US Federal Holidays 2026
In 2026, the United States observes 11 federal holidays under 5 U.S.C. § 6103, published by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). They are the same across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and the territories. Federal employees receive these as paid days off; the private sector is not required by federal law to grant them, though about 79% of private workers do (BLS).
11 federal holidays · 8 long weekends · ~250 working days
11 federal holidays in 2026
| Date | Holiday | About |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year's Day / Año Nuevo | |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Día de Martin Luther King Jr. | |
| Monday, February 16, 2026 | Presidents' Day / Día de los Presidentes | |
| Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day / Día de los Caídos | |
| Friday, June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth National Independence Day / Día de la Emancipación | |
| Friday, July 3, 2026 | Independence Day / Día de la Independencia | |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day / Día del Trabajo | |
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day / Día de la Raza | |
| Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Veterans Day / Día de los Veteranos | |
| Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day / Día de Acción de Gracias | |
| Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day / Navidad |
When a holiday falls on a Saturday it is observed the preceding Friday; on a Sunday, the following Monday (Executive Order 11582, 1971).
Frequently asked questions
How many federal holidays does the US have in 2026?
The United States has 11 federal holidays in 2026 under 5 U.S.C. § 6103, published by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). They are uniform across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and the territories, and are paid days off for federal government employees.
Is the private sector required to give federal holidays?
No. Unlike many countries, no US federal law requires private employers to grant holidays off or with pay. That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that about 79% of private-sector workers receive paid holidays, averaging around 7-8 per year. Check your employment contract for the holidays that apply to you.
What happens when a federal holiday falls on a weekend?
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed the preceding Friday; when it falls on a Sunday, it is observed the following Monday. This "observed date" rule was set by Executive Order 11582 (1971) so that federal employees always get a weekday off for each holiday.
Which law establishes US federal holidays?
Federal holidays are established by 5 U.S.C. § 6103 (Title 5 of the United States Code). OPM publishes the official list and administers the observance rules. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1968) moved several holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends.
What is the newest federal holiday?
Juneteenth National Independence Day, signed into law on June 17, 2021 (Pub. L. 117-17). It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops reached Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery. Before Juneteenth, the most recent addition was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983.
How many long weekends are there in 2026?
In 2026, 8 federal holidays fall on a Monday or Friday, creating three-day long weekends: Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Día de Martin Luther King Jr., Presidents' Day / Día de los Presidentes, Memorial Day / Día de los Caídos, Juneteenth National Independence Day / Día de la Emancipación, Independence Day / Día de la Independencia, Labor Day / Día del Trabajo, Columbus Day / Día de la Raza, Christmas Day / Navidad. These are among the busiest travel periods of the year.