Presidents' Day
PR · 2026
About Presidents' Day
Presidents' Day, officially known as Washington's Birthday, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of February. It was originally established to honor George Washington, the nation's first president, born on February 22, 1732.
The holiday has evolved in popular culture to celebrate all US presidents, particularly Washington and Lincoln (whose birthday falls on February 12). The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved the celebration to the third Monday of February to create long weekends.
While the official federal name remains 'Washington's Birthday,' most states and commercial entities use 'Presidents' Day' — a name that emerged in the 1980s partly driven by retail marketing.
Quick Facts
- Date 2026
- February 16, 2026
- Day
- Monday
- Type
- Public
- Scope
- National
- Fixed Date
- No — date changes each year
- Local Name
- Día de los Presidentes
- Traditions
- Presidential ceremonies · Historical reenactments · Retail sales · Ski trips
When is Presidents' Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 17, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026This year | February 16, 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 15, 2027 | Monday |
3-Day Long Weekend
Because Presidents' Day falls on a Monday, it creates a 3-day long weekend from Saturday, February 14 to Monday, February 16.
How is Presidents' Day Celebrated?
Presidents' Day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, educational events about American history and the presidency, and reenactments of Washington's crossing of the Delaware and other historical events. Many schools hold special programs about US presidents.
Commercially, Presidents' Day weekend is one of the biggest retail sale events of the year, with major discounts on cars, furniture, mattresses, and electronics. It also marks a popular ski and winter sports weekend.
Did You Know?
- •George Washington's actual birthday is February 22 — the holiday always falls between February 15 and 21, never on his actual birthday.
- •The federal holiday is still officially named 'Washington's Birthday' in the US Code.
- •Abraham Lincoln's birthday (February 12) has never been a federal holiday.
- •Presidents' Day car sales and retail promotions began in the 1980s and have grown into a billion-dollar shopping event.
- •Some states also officially honor Abraham Lincoln on Presidents' Day.
Other Holidays in PR 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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