Each year brings a unique calendar of federal holidays and cultural observances that shape community celebrations and work schedules. For those planning ahead, the key dates for holidays and various observances offer a roadmap for 2026.
Federal holidays anchor the year and give Americans regular breaks. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring civil rights leadership, is observed on the third Monday of January, landing on January 19. Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday of February, falls on February 16 this year. Memorial Day, marking remembrance of U.S. military personnel who died in service, will be observed on the last Monday of May, which is May 25.
Major Federal Holidays in 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19
- Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 16
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth – Friday, June 19
- Independence Day (Fourth of July) – Saturday, July 4
- Labor Day – Monday, September 7
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Monday, October 12
- Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26
- Christmas Day – Friday, December 25
Several other important cultural and religious observances offer opportunities for reflection and celebration. Valentine’s Day takes place on February 14, a Saturday, while Mother’s Day and Father’s Day fall on Sunday, May 10 and Sunday, June 21, respectively.
The Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, continuing until the Lantern Festival on March 3. Ramadan, which follows the Islamic lunar calendar, is expected to start on the evening of February 17 and last until early March, approximately 29 to 30 days.
Christian observances include Ash Wednesday on February 18, kicking off Lent, a 46-day season of reflection ending on Holy Thursday, April 2. Easter Sunday is celebrated on April 5. St. Patrick’s Day occurs on Tuesday, March 17.
Notable Cultural, Religious, and Seasonal Observances
- Valentine’s Day: February 14 (Saturday)
- Chinese New Year: February 17 – March 3
- Ramadan: Begins evening of February 17
- Ash Wednesday: February 18 (Wednesday)
- Lent: February 18 – April 2
- Easter Sunday: April 5
- St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 (Tuesday)
- Earth Day: April 22 (Wednesday)
- Cinco de Mayo: May 5 (Tuesday)
- Mother’s Day: May 10 (Sunday)
- Father’s Day: June 21 (Sunday)
- Rosh Hashanah: September 11 – 13
- Halloween: October 31 (Saturday)
- Diwali: November 8 (Sunday)
- Hanukkah: Begins sundown December 4, ends sundown December 12
- Kwanzaa: December 26 – January 1
End-of-year holidays bring festive gatherings and traditions for many communities. Christmas Eve lands on Thursday, December 24, with Christmas Day following on a Friday. Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, begins after sundown on December 4 and concludes after sundown on December 12. Kwanzaa starts December 26 and continues through New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve falls on December 31, marking the transition to the next year.
Understanding this comprehensive holiday calendar enables individuals, families, and businesses to plan precisely for time off, events, and cultural celebrations. The variety of holidays in 2026 reflects the diverse heritage and traditions observed across the country. By noting the exact weekdays these holidays fall on, every organization can optimize staffing, travel plans, and community events to respect these important occasions.
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