Presidents Day is just around the corner, and for Americans across the country, that means a long weekend—or, for some, a regular Monday at work or school. The holiday, officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday, will be observed this year on Monday, February 16, 2026. For many, it’s a chance to take a breather, enjoy some time with family, or even visit a national park for free. But as is often the case with American holidays, the story behind Presidents Day is a bit more complicated than you might expect.
Let’s start with the basics: Presidents Day is a federal holiday, meaning all nonessential federal offices—including courthouses, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service—will be closed on February 16, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The holiday is one of eleven recognized federal holidays in 2026, alongside New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But while most Americans refer to the February holiday as Presidents Day, the federal government still officially calls it "Washington’s Birthday."
The origins of the holiday trace back to 1879, when Congress established it as a way to honor George Washington, the nation’s first president. According to the U.S. Government Publishing Office, it was initially celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday. But here’s where things get tricky: Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, under the Julian calendar. When Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, his birthday shifted to February 22, 1732—a date now familiar to most Americans as Washington’s official birthday, as confirmed by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
Fast forward to 1971, and the date of the holiday changed again. Thanks to the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Washington’s Birthday—and by extension, Presidents Day—was moved to the third Monday in February. The goal? To give Americans more three-day weekends. The move has certainly succeeded in that regard, but it also means the holiday never actually falls on Washington’s real birthday anymore.
Despite this, the name "Presidents Day" has stuck in the public consciousness. According to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the U.S. Government Publishing Office, efforts to officially rename the holiday "President’s Day" were rejected by Congress. Still, the term is widely used in advertising, on calendars, and even by some government agencies. The Associated Press, for instance, calls it "Presidents Day"—no apostrophe required. And across the country, you’ll find the day referred to as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, or even Washington and Lincoln Day, depending on local traditions and style guides.
One of the most popular perks associated with Presidents Day is free admission to national parks. As the U.S. Department of the Interior notes, "Presidents Day kicks off the first of ten patriotic fee-free days in 2026." U.S. citizens can enter national parks without paying an entrance fee on February 16, making it a great time to explore the country’s natural beauty. The next fee-free day after Presidents Day will be Memorial Day, May 25, 2026.
But while federal offices and national parks are following the same script, things get more complicated at the state and local level—especially in Florida. According to USA TODAY Network-Florida, most Florida students will enjoy a three-day weekend for Presidents Day this year. However, students in four counties—Columbia, Highlands, Osceola, and Palm Beach—will have school on February 16. Palm Beach County, famously home to former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, is among those keeping classrooms open. The reason? School calendars in Florida are set by individual districts, leading to a patchwork of closures and regular school days across the state.
For students looking forward to their next big break, spring break is on the horizon. But as with Presidents Day, the timing varies by county. Some Florida students will start their spring break as early as March 9, while others will wait until April 13. It’s a reminder that even federal holidays don’t always mean uniform schedules for everyone—especially in a state as large and diverse as Florida.
Presidents Day 2026 is also special for Florida state employees. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Governor Ron DeSantis added Washington’s Birthday as a state paid holiday for 2026. As DeSantis put it, "This year for America’s 250, we’ll recognize Washington’s birthday, not just federally, but as a state holiday. So our state offices will be closed, our state employees will be able to have the day off." According to the Florida Department of Management Services, this brings the total number of paid holidays for state agencies in 2026 to ten, with Presidents Day joining the ranks of New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Despite all the variations in how Americans observe the day, the core of the holiday remains the same: a celebration of the nation’s leadership, with a particular nod to George Washington. As the U.S. National Archives points out, the holiday’s roots are firmly planted in Washington’s legacy, even as its name and meaning have broadened over time to honor all presidents.
For those planning to take advantage of the long weekend, it’s worth noting that not all services will be available. Federal offices, including banks and the Postal Service, will be closed. If you’re hoping to send a package or handle official business, you’ll have to wait until Tuesday. But for many, the closure is a welcome chance to rest, reflect, or take a short trip—perhaps to one of the country’s stunning national parks, free of charge for the day.
So, is it Presidents Day, President’s Day, or Washington’s Birthday? The answer depends on where you look—and sometimes who you ask. But whatever you call it, February 16, 2026, stands as a moment for Americans to remember their history, enjoy a well-earned break, and maybe learn a few new facts about the holiday’s twisting path from the 18th century to today. As the U.S. National Archives and other sources remind us, even the simplest holidays can have surprisingly complex stories behind them. And that, perhaps, is worth celebrating in its own right.