Presidents' Day

Happy Presidents' Day! Celebrated on the third Monday of February, Presidents' Day 2026 is a federal holiday in the United States honoring past leaders, including George Washington. Marked with patriotic pride, it’s also a day off to relax and enjoy the spirit of the white house and national history.

Key Takeaways:

• Presidents' Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February.
• Presidents' Day 2026 falls on Monday, February 16, and honors past and present U.S. presidents.
• The holiday originally marked George Washington’s birthday but now recognizes all leaders of the United States.
• As a federal holiday, post offices, banks, and many government offices are closed.
• The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved the celebration to create a long weekend.

What Is Presidents' Day?

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February each year. Since it’s a federal holiday, U.S. post offices are closed on Presidents' Day. The day is meant to honor the leaders of the United States, past and present, who have helped shape the nation we know today.

Today, Presidents' Day 2026 is often seen as a chance to celebrate the United States as a whole. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the white house, American history, and the remarkable presidents who have guided our country through the years.

Interesting Facts About Presidents' Day

Here are five interesting facts about Presidents' Day you didn't know:

• The only president who studied to become a medical doctor was William Henry Harrison, the ninth president.
• Presidents' Day is still officially called Washington's Birthday by the federal government.
• The Uniform Monday Holiday Bill of 1968 rescheduled Washington's Birthday so that it would always fall on the third Monday in February.
• George Washington is the only president to be ever unanimously elected.
• Presidents' Day sales have become a popular modern tradition, especially for retailers in the United States.

When Is Presidents' Day?

President's Day 2026 will be celebrated on Monday, February 16. It is a federal holiday. This day is sometimes considered to be a celebration of all U.S. presidents.

Future President's Day Dates

The History Of Presidents' Day

The origins of Presidents' Day trace back to the late 1800s, when George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1732,was first honored as a federal holiday in the United States. Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory during the American Revolution and became the first president of the United States.

Initially, the holiday celebrated Washington alone, recognizing his leadership and lasting impact on the young nation. Festivities grew nationwide after the Washington Monument was completed in 1848, further cementing his legacy. In 1879, Congress officially designated Washington’s Birthday as a federal holiday for government offices in the capital, expanding to all federal offices by 1885.

Nearly a century later, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 shifted the observance to the third Monday of February, beginning in 1971, to provide workers with a long weekend. This change placed the holiday between February 15 and 21, sometimes before or after Washington’s actual birthday. Over time, the day became widely known as Presidents' Day, honoring not only George Washington but all presidents who have served the United States.

Today, Presidents' Day 2026 continues to be a federal holiday observed across the nation. It offers Americans an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of the country’s leaders, with celebrations often tied to the white house, historical commemorations, and public events that remember the office of the presidency and the men who shaped the United States.

How To Celebrate Presidents' Day?

Every year on the third Monday in February, Americans celebrate Presidents' Day, a federal holiday in the United States. This special day honors past and present presidents, from George Washington to today’s leaders, giving us a chance to reflect on the nation’s history and leadership.

Here are some enjoyable ways to celebrate Presidents' Day 2026:

1. Visit Historical Sites

Explore presidential libraries, museums, or monuments dedicated to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other influential leaders. Visiting these sites offers a hands-on way to connect with history.

2. Educational Activities

Dive into documentaries like The Presidents from the History Channel, read presidential biographies, or browse important documents online at the National Archives. Learning about past presidents can be fun and inspiring.

3. Observe Locally

Join wreath-laying ceremonies, reenactments, or special events often held in Washington, D.C., and other cities across the country. Local celebrations are a great way to feel connected to the presidential legacy.

4. Flag Display

Show your patriotism by proudly displaying the United States flag. For those visiting the White House or presidential memorials in D.C., this is a perfect opportunity to honor the office of the presidency.

Conclusion

Presidents' Day is a day of honor not only for our first president, but also for the current United States Presidents. It serves as a reminder of the country's presidential legacy, offering a chance to honor the leaders who have shaped the nation while contemplating the future of American leadership.

So let's prepare to celebrate President's Day 2026 to make this day memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we celebrate Presidents' Day?

Presidents' Day is celebrated to honor the leadership and legacy of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while also recognizing all U.S. presidents. It’s a day to reflect on American history and show patriotism.

2. Is President's Day a national holiday?

Yes, Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, meaning many government offices, banks, and some businesses are closed. It’s officially recognized across the United States.