Presidents’ Day, observed on the third Monday of February, honors George Washington’s birthday and the presidents of the United States.
Date
The third Monday of February. In 2026 it falls on February 16.
Origin
It began as a holiday for George Washington’s birthday, February 22. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday.
Name
The official federal name is still Washington’s Birthday.
Now
Many states honor both Washington and Lincoln, or all presidents.
What’s closed
Federal offices, banks and schools.
Official name
Federally, the holiday is called Washington’s Birthday. “Presidents’ Day” is a popular name used in many states and in advertising. The federal holiday is on the third Monday in February.
History
Washington’s birthday (February 22) was made a federal holiday in 1879 for the District of Columbia and extended to all federal workers in 1885, the first holiday to honor an individual American. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect in 1971 and moved it to the third Monday in February to give workers a long weekend.
Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born February 12. Some states observe both birthdays or combine them to honor all presidents. Some states call it Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day or Washington-Lincoln Day.
Date range
The third Monday falls between February 15 and 21, so the holiday never falls on Washington’s actual birthday (February 22).
What is closed
Federal offices, the Post Office, banks, many schools and state agencies are closed. Stock markets are closed. Many retailers hold sales, making it one of the major shopping holidays, especially for mattresses, cars and appliances.
Traditions
Reading of Washington’s Farewell Address in the US Senate each year, a tradition since 1862, on or near February 22. Some towns hold parades and ceremonies, including at Mount Vernon.
Presidents
As of 2024, the US has had 45 presidents (46 administrations when counting Grover Cleveland twice, with Joe Biden as the 46th president).
Legal status
Changing the name of the federal holiday requires an act of Congress. Many proposals have been introduced but none passed.
Legal name and dates
The federal holiday is officially called Washington’s Birthday under federal law, and it falls on the third Monday of February. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, under the modern calendar, and Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1809. Washington’s Birthday became a federal holiday in 1879 for Washington, DC and in 1885 for all federal employees. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971, moved it to the third Monday, which falls between February 15 and 21 and never lands on Washington’s actual birthday.
Common usage
The name “Presidents’ Day” came into popular use through retailers and some state laws, and many states honor Lincoln and other presidents on the day. Federal offices, banks, the stock market and most schools are closed. Traditions include ceremonies at Mount Vernon, reading of Washington’s Farewell Address in Congress, a custom begun in 1862, and sales at stores. The holiday is a chance to study the 46 men who have held the office of president, counting Grover Cleveland once for his two nonconsecutive terms.
Based on data from the US Office of Personnel Management and the National Archives
