At a Glance
- 11 federal holidays are observed nationwide each year.
- In 2026, Independence Day is observed on July 3.
- Inauguration Day falls every four years, next on January 20, 2029.
- Why it matters: Knowing the dates helps you plan work, school, and travel schedules.
The United States observes a set of federal holidays that mark important moments in the nation’s history. Each year, 11 specific days are officially recognized, and on those dates many government offices, banks, schools, and even the stock market close. In addition to those, Washington, D.C. gets a special holiday on Inauguration Day every four years.
Federal Holidays Overview
The 11 holidays that the federal government observes each year are:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
- Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
These holidays are marked by closures of federal offices and many private businesses, and they often affect public transportation and the stock market.
2026 Holiday Calendar
Below is the full list of federal holidays for the year 2026, with the exact dates they fall on:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, Jan. 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday | Monday, Jan. 19 |
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Monday, Feb. 16 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday, June 19 |
| Independence Day | Friday, July 3 (Observed) |
| Labor Day | Monday, Sept. 7 |
| Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) | Monday, Oct. 12 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, Nov. 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, Nov. 26 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, Dec. 25 |
Planning ahead for these dates can help you avoid scheduling conflicts and make the most of the holidays.
Inauguration Day
Inauguration Day is a unique holiday that occurs only in Washington, D.C. and only every four years. On January 20 (or January 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday), workers in the capital receive a federal holiday to observe the presidential inauguration. The most recent inauguration took place on Monday, January 20, 2025, and the next one will be on Saturday, January 20, 2029.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. observes 11 federal holidays annually, closing many offices and businesses.
- In 2026, Independence Day is observed on July 3 due to the holiday falling on a Sunday.
- Washington, D.C. gets a special holiday on Inauguration Day, next on January 20, 2029.
Knowing these dates lets you plan work, travel, and celebrations around the nation’s most significant observances.
