Presidents Day 2026: What’s Open and Closed

Presidents Day lands today, and the long weekend just got real. I can confirm the federal holiday, officially Washington’s Birthday, falls on Monday, February 16, 2026. Here is your live guide to what is open, what is shut, and how to use the day for smart errands, calm money moves, and a little joy.

What’s open and what’s closed right now

Federal government offices are closed today. That includes the United States Postal Service. There is no regular mail delivery, and post offices are not open. Most banks are closed, since they follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule. If you need a teller, plan for Tuesday. ATMs are fine.

U.S. stock markets are closed for the holiday. That means the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will reopen Tuesday. City and state offices vary. Many DMVs, courts, and public libraries are closed. Schools depend on your district calendar. Some are out, some are in session with special hours.

Retail is a different story. Most big stores are open, and many are running major sales. Expect deals on appliances, mattresses, and cars. Grocery stores and pharmacies are largely open with normal hours.

• Closed today: Federal offices, USPS, most banks, U.S. stock markets
• Often open: Retail stores, grocery chains, pharmacies, many restaurants

Money and mail, without the stress

Because banks and the Fed’s payment systems are paused, some payments will wait until Tuesday. That includes wires and many ACH transfers. Card purchases still go through, but settlement happens after the holiday. If rent or a bill is due today, most portals will accept your payment. The debit may post on Tuesday. Keep a cushion in your account to be safe.

USPS is off, so hold your time sensitive mail. Private carriers may operate on modified schedules. If you need a package delivered today, check the service guarantee before you pay. Returns to stores are fine, but mailed returns will sit until tomorrow.

Make the most of the long weekend

This holiday favors practical shoppers and weekend hobbyists. Big box stores push appliances and mattresses hard today, and car dealers are eager to close month to date gaps. Bring patience and a firm walk away point. The best deals are usually on last year’s models, open box floor pieces, and bundles.

For home hobby time, pick one bite size project. Clean and re season your cast iron. Re string a guitar. Swap a clogged showerhead. Refresh a planter with herbs. Small wins add up, and you start the week lighter.

If you want to get out, target low cost culture. Many museums open on federal holidays, even when offices close. Local historical sites often host talks about Washington and the presidency. Call ahead for hours. Parks are open, and trails are typically quiet in February. Layer up, pack a thermos, and claim a brisk hour outside.

Plan your errands and travel

Traffic patterns shift on holidays. Morning commutes are lighter, but shopping zones get busy by midday. Public transit often runs on a Saturday or holiday schedule. Check your line before you wait on a platform. Airport lines can spike midday as long weekend travelers return.

If you must move money in person, look for credit union shared branching or supermarket bank kiosks. Some offer limited service while main branches are dark. For packages, set pickup lockers as your target. They cut the counter wait and keep returns clean and quick on Tuesday.

Here is a simple sequence that works today:

1. Morning: Quiet chores and a quick budget check.
2. Late morning: Store runs and returns, before crowds peak.
3. Afternoon: A museum hour or a trail walk, then a sale pass if needed.
4. Early evening: Prep for Tuesday, set out documents, and plan your commute.

Smart shopping, zero regrets

Do not chase every red tag. Make a shortlist, and stick to it. Compare total cost, including delivery, setup, and haul away. Ask for price match on the spot. Many stores honor their own online price at the register. For cars, focus on out the door price, not monthly payment. Get the quote in writing. If the number drifts, pause and go home.

Keep receipts tidy. Many sales include return windows that start today. Snap photos and email them to yourself. If an item drops in price within a week, some stores refund the difference when you ask.

The bottom line

Presidents Day is not just a day off. It is a clean slate Monday in the middle of winter. Government desks are quiet. Markets sleep. Retail runs hot. Use the calm to plan, fix one small thing, and take a breath. Spend with purpose, move your money with care, and give yourself an hour for something that feeds you. That is how a holiday turns into a lift for the week ahead. 🇺🇸