Presidents Day 2026: Top Deals, Surprising Facts, and Last-Minute Getaways You Can’t Miss

When is Presidents Day 2026? Presidents Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 16, creating a long weekend for millions of workers and students. Because the holiday is fixed to the third Monday in February, its date shifts slightly each year, but its perks—widespread retail discounts and a break from routine—remain the same. What’s closed and what’s open • Federal offices, post offices and most banks will be closed. • The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will not trade. • Essential services such as hospitals, many grocery chains and most big-box retailers stay open, often with holiday hours. Why shoppers should circle the date Presidents Day has evolved into the first major retail event of the calendar year. Analysts expect discounts rivaling Black Friday on: • Mattresses and bedding (historically 20–40 % off) • Large appliances and TVs • Winter apparel close-outs and early spring fashion • Laptops, tablets and smart-home tech NBC News notes that retailers plan deep markdowns to clear post-holiday inventory and make room for spring launches. CNN Underscored is already tracking triple-digit price drops on electronics, furniture and small appliances. Travel surge and savings With a built-in three-day window, Presidents Day weekend consistently ranks among the busiest winter travel periods. Airlines and vacation-rental platforms report an uptick in beach and ski bookings, while auto clubs forecast heavier interstate traffic beginning the preceding Friday afternoon. Early-bird airfare and hotel deals often disappear by late January, so travelers are advised to lock in reservations now for the best rates. A quick history refresher Officially known as Washington’s Birthday at the federal level, the holiday began in 1879 to honor the first U.S. president. Over time, state proclamations and advertising campaigns broadened the celebration to embrace all U.S. presidents, giving rise to the modern “Presidents Day” moniker. That semantic shift, coupled with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, paved the way for today’s mix of patriotic observance and promotional blitz. Tips to maximize the holiday 1. Create price-watch alerts on high-ticket items before deals go live—a strategy recommended by retail experts at Forbes. 2. Stack retailer coupons with bank or credit-card cash-back offers for extra savings. 3. If traveling, depart early Friday or late Monday night to dodge peak congestion. 4. Remember online returns: many Presidents Day promos feature extended return windows that stretch into March. Bottom line Whether you’re hunting for a discounted mattress, planning a mid-winter getaway or simply enjoying a day off, Presidents Day 2026 delivers a rare mix of savings and leisure. Mark February 16 on the calendar now—waiting until the long weekend could mean missing the best doorbusters, price drops and travel seats of the season.