verified Official 2026 OPM Data

2026 Federal Holidays

The US Government recognizes 11 official federal holidays for 2026. This schedule follows the standard OPM leave guidelines for federal employees, contractors, and agencies.

Next Holiday Memorial Day May 25, 2026
Total Count 11 Paid Days off
Holiday Name Date Day of Week
New Year's Day January 1, 2026 Thursday
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 19, 2026 Monday
Washington's Birthday February 16, 2026 Monday
Memorial Day May 25, 2026 Monday
Juneteenth National Independence Day June 19, 2026 Friday
Independence Day Observed July 3, 2026 Friday
Labor Day September 7, 2026 Monday
Columbus Day October 12, 2026 Monday
Veterans Day November 11, 2026 Wednesday
Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2026 Thursday
Christmas Day December 25, 2026 Friday

info Holiday Observance Rules

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is typically treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is treated as the holiday. In 2026, Independence Day (July 4) falls on a Saturday, so federal offices will be closed on Friday, July 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do paid federal holidays work for government employees? add
Yes. Full time and part time federal employees are generally entitled to their regular pay for a holiday even if they do not work, provided they are in a pay status immediately before or after the holiday.
How is "Holiday Premium Pay" calculated in 2026? add
Employees who are required to work on a federal holiday are entitled to "holiday premium pay," which is generally double their regular hourly rate for the hours worked during their basic (non overtime) tour of duty.
Is January 20th (Inauguration Day) a federal holiday in 2026? add
No. Inauguration Day is only a legal holiday for federal employees in the Washington, DC, area every four years. The next Inauguration Day holiday will be January 20, 2029.
If a 2026 federal holiday falls on a weekend, when is it observed? add
If a holiday falls on a non workday (other than Sunday), the employee's "in lieu of" holiday is the preceding workday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is the "in lieu of" holiday. Detailed rules apply for employees on compressed or flexible work schedules.