Is Today a Federal Holiday? Everything to Know About Presidents’ Day 2026 Closures

Is today a federal holiday? Yes—Monday, February 16, 2026 is Washington’s Birthday, better known as Presidents Day, and it is one of the 11 nationwide U.S. federal holidays designated by Congress and the Office of Personnel Management. What’s closed today • All non-essential federal government offices, including courts and most administrative agencies • U.S. Postal Service retail counters and regular mail delivery • Most banks governed by the Federal Reserve, which also observes the holiday • U.S. stock and bond markets, as exchanges follow the federal calendar What stays open • Essential federal services such as TSA security, Customs and Border Protection, and active-duty military operations • Most state and local government offices that do not mirror the federal schedule (check local listings) • Private retailers and restaurants, many of which run “Presidents Day” sales Why the holiday falls on February 16 this year Under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Washington’s Birthday is observed on the third Monday of February. In 2026, the third Monday lands on the 16th, giving federal employees a three-day weekend. Although popularly called Presidents Day, the legal name remains Washington’s Birthday. Travel and traffic outlook AAA projects heavier-than-normal traffic on Friday evening (February 13) and Monday afternoon (February 16) as millions take advantage of the long weekend. If you’re flying, arrive at least two hours early; the TSA expects passenger volumes comparable to summer peaks. Mail, packages and online orders • USPS: No mail delivery or in-person services; Priority Mail Express continues as usual. • UPS & FedEx: Normal ground and air operations; UPS Store locations set their own hours. Government benefit payments Social Security, VA, Medicare and other federal benefit disbursements scheduled for February 16 will process on the next business day, Tuesday, February 17. Direct-deposit funds typically appear overnight; paper checks may arrive later in the week, depending on USPS backlog. Tips for maximizing the long weekend 1. Plan banking tasks for Tuesday; mobile deposits made today will not post until tomorrow. 2. Refill prescriptions in advance—many pharmacies inside federal buildings are closed. 3. Expect holiday hours at national parks and Smithsonian museums; arrive early for timed-entry spots. 4. Snag travel deals: airfare and hotel rates historically dip the week after Presidents Day as demand cools. Key takeaways • Today is a federal holiday, so government services, mail and markets are paused. • Essential services remain operational, and most private businesses choose their own hours. • The next federal holiday after Presidents Day is Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026—mark your calendar now.