Presidents’ Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, returns on Monday, February 16, 2026, giving millions of Americans a long weekend—but also sparking the perennial question: what’s open and what’s closed? The answer, it turns out, is a patchwork of closures and modified schedules, all rooted in the holiday’s complex history and evolving traditions.
Originally established in 1879 by Congress to honor George Washington’s birthday, the holiday was first observed only in Washington, D.C. According to the National Archives, it was later extended to all federal employees. Washington’s actual birthday, February 22, 1732, was based on the Gregorian calendar, but when the United States shifted from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday moved from February 11, 1731, to February 22, 1732. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 then moved the observance to the third Monday in February, both to create more three-day weekends for federal workers and to bring a sense of uniformity to public holidays across the country. That’s why in 2026, Presidents’ Day falls on February 16 (as reported by USA Today).
Over time, the holiday’s meaning has broadened. While the federal government still officially calls it Washington’s Birthday, nearly half the states now refer to it as Presidents’ Day, recognizing not only George Washington but also Abraham Lincoln and, in some cases, all U.S. presidents. In Florida, for example, Governor Ron DeSantis recently added George Washington’s birthday to the state calendar as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, according to USA Today.
So, what does this mean for your plans on Presidents’ Day 2026? First, expect most federal, state, and local government offices to be closed. This includes courthouses, administrative offices, and public libraries in states like Connecticut and South Carolina, as detailed by the Greenville News and the Hartford Courant. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management confirms that federal employees—along with many state and local government workers—will have the day off. In the education sector, public schools across states such as South Carolina are closed, though in Connecticut, local boards of education may choose whether to observe the day, so parents should check their district’s calendar.
When it comes to banks, the answer is straightforward in most places: major institutions such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Capital One, Citibank, PNC, Truist, Chase, M&T Bank, and KeyBank will all be closed on February 16. Services will resume the next day, February 17, as confirmed by USA Today and other outlets. However, there’s a twist in Connecticut, where banks and credit unions are not required by law to close on federal holidays. Customers there should check with their local branch to confirm hours.
Mail delivery is another area where the rules are clear. The United States Postal Service will be closed for both retail and mail delivery services on Presidents’ Day, with normal operations resuming on Tuesday, February 17. The only exception is Priority Mail Express, which will continue to operate even on the holiday, according to the Hartford Courant. This closure also ripples out to private delivery services: while UPS and FedEx will remain open, some services may be modified. FedEx Office locations are open, and UPS Store locations welcome customers, but UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will experience a one-day delay due to the USPS closure. FedEx’s Freight, Office, Critical, and Logistics divisions will continue to operate as usual, ensuring that critical shipments still reach their destinations.
Investors and traders should take note: the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and U.S. bond markets will all be closed on Presidents’ Day. Trading resumes on Tuesday, February 17, at the usual hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET). Over-the-counter trading will also pause for the day. According to USA Today, after the holiday, markets will remain open until the next scheduled closure on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.
What about the private sector? Here, Presidents’ Day looks much like any other Monday. Most restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail outlets will remain open, as reported by USA Today and the Greenville News. Healthcare facilities, too, typically maintain regular hours, though it’s always wise to call ahead. In Upstate South Carolina, for instance, Greenlink buses in Greenville will operate on their usual schedules, while some transit services in Spartanburg County will run on modified schedules. Trash services in Greenville will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week, and Anderson Electric City Transit and Anderson County PAWS will be closed for the holiday.
Other state-specific quirks abound. In Connecticut, the Department of Motor Vehicles will have observed Presidents’ Day on Saturday, February 14, but some local DMV appointments may still be available on the holiday itself. The Connecticut Lottery Headquarters in Wallingford will be closed, but scheduled lottery drawings will proceed as planned.
For those who rely on public transit, it’s a mixed bag. While many public transit systems operate on a regular schedule, others may close or modify their service. The Greenville News notes that riders should check with their local transit authority before heading out. And while government-run agencies and offices are closed, the majority of private sector employees—especially those in retail and hospitality—will work as usual. According to the Greenville News, “most private sector businesses such as retail, healthcare, restaurants, and pharmacies will remain open on February 16, 2026.”
As for the origins and significance of the day, the holiday’s shifting date and evolving name reflect America’s ongoing conversation about how best to honor its leaders. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was intended, in Congress’s words, to “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.” By placing the holiday between Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays, it has become a symbolic midpoint, inviting Americans to reflect on the presidency as an institution—not just the individuals who have held the office.
In short, Presidents’ Day 2026 is a day of both pause and business as usual. It’s a time when government, banking, and postal services take a break, but much of the country keeps humming along. Whether you’re enjoying a rare Monday off, heading to work as usual, or simply wondering why your mail hasn’t arrived, Presidents’ Day is a reminder of the ways American traditions adapt—and endure.