U.S. Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Meaning, and National Traditions

Disclaimer: Federal holiday dates are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Private businesses and state observances may differ, always confirm before making travel plans.

Official U.S. Federal Holidays 2026

There are 11 official U.S. federal holidays each year, days when federal offices, schools, and most banks close nationwide.

Quick note: If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it’s usually observed on the Friday before. If it falls on a Sunday, it’s observed the following Monday.

Why Are Most U.S. Holidays on Mondays?

You might notice that several U.S. holidays, like Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day, always land on a Monday. That’s because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1971), designed to create long weekends for workers and boost leisure travel.

This change also made holidays easier for scheduling, and yes, it’s one reason why road trips and weekend getaways became so embedded in American culture.

Understanding U.S. Holidays

Each federal holiday honors a piece of American identity, from freedom and equality to remembrance and family unity. Here’s what makes them meaningful:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - A day of service and reflection on equality and civil rights.
• Memorial Day - Honoring those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
• Juneteenth - Marking the end of slavery and celebrating Black history and culture.
• Independence Day - Fireworks, barbecues, and the celebration of freedom.
• Veterans Day - Recognizing the sacrifices of those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Thanksgiving - A time for gratitude, family gatherings, and traditional feasts.

Popular Places to Visit During U.S. Holidays

Are Bank Holidays the Same as Public Holidays?

Yes, in the U.S., bank holidays follow the federal holiday schedule. While the term “bank holiday” is more common in the U.K., American banks typically close on all federally recognized holidays.

However, private companies don’t have to follow this list. Most close for major holidays like New Year’s, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but others, such as Columbus Day or Veterans Day, may remain open.

Smart Travel Tip: Make Your Trips Easier

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The Eskimo U.S. eSIM gives travelers instant data access across the States, while the Eskimo Global eSIM covers over 100 destinations, perfect for multi-country trips in 2026. Simple, flexible, and entirely digital, it’s the smarter way to stay travel-ready, no matter where the year takes you.

FAQs

What are the 11 U.S. holidays?

They include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Why is Monday a holiday in the U.S.?

Many holidays were moved to Monday to create consistent three-day weekends under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

Is October 13, 2026, a public holiday?

Yes, it’s Columbus Day, observed on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Is Veterans Day a holiday?

Yes, Veterans Day (November 11) is a federal holiday honoring all military veterans.