🇺🇸 USA Public Holidays 2026
Complete list of federal and national public holidays in the United States. Dates are sourced from the official Nager.Date holiday registry.
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All Holidays 2026
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United States Federal Holidays — What You Need to Know
The United States recognizes 11 federal public holidays established by Congress under 5 U.S.C. § 6103. These are official days off for federal employees and are widely observed by banks, the stock market, and most businesses across all 50 states. State and local governments may observe additional holidays beyond the federal list.
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is usually observed on the preceding Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. This is why you'll sometimes see "observed" dates that differ from the calendar date.
Complete List of US Federal Public Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday, January 1 | Federal | Celebrated worldwide |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | Federal | Honors the civil rights leader |
| Presidents' Day | Monday, February 16 | Federal | Officially "Washington's Birthday" |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Federal | Honors fallen military members |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | Federal | Commemorates end of slavery |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 (Observed Friday, July 3) | Federal | Birthday of the United States (1776) |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | Federal | Celebrates American workers |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 | Federal | Also Indigenous Peoples' Day |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 | Federal | Honors all U.S. military veterans |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | Federal | America's most-celebrated family holiday |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | Federal | Observed Mon if Sun, Fri if Sat |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does the USA have?
The United States has 11 federal public holidays set by Congress. Individual states can declare additional public holidays — for example, many states observe Good Friday, Election Day, or state-specific commemorations.
Are federal holidays mandatory for private employers?
No. Federal holidays are only mandatory for federal government employees. Private employers are not legally required by federal law to give paid time off on these days. However, many employers do observe them as a matter of company policy or union agreement.
What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend?
If a federal holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed day off. If it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. This ensures all federal employees receive a weekday off.
Is Thanksgiving only in the USA?
No — Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, but on the second Monday of October. The US observes it on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday has different historical origins in each country.
When was Juneteenth made a federal holiday?
President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021, making June 19 the newest US federal holiday. It commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
What is the longest US holiday weekend of the year?
The Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday–Sunday in November) and the 4th of July weekend (when July 4 falls on a Friday or Monday) are typically the longest holiday weekends. Memorial Day and Labor Day also create 3-day weekends for most workers.
State-Specific & Widely Observed Holidays
Beyond the 11 federal holidays, many US states and territories observe additional dates. Some of the most widely recognized non-federal observances include: