The United States federal holidays in 2026 are 11 in total. These are the federal holidays as well as official holidays that are celebrated all over the United States of America. Moreover, they are established by the United States Congress. The important thing about these official holidays of America are that these are federal government holidays and on these days, all the federal government offices are remained closed during the federal holidays.
Moreover, federal employees also receive the paid leave on federal holidays. Furthermore, many businesses as well as banks remain closed. Likewise, the U.S. Postal Service also doesn’t deliver mail on official holidays. Lastly, there are total 11 official federal holidays that are observed nationwide. (Related Articles Here: Current Affairs MCQs and Articles)
US Federal Holidays 2026 Calendar
There are 11 US Federal Holidays in total. These are the official holidays that are observed nationwide. Further, the holidays include political, religious, and social events and personalities commemorations.
Martin Luther King Jr Day
The first US federal holiday is the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on third Monday in January. Martin Luther King was a famous international leader in the US history. He played a gigantic role in the civil rights movement of US.
The civil rights movement was for the honor of rights of everyone in the United States, regardless of caste, color and creed. First of all, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day was observed in 1986.
Presidents’ Day
Secondly, Washington’s birthday or President’s Day is also a federal holiday in the United States. It is observed on third Monday in February. Day was recognized as to honor the George Washington who was the first President of the United States of America. Later on, the day is converted as the celebration for all the US presidents who served in different era.
So now President’s Day or Washington Day is a federal holiday in the United States and greatly recognized the work of previously served presidents in US.
Memorial Day Federal US Holiday
Thirdly, Memorial Day. It is observed on the last Monday in the month of May every year. Memorial Day is an official holiday in the United States of America and it is celebrated to honor the sacrifices made by the US personnel during their service, and those who died while performing their duties. The day is celebrated by marking the ceremonies and flag displays.
Juneteenth, June 19 – US Holiday
Juneteenth, June 19 day is an official holiday in America. The day is very important in the United States of America’s history because it is celebrated to end slavery in the United States in 1865.
Furthermore, the day became a federal holiday in 2021. So, Juneteenth, June 19 day is a very happy day in the history of the U.S. nation because it put an end the social evil that is slavery from the United States.
Independence Day, July 4
The Independence Day, July 4 is also an officially recognized federal holiday in America. Day is the most important day in the history of the United States and its nationals. It is celebrated to recognize the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
On this day, there are Several national conferences and seminars are conducted all over the U.S. This day is known for the patriotic events, meetings, seminars, as well as fireworks. It is a very happy day in the life of Americans.
Labor Day
The Labor Day is celebrated on first Monday in September. The day is commemorated to honor the work of the American workers and labors and their movement from time to time. The day is also recognized as the unofficial end of summer because it is celebrated on first Monday of September. The recognition of this day also marks the seriousness and goodwill of U.S. government for its workers and labors.
Columbus Day
The Columbus Day is celebrated on second Monday in the month of October. The day is widely celebrated by the U.S. nationals in the commemoration of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the United States in 1492.
As Columbus was the first who discovered America, therefore, Americans honored the search and arrival of Columbus on the land of America. Moreover, on the other side, many states also observed Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. (Also Read: Kashmir Solidarity Day Feb 05)
Veterans Day, November 11th
The day is an official holiday for U.S. citizens. It is observed to honor all U.S. military veterans. Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day, which is celebrated those U.S. military personnel who died during their service. Whereas Veterans Day also celebrates the efforts of U.S. personnel who are alive.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in November. The day is officially observed to celebrate the harvest and pay gratitude to the workers.
Moreover, Thanksgiving Day is famous for parades and turkey dinners.
Christmas Day, December 25th
The Christmas holiday is globally famous event because it is a day that is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is celebrated all over the world by the Christian community.
Important Note about US Official Holidays
If a holiday is on Saturday, it is observed on Friday. Moreover, if a federal US holiday is on Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
US Federal Holidays 2026 Calendar
What are the 12 official federal holidays in US.
| Date of Holiday | Day of Observance | Holiday Name and Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 19, 2026 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Memorial Day |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 4, 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day* |
| July 3, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day (observed) |
| September 7, 2026 | Monday | Labor Day |
| October 12, 2026 | Monday | Columbus Day |
| November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Veterans Day |
| November 26, 2026 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Frequently Asked Questions about US Federal Holidays
Is Christmas eve a federal holiday in US? or Is Xmas day/eve a federal holiday in US?
Yes, Xmas day or Christmas day is a federal holiday in US.
Holidays in February in US.
Presidents’ Day is federal holiday in US in the month of February
Federal Holidays in March in US.
There is no US Federal Holiday in March.
Federal Holidays in May 2026 in US
Memorial Day is US Federal Holiday.
