Date, History, Closures and Traditions You Didn’t Know

Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, delivers a mid-winter three-day weekend for millions of Americans. Officially known as Washington’s Birthday in federal law, the holiday honors George Washington and has evolved to celebrate all U.S. presidents. As a federal holiday, it closes government offices, banks, the stock market and most schools, while major retailers stay open for sales. National parks offer free entry for U.S. residents, kicking off patriotic fee-free days in 2026.

Here are 10 fun facts about Presidents’ Day 2026, blending history, trivia and current observances.

1. It’s Officially Washington’s Birthday, Not Presidents’ Day Federal law (5 U.S.C. § 6103) lists the holiday as Washington’s Birthday. Congress never changed the name despite popular usage of “Presidents’ Day” emerging in the 1970s–1980s. Proposals to rename it for all presidents—including Abraham Lincoln—failed in committees. The third Monday in February creates long weekends, but the statute preserves focus on the first president.
2. Presidents’ Day 2026 Falls on February 16 The holiday always lands on the third Monday in February, ranging from February 15 to 21. In 2026, it occurs February 16, following Valentine’s Day. This date never coincides with any president’s actual birthday—Washington (February 22), Lincoln (February 12), William Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan (both February) fall outside the third-Monday window.
3. George Washington Had Two Birthdays Born February 11, 1731, under the Julian calendar, Washington’s birthday shifted to February 22, 1732, after Britain and colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The 11-day adjustment explains the discrepancy. He rarely celebrated it publicly, but troops marked it during the Revolution with music and dancing.
4. The Holiday Started in 1879 for Washington Alone Congress made Washington’s Birthday a federal holiday in 1879 for D.C. offices, expanding nationwide in 1885. It honored the “Father of His Country” on his February 22 birthday. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 moved it to the third Monday for consistent long weekends, sparking the broader “Presidents’ Day” name.
5. It Never Coincides with Lincoln’s Birthday Either Lincoln’s February 12 birthday prompted some states to observe both, but federal consolidation in 1971 blended them informally. Many states still honor Lincoln separately or jointly, but the national day focuses on Washington while popularly including all presidents.
6. Retailers Turned It Into a Shopping Extravaganza Post-1971 long weekends fueled massive sales on appliances, cars, mattresses and winter gear. Presidents’ Day weekend promotions rival Black Friday in some categories, with chains like Best Buy, Macy’s and furniture stores slashing prices. In 2026, deals run February 13–16, boosting consumer spending during a typically slow retail period.
7. National Parks Offer Free Entry on Presidents’ Day The National Park Service provides free admission for U.S. residents on Presidents’ Day 2026, one of 10 fee-free days annually. Sites like Mount Rushmore (honoring Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln) see crowds for patriotic events, reenactments and speeches. The policy celebrates presidential legacies tied to conservation and history.
8. Cherry Pie and the Mythical Cherry Tree Story The holiday loosely connects to the famous (but fictional) tale of young Washington chopping down a cherry tree and confessing, “I cannot tell a lie.” Parson Weems invented the story in an 1806 biography to teach honesty. Cherry pie remains a symbolic dessert at many celebrations.
9. Closures and What Stays Open in 2026 Federal offices, post offices (no regular mail), banks, stock markets (NYSE and Nasdaq closed) and most schools shut down February 16. UPS and FedEx operate with possible delays. Major retailers like Costco, Walmart and grocery stores remain open, often with extended hours for sales. Online banking and ATMs function normally.
10. Toys and Pop Culture Ties Two presidents inspired iconic toys: Theodore Roosevelt for the Teddy Bear (named after his refusal to shoot a bear cub) and Abraham Lincoln for Lincoln Logs (invented by John Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright). Both remain popular in 2026, with sales spiking around the holiday.

Presidents’ Day 2026 blends civic reflection with relaxation and shopping. From honoring leadership to enjoying free park days or deals, the third Monday in February reminds Americans of the presidency’s enduring role in national identity. Whether visiting Mount Vernon, watching historical reenactments or simply enjoying the long weekend, the day celebrates America’s past while offering a brief mid-winter break.