As the current year winds down, forward-thinking Americans are already turning their attention to 2026. Planning vacations, family reunions, and getaways requires knowing the official federal holiday schedule, which has now been released by the authorities. The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has confirmed the list of eleven federal holidays for the year 2026.
2026 Federal Holidays: The Complete List and Long Weekend Opportunities
The calendar begins with New Year's Day on Thursday, 1 January 2026 and concludes with Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December 2026. For the majority of federal employees who follow a standard Monday-to-Friday workweek, the placement of these holidays is crucial for planning. Federal law, specifically 5 U.S.C. 6103, dictates that when a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.
This rule creates valuable long weekends. In 2026, Independence Day, 4 July, falls on a Saturday. Therefore, it will be officially observed on Friday, 3 July, granting a three-day weekend right from the start. Furthermore, several holidays are conveniently fixed on Mondays, automatically offering extended breaks. These include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (19 January)
- Presidents' Day (16 February)
- Memorial Day (25 May)
- Labor Day (7 September)
- Columbus Day (12 October)
Adding to the list of built-in long weekends, Juneteenth National Independence Day (19 June) and Christmas Day (25 December) both land on a Friday in 2026. This means employees can enjoy a three-day break without dipping into their personal leave balances.
Holidays That Fall Mid-Week in 2026
Not every celebration aligns perfectly with the weekend. Workers should note that Veterans Day, on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, will split the workweek. Similarly, Thanksgiving Day is on Thursday, 26 November 2026. While this day itself is a holiday, it does not create an official long weekend. However, it is a common practice for many employees to take the following Friday off, effectively creating a four-day break, though this requires using personal leave.
Understanding Christmas Eve and Special Closures
It is important to remember that Christmas Eve (24 December) is not a regular federal holiday. Any additional time off on this day is not guaranteed and depends on executive action. For instance, in the past, President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting federal employees extra leave on 24 December. Such decisions for 2026 would be announced by the White House closer to the date, potentially creating a longer festive break.
With the full schedule now available, American workers and families have a clear roadmap for the year 2026. The calendar offers multiple opportunities for extended rest and travel, allowing for advanced planning and booking. Identifying the long weekends marked by Monday and Friday holidays can help maximize vacation time and coordinate gatherings efficiently.
