The United States' 2026 federal holiday calendar is dominated by the 250th anniversary of American independence. The nation was founded on 4 July 1776 — making 4 July 2026 the semiquincentennial. While Independence Day falls on a Saturday (with federal workers observing the substitute holiday on Friday 3 July), the national celebrations are expected to be the largest in American history, with major events planned in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and cities across the country.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday 19 January. Presidents' Day is Monday 16 February. Memorial Day is Monday 25 May. Labor Day is Monday 7 September. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day is Monday 12 October. Veterans Day (11 November) falls on a Wednesday — mid-week.
Thanksgiving is Thursday 26 November. Christmas Day (25 December) falls on a Friday — automatic three-day festive weekend. New Year's Day (1 January 2027) falls on a Friday — another automatic long weekend to start the new year.
Nationwide Holidays 2026
11 holidays| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thu | New Year's Day | Nationwide |
| 19 Jan 2026 | Mon | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Nationwide |
| 16 Feb 2026 | Mon | Washington's Birthday | Nationwide |
| 25 May 2026 | Mon | Memorial Day | Nationwide |
| 19 Jun 2026 | Fri | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Nationwide |
| 3 Jul 2026 | Fri | Independence Day (observed) | Nationwide |
| 7 Sept 2026 | Mon | Labor Day | Nationwide |
| 12 Oct 2026 | Mon | Columbus Day | Nationwide |
| 11 Nov 2026 | Wed | Veterans Day | Nationwide |
| 26 Nov 2026 | Thu | Thanksgiving Day | Nationwide |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | Nationwide |