Workers across the United States have returned to their desks after the festive break, but many are already eyeing the calendar for their next opportunity to escape. The recent New Year's holiday, which fell on a Thursday, offered a welcome respite, with some employees enjoying a four-day weekend. The combination of post-holiday blues, early sunsets, and chilly weather has undoubtedly fuelled a desire for the next long weekend.
Understanding Federal Holiday Entitlement
It is crucial to note that the designation of a federal holiday does not automatically grant all American workers a paid day off. The decision to provide time off or offer additional pay for working on these dates rests entirely with individual employers. This means holiday benefits can vary significantly between the public and private sectors, and from one company to another.
The Complete 2026 Federal Holiday Schedule
The federal government has confirmed the following eleven dates as official holidays for the year 2026. This list allows employees and employers alike to plan their schedules well in advance.
New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday, 19 January
Presidents’ Day: Monday, 16 February
Memorial Day: Monday, 25 May
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, 19 June
Independence Day: Saturday, 4 July
Labor Day: Monday, 7 September
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, 12 October
Veterans Day: Wednesday, 11 November
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, 26 November
Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
Other Notable Dates in 2026
Beyond the federal holidays, several other cultural, religious, and celebratory days mark the 2026 calendar. These include Valentine's Day on Saturday, 14 February, St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday, 17 March, and Halloween on Saturday, 31 October.
The key religious observances are also set: Good Friday falls on 3 April, with Easter Sunday on 5 April. The first day of Passover is on 1 April, and Hanukkah begins on the evening of Friday, 4 December.
Family-centric celebrations are scheduled for Mother's Day on Sunday, 10 May and Father's Day on Sunday, 21 June. The year will wind down with Christmas Eve on Thursday, 24 December and New Year's Eve on Thursday, 31 December.
With this calendar in hand, Americans can now map out their personal and professional years, identifying potential travel opportunities and family gatherings around the long weekends created by these 2026 federal holidays.
