Presidents Day 2026 lands on Monday, February 16. Circle it now. The long weekend sits right after Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14, which turns an ordinary winter stretch into a sweet spot for getaways, projects, and personal reset. I have your plan.
The date, the name, and what it actually honors
Presidents Day is the popular name. The federal holiday is officially Washington’s Birthday. It always falls on the third Monday in February. In 2026, that is February 16. Some states also highlight Abraham Lincoln. Museums and schools often use the full weekend to explore presidential history.
The name can be confusing. Your bank calendar will label it Washington’s Birthday. Your mall banner will shout Presidents Day. Either way, it is the same Monday off for most workers and students. Use it to recharge, learn, and play.
Presidents Day 2026 is Monday, February 16. It is a federal holiday. Expect federal offices, USPS, and most banks to close.
What’s open, what’s closed, and what to plan around
Federal offices close. USPS pauses regular mail. Most banks close. The NYSE and Nasdaq also close. City and state offices vary, so check local notices. Many public schools close or run short weeks.
Most retail stays open, usually with deep winter sales. Think mattresses, appliances, and cold weather gear. Grocery stores and big box chains keep normal hours in many areas. Package carriers may run modified service, so confirm pick ups in advance.
Quick snapshot for Monday, Feb 16:
- USPS closed, no regular mail
- Most banks closed, ATMs open
- NYSE and Nasdaq closed
- Schools vary by district, check your calendar
- Most retail open with holiday hours
Make the long weekend count
This is a gift to hobbyists and weekend explorers. Pair Valentine’s on Saturday, a chill Sunday, and the Monday holiday for a three day arc that actually restores you.
City culture fans can plan a museum loop with presidential stops. Aim for exhibits on early American history or civic life. Add a walking tour past statues and memorials. Grab a bite at a classic diner and bring a pocket notebook for sketching. It turns a casual stroll into a creative session.
If the mountains are calling, lock in a two night ski or snowboard fix. February snow is often steady. Book rentals early and schedule a short lesson to tune form. Not skiing. Try snowshoeing or a winter photography walk. The light is crisp and the crowds are thinner early Monday.
Homebodies can treat the weekend like a personal enrichment retreat. Cook one big project meal, like a braise you can reheat all weekend. Set up a mini maker station on the dining table. Build a model, start a genealogy tree, or restore a vintage tool. Cap it with a movie night and a presidents themed trivia round. Keep score, keep snacks, keep it fun.
With kids, make it hands on. Fold paper log cabins. Bake cherry hand pies. Read a short biography of Washington or Lincoln together. Then head outside for a quick service project, like a neighborhood litter pick, and talk about civic duty.
Smart planning for travel and deals
This weekend rewards planners. With Valentine’s Day on Saturday, restaurants will be busy. Book tables now. Pick hotels that offer free cancellation, in case weather shifts. If you are driving, prep a winter kit. Pack a scraper, warm layers, snacks, and a phone charger.
For deals, watch for early price drops on home goods and cold weather wear. Compare in store bundles to online codes. Many stores stack price match, loyalty points, and holiday promos. If you need a big item, like a mattress, this weekend often hits the price floor between New Year and spring.
Align your weekend around one anchor. Choose a dinner reservation, a museum exhibition, or a slope day. Plan everything else around that single win.
Timelines that work
A city weekend flows best with one morning museum, a long lunch, and an afternoon wander. Keep Monday light for the drive home. A mountain break hums with a Saturday arrival, Sunday peak time on the hill, and a relaxed Monday brunch before rolling out. A home retreat shines when you set a simple program, one project per day, short and focused.
The bottom line
Presidents Day 2026 arrives Monday, February 16. It honors Washington’s Birthday, closes federal offices and most banks, and opens a door to a better winter weekend. Pair it with Valentine’s on Saturday, and you have space to learn, make, and move. Mark your calendar, reserve the essentials, and set one clear goal. Then enjoy a long weekend that actually feels long.
