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.

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Popular Places to Visit During U.S. Holidays

Public holidays are a popular time for Americans to plan short getaways, city breaks, and longer trips, especially when a holiday creates a three-day weekend. Alaska is a strong choice for travelers looking for outdoor scenery and wildlife, with plenty of things to do in Anchorage, from exploring coastal trails to using the city as a base for glacier and nature trips. On the West Coast, San Francisco is another easy city-break option, where visitors can pair the waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge with Alcatraz tours across the bay.

New York City remains one of the most versatile holiday destinations, particularly for travelers who want museums, neighborhoods, food, shopping, and major landmarks packed into one trip. If you are deciding what to include, this guide to what is in New York for travelers covers the city’s main sights and experiences. Whichever destination you choose, expect flights, accommodation, and major attractions to become busier around long holiday weekends, so booking ahead can make the trip considerably easier.

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.

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For travelers visiting the United States, the Eskimo U.S. eSIM provides mobile data across the country and can be set up before departure. If your itinerary takes you beyond the U.S., the Eskimo Global eSIM covers 100+ destinations, making it easier to stay connected across multiple countries without arranging a new SIM at every stop. Eskimo data also comes with no expiry, so any unused data can stay available for your next trip rather than being tied to a short validity period.

FAQs

What are the 11 U.S. federal holidays?

The United States has 11 annual federal holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (commonly called Presidents’ Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Federal offices generally close on these holidays, although businesses, attractions, and public transportation may follow their own schedules.

Why are many U.S. holidays on Monday?

Several U.S. federal holidays are observed on Mondays because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The law established Monday observances for certain holidays, creating more consistent three-day weekends. However, not every federal holiday falls on a Monday.

Is October 13, 2026, a public holiday in the U.S.?

No. October 13, 2026 falls on a Tuesday and is not a U.S. federal holiday. In 2026, Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 12.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday in the U.S.?

Yes. Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed every year on November 11. It honors people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Because it is tied to a specific date, Veterans Day can fall on any day of the week.