Presidents Day, observed on the third Monday of February, is a federal holiday in the United States. In 2026, it falls on February 16. While it marks a day off with pay for many federal employees, millions of private-sector workers will follow their regular schedules.
The holiday, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, honors the legacy of U.S. presidents and often prompts changes in government operations, banking services, mail delivery, and school schedules. Yet its status as a paid day off depends largely on where, and for whom, someone works.
Federal Recognition Does Not Guarantee Universal Paid Leave
Presidents Day was originally established to commemorate George Washington, who was born on February 22. Over time, the holiday has come to be associated informally with both Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12, and more broadly with all U.S. presidents. According to the National Archives, the federal observance remains officially designated as “Washington’s Birthday.”
As a federal holiday, it is recognized by the federal government and the District of Columbia. Congress has not mandated national holidays that apply uniformly across all states. Instead, states retain the authority to determine their own legal holidays and employment practices.
For federal employees, Presidents Day is typically a paid day off. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, most federal workers are entitled to paid leave on federally recognized holidays, including Washington’s Birthday. Non-essential federal offices close, and government operations pause for the day.
The situation differs in the private sector. Paid holidays are not required under federal law for private employers. Whether employees receive paid time off depends on company policy, union agreements, or individual employment contracts. Industries that operate continuously (such as healthcare and retail) often remain open, sometimes offering additional compensation for those who work holiday shifts.
What Closes and What Stays Open on Presidents Day
Presidents Day affects a range of public services. Non-essential federal offices close, as do federal courts and many government agencies. The United States Postal Service does not operate on the holiday, meaning there is no regular mail delivery. According to USPS holiday schedules, postal facilities suspend retail and delivery services for the day. Private carriers, by contrast, generally continue operations. UPS and FedEx remain open on Presidents Day, maintaining pickup and delivery services in most locations.
Most banks follow the Federal Reserve’s holiday calendar and close for Presidents Day. Customers may still access online banking and ATMs, though in-person services are typically unavailable. School schedules vary. Some public schools and universities observe the holiday and cancel classes, while others remain open, depending on district or state decisions. There is no nationwide mandate requiring educational institutions to close.
Retail stores and many private businesses stay open, and the holiday has become associated with seasonal sales. Presidents Day promotions are common across major retailers, even as government offices shut their doors.
As agencies and businesses adjust their schedules, Presidents Day serves both as a historical commemoration and a practical pause in parts of the public sector. For federal employees, it brings a guaranteed paid holiday. For others, it is another working Monday, albeit one marked by closed post offices, shuttered banks, and the steady rhythm of commerce continuing elsewhere.
