday, creating more three-day weekends for workers. Washington’s Birthday was one of these, moving to the third Monday in February. Over time, retailers and the public began to refer to it as “Presidents’ Day,” combining the recognition of both Washington and Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12th) and, eventually, all U.S. presidents.

This day serves as a time for reflection on the leadership and legacy of these pivotal figures in American history, often marked by historical reenactments, educational programs, and patriotic celebrations.

What “Observed” Means for February 2026

The term “observed” is crucial for understanding federal holidays. Since George Washington’s actual birthday, February 22nd, falls on a Sunday in 2026, the federal holiday is officially moved to the preceding Monday, which is February 16th. This ensures federal employees still receive their day off. This practice is common for federal holidays that fall on a weekend:

• If a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is usually observed on the preceding Friday.
• If a federal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is usually observed on the following Monday.

So, even though February 22nd is Washington’s actual birthday, your federal holiday for 2026 will be on the 16th.

Practical Impact: Who Gets the Day Off?

On Monday, February 16, 2026, you can generally expect the following:

• Federal Employees: They will have a paid day off.
• Banks: Most banks and financial institutions will be closed.
• Post Offices: The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery and close post offices.
• Stock Markets: U.S. stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) will typically be closed.
• Schools: Many public and some private schools will be closed.
• State & Local Government: Some state and local government offices may also close, but this varies by jurisdiction.
• Private Sector: Observance in the private sector is at the employer’s discretion. Many companies, especially those that deal directly with federal entities or financial markets, will close, while others may operate as usual.

Here’s a quick reference table for the official federal holiday in February 2026:

Date	Day of Week	Holiday Name	Observed Status	Practical Impact (General)
February 16, 2026	Monday	Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)	Observed (Actual birthday is Feb 22, 2026)	Federal offices, banks, post offices closed. Many schools & some businesses closed.

Important Observances & Public Holidays in February 2026 (Non-Federal)

While only Washington’s Birthday is a federal holiday in February 2026, the month is rich with other significant dates that hold cultural, historical, or personal importance. These days are widely recognized and celebrated but generally do not grant a federal paid day off.

Black History Month (Throughout February)

A Legacy of Celebration and Education

Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. It originated as “Negro History Week” in 1926, established by historian Carter G. Woodson, and officially became Black History Month in 1976 under President Gerald Ford. Throughout February, schools, communities, and organizations host events, exhibits, and educational programs to honor the contributions of Black individuals and to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial justice. It’s a vital time for learning, remembrance, and progress.

Groundhog Day – Monday, February 2, 2026

Phil’s Prediction: A Quirky Tradition

Each year on February 2nd, Americans turn their attention to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow to predict the end of winter. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if he doesn’t, spring will arrive early. While scientifically dubious, Groundhog Day is a charming and much-loved cultural tradition that provides a lighthearted break in the mid-winter slump. It’s a non-federal observance, so all businesses and services will operate normally.

Valentine’s Day – Saturday, February 14, 2026

Celebrating Love and Connection

Falling on a Saturday in 2026, Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection. While not a public holiday, it’s one of the most commercially significant days in February. People exchange cards, gifts, flowers, and chocolates with loved ones. Its origins trace back to ancient Roman and early Christian traditions, evolving into the romantic celebration we know today. Expect restaurants to be busy and florists to be swamped leading up to this weekend.

Lincoln’s Birthday – Thursday, February 12, 2026 (Often State-Specific)

Honoring the 16th President

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12th, is not a federal holiday, but it is observed as a legal holiday in several states, including Illinois, California, Connecticut, Missouri, and New York. Some schools and government offices in these states may close. In other states, it’s recognized but without a day off. As mentioned, Lincoln’s legacy is often combined with Washington’s Birthday into the broader “Presidents’ Day” observance for federal purposes, but February 12th still holds special significance for many, particularly in states that formally recognize it.

Ash Wednesday – Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Kicking Off Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for many Western Christian churches. It is a day of prayer and fasting, observed by many Catholics and Protestants. Services are held where participants receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of penitence and mortality. While a deeply significant religious observance for millions, it is not a public or federal holiday, and all regular activities will continue.

Here’s a summary of these important non-federal observances:

Date	Day of Week	Observance Name	Significance
Throughout February	Varies	Black History Month	Celebration and recognition of African American history and achievements.
February 2, 2026	Monday	Groundhog Day	Folklore tradition for predicting the end of winter.
February 12, 2026	Thursday	Lincoln’s Birthday	Observed as a legal holiday in several states.
February 14, 2026	Saturday	Valentine’s Day	A day for expressing love and affection.
February 18, 2026	Wednesday	Ash Wednesday	Beginning of Lent for many Christians.

Other Noteworthy Dates in February 2026 (Fun & Awareness Days)

Beyond the official and culturally significant holidays, February is also home to a myriad of “national days” and awareness initiatives. These are generally not observed with closures or days off but offer fun opportunities for participation or recognition. While we won’t delve into the “History of Tater Tots” here (as some calendar sites might!), it’s good to be aware of the variety:

• National Freedom Day (February 1): Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment.
• National Wear Red Day (February 6): Raises awareness for women’s heart disease.
• Super Bowl LXI (Expected Early February): While the exact date for 2026 isn’t set, the Super Bowl is typically in early February and is a massive cultural event, even if not a holiday.
• National Tater Tot Day (February 2): A fun, unofficial food holiday!
• National Engineers Week (Mid-February): Celebrates the contributions of engineers.

These days add a unique flavor to the month but don’t impact your holiday planning for time off or business closures.

Why Understanding Holiday Types Matters for Your February 2026 Plans

Distinguishing between federal holidays, significant observances, and other national days is more than just academic; it has real-world implications for your personal and professional life.

For Employees: Know Your PTO Rights

If you’re a federal employee, Washington’s Birthday on February 16, 2026, guarantees you a paid day off. If you work in the private sector, your company’s policy determines whether you get the day off. Many businesses align with federal holidays, but it’s not mandated. Always check your employer’s holiday schedule. Understanding this difference prevents missed opportunities for a long weekend or unexpected work demands.

For Businesses: Plan for Closures and Staffing

Businesses, particularly those that rely on banking, mail services, or interactions with federal agencies, must plan for federal holiday closures. Financial transactions may be delayed, and delivery schedules will be impacted. For customer-facing businesses, knowing about major observances like Valentine’s Day can help you plan staffing, inventory, and promotions. Failing to account for these can lead to operational bottlenecks or missed revenue opportunities.

For Travelers: Expect Crowds and Potential Closures

Long weekends created by federal holidays often lead to increased travel. If you’re planning a getaway for Presidents’ Day weekend (February 14-16, 2026), expect higher prices for flights and accommodations, and larger crowds at popular destinations. Additionally, be aware that some attractions, museums, or government-run sites might be closed or have altered hours. Always check ahead!