Sarah Martinez was rushing through her morning routine last February when she suddenly realized she needed to deposit her paycheck before an important bill was due. She grabbed her keys, drove to the bank, and found… empty parking lots and locked doors. Presidents Day had completely slipped her mind, and now she was scrambling to figure out what was actually open on the holiday.
If you’ve ever found yourself in Sarah’s shoes, you’re definitely not alone. Presidents Day can catch even the most organized people off guard, especially when you need to run errands or handle important business.
With Presidents Day 2026 falling on Monday, February 16, millions of Americans are already wondering: what’s actually open, and what’s closed? Whether you’re planning a shopping trip, need to mail a package, or just want to grab lunch somewhere, knowing what to expect can save you time and frustration.
Understanding Presidents Day 2026 and Its Impact
Presidents Day 2026 honors our nation’s first president, George Washington, though many people think it celebrates all presidents. The holiday originally marked Washington’s actual birthday on February 22, but Congress moved it to the third Monday in February back in 1971.
“This holiday creates a perfect three-day weekend for many Americans, but it also means significant closures across federal services and financial institutions,” explains retail analyst Maria Rodriguez. “The key is knowing which businesses follow federal holiday schedules and which operate as usual.”
The timing between Washington’s birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s February 12 birthday is what gave us the modern “Presidents Day” name, though officially it’s still Washington’s Birthday on the federal calendar.
Federal employees get the day off, but the ripple effects touch everything from your mail delivery to stock trading. Understanding these impacts helps you plan your Monday accordingly.
Complete Guide: What’s Open and Closed on Presidents Day 2026
Here’s exactly what you can expect on Monday, February 16, 2026:
| Service/Business Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Post Offices | Closed | No mail delivery; resumes Tuesday |
| Major Banks | Closed | Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, etc. |
| UPS Services | Open | Normal pickup and delivery, UPS Stores open |
| FedEx Services | Open | Regular service, FedEx Office locations open |
| Restaurants | Open | Most locations maintain regular hours |
| Supermarkets | Open | Grocery stores operate normally |
| Retail Stores | Open | Shopping centers and most retailers open |
| Government Offices | Closed | Federal, state, and many local offices |
| Stock Markets | Closed | NYSE, NASDAQ, and bond markets |
Banking and Financial Services
- All major banks will be closed, including Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, M&T Bank, KeyBank, and CitiBank
- ATMs will continue operating normally
- Online and mobile banking services remain available 24/7
- Credit union hours may vary, so check with your specific institution
Mail and Shipping Services
- USPS post offices closed with no regular mail delivery
- UPS and FedEx maintain normal operations and deliveries
- UPS SurePost and Mail Innovations deliveries delayed one day due to USPS closure
- Amazon deliveries typically continue through their logistics network
“The biggest confusion usually comes from people expecting everything to shut down like it does on Christmas,” notes logistics expert James Chen. “But private companies like UPS and FedEx don’t follow federal holiday schedules, which actually helps keep commerce moving.”
Real-World Impact: Who’s Affected and How to Prepare
Federal employees are the primary group getting Presidents Day 2026 off, but the effects reach much further. If you work for a government contractor, many schools, or certain corporations, you might find yourself with an unexpected three-day weekend.
Parents should check their school district’s calendar carefully. While many public schools close for Presidents Day 2026, policies vary significantly by district and state. Some schools use it as a teacher workday, while others remain fully operational.
“We always recommend parents verify their specific school’s schedule rather than assuming,” advises education administrator Lisa Park. “Nothing’s worse than showing up to locked school doors on a Monday morning.”
For anyone needing government services, plan ahead. Social Security offices, DMV locations, courthouses, and passport offices will be closed. If you have appointments or deadlines, make sure they’re not falling on February 16.
The stock market closure affects day traders and anyone monitoring investments closely. While markets reopen Tuesday, any major global news over the long weekend could impact Tuesday’s opening.
Small business owners often use Presidents Day 2026 strategically. With many competitors closed and people having free time, it can be a surprisingly busy day for retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Healthcare services typically maintain emergency operations, but routine appointments might be affected. Hospitals and urgent care centers stay open, but call ahead for specialist appointments or elective procedures.
Looking at the broader 2026 federal holiday calendar, Presidents Day kicks off a year with several notable dates. Memorial Day falls on May 25, Independence Day on July 3 (since July 4 is Saturday), Labor Day on September 7, Columbus Day on October 12, Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving on November 26, and Christmas on December 25.
“Understanding the full holiday calendar helps people plan better for the entire year,” Rodriguez explains. “Each federal holiday creates similar patterns of closures and openings.”
FAQs
Will grocery stores be open on Presidents Day 2026?
Yes, most supermarkets and grocery stores will maintain their regular operating hours on Presidents Day.
Can I get my mail delivered on Presidents Day 2026?
No, USPS doesn’t deliver regular mail on federal holidays, but UPS and FedEx continue normal delivery services.
Are banks open on Presidents Day 2026?
No, major banks will be closed, but ATMs and online banking services remain available throughout the holiday.
Will schools be closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Many public schools close for Presidents Day, but policies vary by district, so check your specific school’s calendar.
Can I shop at retail stores on Presidents Day 2026?
Yes, most retail stores, shopping malls, and restaurants will be open with regular or special holiday hours.
Is the stock market open on Presidents Day 2026?
No, both the NYSE and NASDAQ will be closed on Presidents Day, resuming normal trading on Tuesday.
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