US Federal Holidays 2026 — Complete List with Dates

The United States observes 11 federal holidays each year, days on which federal government offices close, mail delivery stops, and banks shut their doors. For millions of workers these holidays are welcome days off, but they also have a direct impact on payroll timing. When your scheduled payday coincides with a federal holiday, your paycheck may arrive a day early or, in some cases, a day late. Knowing the full list of 2026 federal holidays helps you anticipate these shifts and avoid surprises in your cash flow.

Federal holidays were established by Congress and apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. While private employers are not legally obligated to observe them, the banking system follows the federal calendar, which means that payment processing through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network pauses on these days. Even if your employer works through a holiday, your direct deposit may still be affected because the bank cannot settle the transaction until the next business day.

The observed-date rule is an important nuance. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the government observes it on the preceding Friday. When it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes the observed date. In 2026, Independence Day lands on a Saturday, so the observed holiday is Friday, July 3. This means banks close on Friday and payroll deposits scheduled for that date will typically be pushed to Thursday, July 2.

Beyond payroll concerns, federal holidays affect financial markets, government services, court schedules, and shipping timelines. Planning around these dates can help you avoid missed deadlines, delayed refunds, and late fees. The table below lists every 2026 federal holiday with its calendar date, day of the week, and observed date where applicable.

If you are paid biweekly or semi-monthly, use our payday calculator to see exactly which of your pay dates fall on or near a holiday and how they will be adjusted. Combining the holiday list with your personal pay schedule gives you a complete picture of your income timing throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many federal holidays are there in 2026?

There are 11 federal holidays recognized by the United States government in 2026. These are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day (Washington's Birthday), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Federal employees receive these days off with pay, and federal offices and banks are closed. The number has remained at 11 since Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday in June 2021.

Which federal holidays fall on weekends in 2026?

In 2026, Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, which means the observed holiday for federal employees is Friday, July 3. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is typically designated as the observed holiday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes the observed date. This distinction matters for payroll processing because banks and the Federal Reserve are closed on observed holidays, which can delay direct deposits and other payment processing.

Do all employers observe federal holidays?

No, private-sector employers in the United States are not legally required to give employees time off on federal holidays nor are they required to pay premium wages for holiday work. Federal holidays are mandatory closures only for federal government offices, banks, and the postal service. Many private companies choose to observe some or all federal holidays as a benefit to employees, but the specific holidays offered vary widely by industry and employer. Retail, healthcare, hospitality, and emergency services commonly operate through federal holidays. If you work in the private sector, check your employee handbook or HR department for your company's holiday schedule.

Will I get paid early if payday falls on a federal holiday?

In most cases, yes. When your scheduled payday falls on a federal holiday, banks are closed and cannot process payments. As a result, many employers issue direct deposits one business day early so that funds arrive before the holiday. For example, if your payday is Friday and that Friday is a federal holiday, your deposit would typically arrive on Thursday. However, this depends on your employer's payroll policies and your bank's processing schedule. Some banks make funds available a day or two early regardless of holidays through early direct deposit programs, while others strictly follow the settlement date.

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